May 2023 Motorsports Archive: Why No Road Races in the US?
Welcome to the May 2023 roundup on Speedway Motorsports Hub. This month we dug into a question many fans ask: why don’t we see road races on American streets like we do in Europe? Below you’ll find a clear look at the main reasons, from safety rules to the paperwork nightmare that keeps most events off the pavement.
Regulations and Safety Concerns
The biggest roadblock is the strict safety regulations that govern public road use. U.S. authorities treat high‑speed racing as a major public safety risk. They require extensive crash‑safety plans, dedicated emergency crews, and barriers that meet tough standards. Without those, a race could end in a serious accident that harms spectators, drivers, or nearby residents. Because the risk is high, officials prefer to keep races on purpose‑built tracks where they can control every variable.
Permits and Logistical Hurdles
Even if you could satisfy safety rules, getting the permits is a whole other headache. You need approval from city councils, state transportation departments, and sometimes federal agencies. Each agency wants proof that traffic will be rerouted safely, local businesses won’t suffer, and noise levels stay within limits. The paperwork can take months, and any misstep can stall the whole project. For most promoters, the time and money spent on permits outweigh the potential profit of a one‑off street race.
Because of these hurdles, road races in the U.S. stay rare. Most organizers stick to racetracks where the rules are clear and the infrastructure is already there. That’s why you’ll hear more about oval racing, drag strips, and circuit events than you’ll see about a race winding through downtown streets.
Still, a few special events break the mold. Historic races like the Long Beach Grand Prix or the Detroit Grand Prix manage to pull off street races by partnering with local governments and investing heavily in safety upgrades. Those events show it’s possible, but they’re the exception, not the rule.
If you’re a fan wondering whether more road races could happen, the answer lies in easing the red tape and finding ways to make street racing as safe as a closed‑track event. Until then, the U.S. will likely keep its road races limited to a handful of flagship events.
That’s the snapshot for May 2023. Keep checking our hub for more insights, news, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at the world of motorsports.
