Last month, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R, NC-10) visited the East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley to talk about his bill to combat EPA overreach into auto racing, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016.

During his visit, Congressman McHenry had the opportunity to drive a late model race car on East Lincoln’s dirt track. After completing a few laps, Congressman McHenry spoke with SPEED SPORT about the RPM Act, its progress in the House, and his experience on track. Click here or on the image below to watch McHenry's interview. 

H.R. 4715, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 or “RPM Act” was introduced by McHenry in March as a response to attempts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate modified motor vehicles used for racing.

At the time, the EPA had proposed a rule under the Clean Air Act that would have made it illegal for automotive enthusiasts to use modified street vehicles—like the late model car McHenry drove today—as race cars even though Congress never intended for race cars to be subject to the Clean Air Act.

In response to the introduction of the RPM Act, the EPA on April 15th withdrew its proposed regulation. Despite the EPA decision to withdraw the proposed rule, McHenry continues to advocate for Congressional action on the RPM Act to ensure this misguided regulation is stopped for good.