Ron Capps (left) and Antron Brown (center right) represented NHRA drivers in the National Motorsports Coalition. (NHRA photo)
WASHINGTON, DC – NHRA Championship drivers Ron Capps and Antron Brown along with NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations Kasey Coler visited Washington, DC on April 26 as representatives of the National Motorsports Coalition (NMC).
Her goal was to share her experiences with members of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and other lawmakers in Congress.
Coler and the three-time NHRA world champions were among representatives from major US sanctions agencies and circuits, including NASCAR, IndyCar, SCCA, USAC and IMSA. Representing the NMC, they provided an overview of the motorsports industry’s contributions and impact on the American economy.
This was also the first time since 2019 that the NMC had the opportunity to visit the Legislature and its staff in person, and it was an amazing trip for any NHRA representative.
“It was really good to see all the representatives and go there for a just cause,” Brown said. “When we went there and talked to them, it was really good to spread the message not just about the revenue we’re bringing to these counties and states, but how we’re getting people off the streets and into the Bringing race track, and that’s what drag racing is all about.
“We were able to really talk about our sport and see how much love and excitement our sport brings to the people of Capitol Hill. It was a really, really great honor to spread the word there and see all the support.”
In early 2023, the Congressional Motorsports Caucus (CMC) was officially recognized as a congressional affiliate of the House of Representatives during the 118th session of Congress. The CMC, co-chaired by Rep. Bill Posey (FL-08) and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-4), is an informal, nonpartisan group of congressmen dedicated to celebrating motorsport and understanding its impact on the American dedicated to culture and economy.
“It was educational for me,” Capps said. “As a team owner I’ve been trying to learn about the things that are going on outside of our sport for the past few years and this has been a great example. It was really cool to meet up with the board members and see how much of a collaborative effort it was to educate people who represent where circuits are.
“I learned a lot and had a great time and it was nice to meet a lot of these elected officials who are big drag racing fans. Walking out of their offices and hearing how much they want to help was huge.”
The return of the National Motorsports Coalition to Washington culminated with a reception hosted by the Congressional Motorsports Caucus. More than 200 guests, including members of Congress and their staff, had the opportunity to visit motorsport industry executives and drivers, who were in attendance along with the NMC, including the trio of NHRA representatives.
“It was a great opportunity to go to Capitol Hill, meet with officials and really demonstrate the importance of motorsports in our economy,” said Coler. “It was exciting to see the NHRA have such a strong presence at this visit and Ron and Antron have always been excellent ambassadors for NHRA drag racing and motorsport overall.
“It was also important to see how much these elected officials valued motorsport and circuits across the country as we continue to strive to raise awareness of our sport and its positive impact on the economy.”
A key topic addressed by Congress members and motorsport industry leaders was the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act on April 18, which would make the seven-year cost recovery period for investments in motorsports entertainment complexes permanent.
This would allow companies to continue making long-term investments in racing facilities with the knowledge that their investments would be treated fairly and equitably. The legislation was introduced with Reps Mike Thompson (D-CA), Bill Posey (R-FL), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). . and Drew Ferguson (R-GA).
“The motorsport industry is an economic engine in my district and in the districts of our country. Motorsport creates well-paying jobs, provides lifelong memories and is an important part of our culture. The drivers, managers and motorsport staff are really nice and accommodating people. It is always a pleasure to be with them. I am proud to be Co-Chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and it was great to welcome the motorsports community to Capitol Hill,” said Congressman Mike Thompson.
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