North Carolina Enacted Legislation Urging Residents to Tolerate the Noise from Racing Engines | Carscoops

      With an economic impact of $3.82 billion at risk, North Carolina has just secured robust protections for its motorsports sector.

      The state has enacted the “Right to Race” law, which protects racetracks from legal challenges.

      This legislation safeguards tracks that were legally operational before nearby housing developments were constructed.

      Proponents argue that it preserves $3.82 billion in annual economic contributions to the state.

      If you’re unfamiliar with NIMBY neighbors, count yourself fortunate. The term stands for Not In My Backyard and has become a significant nuisance for racetracks globally. North Carolina has now taken a definitive stance, urging potential critics to either accept the noise of motorsports or find somewhere else to live.

      House Bill 926 was signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on September 30. This legislation provides extensive protections for motorsport facilities under the “Right to Race” framework. It essentially prevents lawsuits from residents and developers who moved near a racetrack after it was already legally established.

      Defining Boundaries

      In practical terms, homeowners cannot file nuisance complaints or take steps to shut down a racetrack that was already authorized and functioning prior to their home construction. The law outlines the “area of the racing facility” as encompassing everything within three miles of the racetrack’s property line, including not just the track itself but also grandstands, pits, garages, and other on-site structures.

      North Carolina's motorsport sector is significant, with lawmakers indicating it contributes approximately $3.82 billion annually to the state's economy.

      Michael Good, president of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), commended the move in a statement to DragCoverage: “Few regions in the U.S. capture the essence of motorsports like North Carolina. Our vibrant community too often finds itself on the defensive against opportunistic residents and developers who view racetracks as targets for exploitation.”

      A Broader Movement?

      It’s noteworthy that North Carolina is not the only state taking such measures. Iowa enacted similar legislation earlier this year. Meanwhile, Virginia and California continue to see ongoing disputes. Laguna Seca, for instance, has faced significant legal challenges.

      While the track has not been closed down, it now adheres to very stringent noise regulations for drivers. This new law may offer a template for others. In other words, for advocates of Laguna Seca and other tracks facing comparable issues… your path is clear. You have the go-ahead to advance.