The busybodies running the town of Epping, New Hampshire, have decided to make a little more money from a local “race track.” On Monday, the town will hold a public meeting regarding by-law changes that apply to “THE REGULATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLE RACE TRACK.”
Here is the full statement on the situation (Facebook) from the Dragway.
For 58 years, New England Dragway has been a cornerstone of the motorsports community—a safe, exciting place where racers, families, and fans come together. Founded in 1966 by local car clubs, the dragway was created to provide car enthusiasts of all kinds with a secure space to race and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
New England Dragway is owned by a large group of shareholders, many of whom are passionate racers themselves. Unlike most businesses, every dollar earned is reinvested into making the dragway a premier, nationally recognized facility. Over nearly six decades, shareholders have received just one modest dividend—highlighting their dedication to the sport and the community.
Throughout the last five years, we’ve been forced to cooperate with the Town of Epping’s increasing controls. Now, the town has recently proposed new bylaws that directly affect how the Dragway operates and go far beyond reasonable governance. As one of Epping’s largest and longest-standing taxpayers, employing nearly 100 seasonal workers, using only local business as subcontractors, and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the dragway has been a vital part of the town’s economy. Yet, the Selectboard and Town Officials have chosen to overlook these contributions and are now attempting to exert control over how this longstanding business is operated.
We welcome racers, fans, and supporters to attend the public hearing. This is your chance to show the Town of Epping how much New England Dragway means—not just for its historical significance and its role in the community, but as a vital contributor to the local economy.
When: Monday, January 6, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Epping Town Hall – 157 Main Street, Epping, NH 03042
I skimmed the old bylaws and then the proposed changes. Where the old rules required “security” paid for my the track …
The proposed change requires the Police Chief to assess and assign officers to whom New England Dargway (NED)will be billed regardless of any security provided by NED.
8.1.6 Whenever temporary lodging is permitted on the race track premises, the Police Chief may require that adequate police detail coverage be provided at the owner’s expense. As used herein, “adequate police detail coverage” shall include the minimum number of officers the Police Chief deems necessary to maintain the peace, based upon the nature of the activities being conducted, the number of persons present on the race track premises, and whether the owner has supplied private security or other personnel to maintain the peace.
Covering the cost of an overnight police detail, over which the track owner has no say, would be significant. Speaking of which, the other change I found, there could be othersI missed, is fines. Check this out.
Old fines.
New proposed fines.
12.1.2 Any person who fails to comply with these By-Laws shall be subject to a fine of
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per violation. Each day a violation continues
shall be a separate offense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an owner who has been
granted an opportunity to cure a violation under Article 11.1.4 shall not be fined if
the owner cures that violation in accordance with Article 11.1.5.
This seems petty and short-sighted, considering,
As one of Epping’s largest and longest-standing taxpayers, employing nearly 100 seasonal workers, using only local business as subcontractors, and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the dragway has been a vital part of the town’s economy. Yet, the Selectboard and Town Officials have chosen to overlook these contributions and are now attempting to exert control over how this longstanding business is operated.
NED added this under their original post:
[T]he town is NOT threatening to shut us down. In very simple and short terms, what they are doing is trying to dictate how we operate a private business. Specific issues will be discussed in much more depth at the public hearing by our legal team and NED Representatives. The meeting will be live streamed and we will share a link on Monday.
It’s not a direct assault, but the temperature under the Facebook post seems about right. This is one of many steps designed to make it difficult to operate, and more will follow.
Fans and enthusiasts are encouraged to show up on Monday and politely support NED.
When: Monday, January 6, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Epping Town Hall – 157 Main Street, Epping, NH 03042
