West Virginia’s Motorsports and Adventure Travel Days, held on March 28-29, brought together SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PRI (Performance Racing Industry) to highlight the state’s booming motorsports and adventure tourism industries. This annual event serves as a platform for policymakers to learn about the economic impact of motorsports, spark innovative ideas, and promote the expansion of adventure travel throughout the state.
More than 20 businesses took part in showcasing the diversity of West Virginia’s motorsports landscape, illustrating the sector’s growing influence and significant contributions to the state’s economy. The event emphasized that motorsports and adventure tourism generate over $1.33 billion in economic output and provide more than 5,300 jobs to West Virginians.
The event featured a variety of businesses and advocates from the motorsports and adventure travel sectors, including grassroots racing organizations and off-road adventure tourism businesses. Christian Robinson, senior director of state government affairs at SEMA, commented on the importance of the event, saying, “Motorsports and Adventure Travel Days is an incredible opportunity for SEMA and PRI to increase industry awareness.
It allows us to build relationships with key industry players, and when we bring together a strong coalition of businesses and advocates, legislators see firsthand the vast reach of motorsports and the communities it impacts across West Virginia.”
The event also offered a chance for industry leaders and lawmakers to connect. Delegate Gary Howell of West Virginia and Wayne Clark participated in discussions alongside key figures like Tom Deery from PRI and Tierra Hubbard from SEMA, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event.
With growing momentum, West Virginia’s motorsports industry is positioned for a bright future, and events like Motorsports and Adventure Travel Days are crucial in ensuring that the industry remains on track for continued success. Through innovation, advocacy, and strategic collaboration, West Virginia is accelerating towards becoming a central hub for motorsports and adventure tourism.
