USMA Announces Preliminary South Carolina Motorsports Impact Report Data; Elected Officials Help Kic

USMA and Myrtle Beach Speedway hosting Elected Officials for the Safety Kleen 300. Left to Right: Drew Patey-Safety Kleen, Carrie Ryhal, Mike Ryhal-SC House of Representatives, Michael Chestnut-Myrtle Beach City Council Member, Buddy Judy-Safety Kleen.

The United States Motorsports Association (USMA) announced some initial data from their Motorsports Impact Report (MIR) as it relates to South Carolina on Saturday night during the Performance Plus Motor Oil 300, that also kicked off the 2017 racing season at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Research teams at Indiana University / Purdue University and the USMA have been conducting extensive and in-depth research into all forms of grassroots racing across the U.S.

South Carolina State Representative Mike Ryhal and City of Myrtle Beach Council Member Michael Chestnut attended the event to welcome fans and thank all of the out of town and local racers.

While the research is ongoing and not yet completed, the report’s preliminary estimates were shared. There are over 3,300 race cars in existence within the state’s borders.

This number does not include race cars that travel into South Carolina from other states to compete. The most racing activity in South Carolina comes from dirt track and off road racing, which makes up 43% of South Carolina racing and includes dirt oval, motocross, mud and other off road vehicles used in competition. Drag Racing activity comes in second at just under 25%. Paved oval racing was third in terms of number of cars at just over 22%. Karting makes up the majority of the remaining motorsports activity.

There are nearly 50 racing facilities in the state with more than 22 small businesses that have direct production of motorsports products or services. This does not include the hundreds of ancillary businesses in South Carolina benefiting from racing, such as food & beverage vendors, insurance, trailer dealers and so many more that provide non-competitive products and services. Some notable businesses that call South Carolina home include BF Goodrich, Michelin and PFC Brakes.

Jobs and economic impact numbers will be released along with the completed Motorsports Impact Report. The report does yet include touring series and major nationally known events that are conducted in South Carolina, such as NASCAR events at Darlington Raceway and other events that travel into the state.