In a debatable move for racing fans, multiple historic motorsport venues across Wisconsin are facing renewed uncertainty, after Governor Tony Evers vetoed Assembly Bill 880. The state has previously hosted NASCAR and continues to host IndyCar and IMSA at the Milwaukee Mile.

Assembly Bill 880 is a legislative tool that was meant to protect racetracks from a major headache: 'nuisance' lawsuits. If a racetrack already existed when a person bought a house or started a business within five miles of it, they would not be able to sue the racetrack for things such as noise or dust.

In a letter to the Members of the Assembly, Governor Evers acknowledged the importance of the tourism industry, but also stated two clear reasons to reject the bill. Firstly, he explained that the bill would create hurdles for citizens seeking legal help to exercise their rights, and the other being that it would reduce the authority of local governments.

“While I support expanding and preserving the important tourism industry in our state, I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to creating unfair and unnecessary hurdles for people pursuing legal avenues to vindicate the use and enjoyment of their land," wrote Evers.

"I am also vetoing this bill because I object to removing control from local authorities and preempting their ability to pass ordinances with the interests of their community in mind. This bill removes the ability for local residents in municipalities throughout the state to engage in self-government by passing local ordinances related to nuisance actions involving racing facilities," the letter concluded.

This decision leaves iconic racetracks across Wisconsin under threat. These include the Cedar Lake Speedway, Angell Park Speedway, Dells Raceway Park, the Milwaukee Mile, Road America, and Madison International Speedway, all of which still actively host races and are culturally significant.

The Cup Series last raced at Road America on a two-year deal in 2021-22, before Chicago replaced it on the schedule. 2025 was the first year since 1992 that no NASCAR series raced in Wisconsin.

Racing Enthusiasts are Concerned

Naturally, Tony Evers' veto has been met with immediate backlash from fans online. One user complained about the race tracks that are potentially in danger of being shut down, and also referenced the closure of the Columbus 151 Speedway in 2016.

"This is going to affect every single racetrack in WI: Cedar Lake Speedway, Angel Park Speedway, Dells Raceway, Milwaukee Mile, Road America, and Madison. We already lost one track so far, and we can’t lose these tracks at all," the user wrote on X.

Another user also expressed frustration over the fact that a few lawsuits could potentially put racetracks in Wisconsin out of business. They wrote:

"He's ignoring the fact that the people bringing suit had to know the track was there BEFORE they purchased the property. Sucks someone can buy a place next to a track and then put the track out of business with complaints. Know before you buy should be the rule."

Though Evers rejected the bill, it fundamentally shouldn't impact the legal landscape for track owners in a negative manner. However, the tracks will remain vulnerable to legal action by locals.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yask Kotak