Email Minnesota's legislators
to show support for state's race tracks

The Minnesota state Senate and House are now taking under consideration bills which must be passed to protect the sport of auto racing throughout the state of Minnesota.

Please read the following and email the legislators of the state of Minnesota today - Monday, February 5, 2007. You do not need to reside in the state of Minnesota to have an impact and every racer and race fan from across the region is asked to participate by sending emails. Be sure you tell them you support the bills identified below and explain to them that you and tens of thousands of others like you support Minnesota race tracks and the communities in which they operate. You have a tremendous financial impact on the state's economy and be sure you remind them of that as well; the racing industry brings big money to the state of Minnesota and all of the communities that have race tracks.

Please read the following and email the legislators of the state of Minnesota today - Monday, February 5, 2007.

Senate File was introduced on Thursday, January 25 for Minnesota Race Tracks. SF311 was introduced by Sparks, Senjem, Day and Bakk.

The House file HF 415 was introduced on Monday, Jan 29. Authors of the house file are Poppe, Gunther, Simpson, Juhnke, Thao, Hackbarth, Dill, Hamilton, Westrom and Eken.

These Files are to exempt from standards, adopted by any state agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of sound pressure which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall apply to: all motor vehicle race events conducted at a facility specifically designed for that purpose that was in operation on or before July 1, 1996. Motor vehicle race events exempted from state standards under this subdivision are exempt from claims based on noise brought under section 561.01 and chapters 116B and 116D. Nothing herein shall prohibit a local unit of government or public corporation with the power to make rules for the government of its real property from regulating the location and operation of skeet, trap or shooting sports clubs, or motor vehicle race events conducted at a facility specifically designed for that purpose that was in operation on or before July 1, 1996.

This affects all racetracks in the state of Minnesota, private or fairground operated. Fairgrounds are exempt from zoning, building and other ordinances of the town or city, provided, that no license or permit need be obtained from, nor fee paid to, the town or city in connection with the land, but no mention of any exemption from civil suits except that the individual fair board members are exempt.

Please take the time to call, write or email your senate members and ask for their support in this important file. Also please contact your house members and let them know you are in support of the proposed upcoming legislation.

The links below will show you how to identify your legislative district and how to get in touch with your State Representative and Senator from your district:

• http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder.asp
• http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/housemembers.asp
• http://www.senate.mn/members/index.php

Also Please e-mail all of these house and senate members who have racetracks in their districts.

If you have any question on who to contact for your area please let us know and we will help you find the appropriate people.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESIDE IN THEIR DISTRICT TO EMAIL OR CONTACT THESE MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT. WE NEED TO SHOW EACH MEMBER OUR NUMBERS.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN AUTO RACING TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR SPORT. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

This is not the time to expect other people to do this important work. This legislative effort, which is critical to protecting Minnesota race tracks, will require the complete effort from everyone involved in the sport of auto racing. Civil litigation based on noise has already been commenced against one race track. A victory for the plaintiffs in that lawsuit would set a dangerous precedent, and could have a profound snowball effect, which could potentially expose all Minnesota race tracks to civil lawsuits for noise. The huge costs of defending such lawsuits could cause race tracks to shut down.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL FANS, DRIVERS, SPONSORS AND PROMOTERS JOIN TOGETHER TO ASSIST WITH THIS GRASS ROOTS EFFORT.

Over $15,000 of our $50,000 goal has been raised to date but we need more help in the form of contributions to pay for the lobbyist and attorney’s to pass this important piece of legislation.

Therefore, we are seeking contributions to this fund from anyone associated with the sport of auto racing. You can make contributions directly, or you can make a pledge and you will be invoiced by mail. Final payment on all pledges would be due by June 1, 2007. You do not need to live in the state of Minnesota to make contributions.

Please forward your contribution to:

MINNESOTA RACE TRACK FUND
P.O. Box 15272
Duluth, MN 55815

Or mail your pledge to:

Bill Nelson
25262 Hwy. 63
Spring Valley, MN 55975