Speedway Spends $51k on Free Tickets for NC Lawmakers

The Charlotte Motor Speedway gave 23 North Carolina state lawmakers and one former senator free passes to attend the Coca-Cola 600 event in May, which cost around $850 per person. The speedway spent a total of $51,000 on these passes, more than twice as much as previously reported. This is the first time since 2019 that the speedway has publicly disclosed such expenses.

The state's lobbying division director, Leo John, told the speedway to consider registering as a lobbyist principal after learning about the passes. If registered, the speedway would be subject to a ban on gifts for lawmakers and other state officials, with limited exceptions like invitations extended to every lawmaker.

Two lawmakers who received multiple passes said they were following the law and that attending the event provided them with educational opportunities. Rep. Donny Lambeth, who received five passes worth $4,250, stated he took his family to the race to tour facilities and talk with NASCAR officials about Amazon's interest in growing their market for films or TV related to NASCAR in NC.

The state's ethics commission requires lawmakers to disclose gifts, but these perks were not reported as they are considered 'educational opportunities' rather than gifts. The speedway and its parent company have yet to register as lobbyists, which would trigger the gift ban.