PITTSBURGH — The Motorsports Council of Pennsylvania announced the first statewide study of the economic benefits of Motorsports has been finalized.
The organization commissioned the study in 2020 and spent several months collecting detailed data from race tracks, teams, businesses and fans across all forms and levels of the racing industry.
Data analysis and economic modeling was led by Washington & Jefferson Economics Department Professors, Robert Dunn, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Economics and Leslie Dunn Ph.D. Associate Professor of Economics.
Additional contributors included the PA Center for Rural Research and the United States Motorsports Ass’n. The results of this study are impressive, clearly showing Pennsylvania Motorsports is a unique and valuable partner to the local, regional and state economy.
Highlights of the report exhibit:
• Motorsports has a $2.4 billion economic impact in Pennsylvania.
• Three million fans attend motorsports events across the state annually, contributing nearly $1.5 billion in additional spending. In several measures, these numbers rival and even exceed major league sports such as the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies.
• More than 5,000 race teams are operating throughout Pennsylvania, generating hundreds of millions of dollars to the Pennsylvania economy annually.
• Hundreds of racing-related businesses located in Pennsylvania positively impact nearly 40 different industries outside of motorsports.
• There are more than 21,000 jobs creating more than $800 million in earnings as a result of Pennsylvania tracks, teams and affiliated businesses.
The report highlights how a large portion of the above economic impacts benefit rural communities. There are more than 100 racing-related facilities in the state and many are located in rural areas.
On average, racing facilities are contributing between $7 million and $30 million annually depending on their size and attendance. Without motorsports, these rural communities may not have other sources to attract such economic benefits.
“We are now actively distributing highlights of this report to public officials, economic development officers and community leaders to demonstrate the many benefits motorsports brings to Pennsylvania,” stated Robert Johnson, executive director of the Motorsports Council of Pennsylvania. “This report will be utilized by MCP members to further advance their relationships with local/state officials, seek grant opportunities and even attract new corporate sponsors to racing.”
For additional information regarding the PA Report contact Robert Johnson at 412-848-5900 or [email protected].