NASCAR legend advises fans to ‘contact your lawmakers’

NASCAR legend Richard Petty advised fans to contact their lawmakers as he advocates for Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act).

Last month, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty joined SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) CEO Mike Spagnola in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act).

This bill (H.R. 3281/S. 2736) is a bipartisan bill which protects the rights of Americans to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars, as well as the ability of the motorsports parts industry to sell products, enabling racers to compete.

The 200-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner competed in cars that started out as street legal vehicles. However, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) maintains the position that these modified race vehicles are not legal under the Clean Air Act.

This position threatens many classes of racing, and it threatens an entire industry which employs tens of thousands of Americans and contributes more than $2 billion to the U.S. economy every year.

After appearing in the national’s capital and sitting down with key members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning organizations, businesses and more, while also looking to gain stronger congressional support to protect one of the country’s oldest pastimes and hobbies, Petty and Spagnola discussed the matter with us at length.

“It was great to connect with some of the most powerful lawmakers in Washington and know that they support racing and the motorsports industry,” Petty told Beyond the Flag. “It was encouraging to hear what they had to say and talk about how we can push the RPM Act through this year.

Richard Petty competed in race cars that started out as street legal vehicles, so he knows firsthand what it’s like.

“NASCAR drivers competed in motor vehicles that were converted for the track,” he said. “It’s in the name and was an integral part of what we did for much of my career. While NASCAR vehicles are all purpose built today, racers at tracks all over our country compete in vehicles that started out as street legal.

“For all of the grassroots racers competing in converted vehicles and the businesses producing and selling parts for these racecars, you need to talk to your lawmakers in Washington. It’s up to you to stand up for your right to race.”

More information can be found here.

Petty even reminisced about some of his old race cars.

“I won my first Daytona 500 driving Plymouth with a Hemiengine,” he recalled. “I moved over to competing in a Ford Torino Talladega in ’69.”

His advice is for race fans to make their voices heard and contact their lawmakers.

“Contact your lawmakers and urge them to pass the RPM Act,” Petty stated. “The RPM Act is the best solution for permanent protection for the racing industry. The form at saveourracecars.com makes it easy to contact your lawmakers. You can also reach out directly and explain to your member of Congress or their staff what is happening and why it is so important.”

While we live in such a divided world and it is becoming harder and harder to come by an issue that both sides can get behind, Spagnola truly feels that this bipartisan bill has just that — bipartisan support.

“Absolutely,” Spagnola said. “Motorsports is enjoyed by Americans all walks of life, providing entrainment in communities across the country. I would also mention that the industry employs people in every congressional district in the U.S., including in areas that don’t have racetracks.”

He even went into some key specifics.

“SEMA and PRI are leveraging the broad reach of motorsports to get bipartisan support from over 160 members of Congress for the RPM Act,” he explained. “Among the cosponsors of the bill, there are over 120 Republicans and more than 40 Democrats publicly supporting the bill.”

He admits that this kind of bipartisan support isn’t all that common in this day and age, and he isn’t taking that for granted.

“This kind of bipartisan support is incredibly rare today,” he said. “We’re proud to bring politicians of all different political ideologies together to support racing and all the men and women who work in the industry.”

There are, of course, those who have thrown their support behind the EPA and Clean Air Act, which could be seen by some as an obstacle. But in this case, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t support the RPM Act as well.

“We find that when lawmakers give our team and the motorsports community a chance to hear what is happening, there’s a good chance they will support the RPM Act,” Spagnola continued. “The RPM Act is not anti-EPA or anti-Clean Air Act. The bill is about protecting the rights of racers and businesses that allow you to compete on the track.”

He went on to outline that the racing industry was never the target of the EPA or the Clean Air Act to begin with.

“Dedicated racecars have no measurable impact on the environment, which is why Congress never intended for the EPA to regulate them under the Clean Air Act when the law was written in the late 60s,” he clarified. “The EPA’s current position has sent a chill over the industry, as small businesses are concerned that they will be fined for producing or selling race parts.

“SEMA and PRI are leading the effort to put a stop to this. Our industry needs Congress to provide this protection by passing the RPM Act.”

For those opposed, Spagnola is aiming to get the message across that this is an industry which is responsible for the livelihoods and jobs of so many.

“The motorsports industry positively impacts millions of people in the U.S.,” he said. “From the racers, race crews and entire race teams, to the businesses that manufacture and market parts, and even the fans who support the sport, the industry is far reaching.

“When SEMA and PRI meet with lawmakers and their staff, we provide them information about the role motorsports parts businesses [play] and the racetracks in the state or congressional district they represent.

“It’s important that members of Congress understand the important role that motorsports plays in the communities they represent, and our team is passionate about helping lawmakers understand why we’re working so hard to pass the RPM Act and protect racing. This is the most effective way to gain their support.”

There is no doubt that the decision will affect many.

“Modifying street vehicles into dedicated racecars is often the most affordable way to get into racing,” he concluded. “Without the ability to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars, it would limit the ability of enthusiasts to get into racing and give the hobby a chance.”