The state of Iowa has unanimously passed a bill protecting race tracks from legal issues over noise complaints, provided the track is complying with state law.
House File 645 passed the State Senate on April 14, 2025. Gov. Kim Reynolds then signed the approval on May 1. HF 645 grants immunity to racing facilities in the state from noise complaints brought by surrounding property owners.
The law will officially go into effect on July 1, 2025.
"For the purposes of this section, a 'racing facility' or 'racetrack' means a designated area or facility where competitive vehicle and motorsport races are conducted," HF 645 states. "Racing facility' or 'racetrack' includes the track, spectator areas, garages, and any associated grounds or buildings used to operate the races."
To gain this immunity, a facility or track must have been established before the property owner purchased or developed their property. For example, a developer would not be able to build a new subdivision next to an existing track and then file legal claims regarding noise complaints.
The facility or track must comply with state laws regarding noise and light pollution. The original version of the Bill also stated that the facility or track will not become a public nuisance if it is operating "in a manner consistent with commonly accepted practice."
Iowa is home to numerous tracks used by grassroots racing series, the NTT IndyCar Series, and NASCAR alike.
One of the most prominent examples is Iowa Speedway, a .875-mile paved track in the Newton area. This facility returned to the NASCAR schedule last season and hosted the Cup Series for the first time. It will continue to host NASCAR events this season.
Iowa Speedway also hosted the ARCA Menards Series last season. The NTT IndyCar Series competed two times at the short track.
The list of tracks in Iowa also includes the prestigious Knoxville Raceway, I-29 Speedway, I-29 Dragway, and 300 Raceway.
Known as "The Sprint Car Capital of the World," Knoxville Raceway hosts events throughout the spring, summer, and fall. One of its biggest events is the prestigious Knoxville Nationals, which Kyle Larson won last year.
The passage of HF 645 is significant for the state of Iowa as it protects race tracks well into the future. It also stands in contrast to the ongoing legal battle in Nashville, Tennessee, where residents of the city are trying to remove racing from the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.