TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Frequently cited by national media as one of the most glaring examples of pork in the economic bailout bill passed Friday by the U.S. House of Representatives, the language that gives favorable tax treatment to racetracks is merely a two-year extension of a provision in the tax code passed in October 2004.
Under that provision, racetracks are considered in the same classification as amusement parks and are allowed to recover outlays for capital improvements through depreciation for seven years, rather than the more customary 15 years.
Wes Harris, senior director of corporate and investor communications for International Speedway Corp., said the extension covers only those improvements made within the walls of the racetrack between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2009. Accordingly, the installation of SAFER barriers or upgrades to concession stands would be included, while the construction of a new administration building outside the track would not.
The section of the bill pertaining to racetracks occupies two paragraphs in the 451-page document. Harris said the favorable treatment is likely to encourage track owners across the country to make improvements sooner rather than later.
"It's an economic engine," he said. "It creates jobs."
ISC currently is contesting an Internal Revenue Service decision requiring the company to depreciate improvements made from 1999 through 2004 over the longer term. To avoid paying interest in the case of an adverse ruling, ISC already has set aside $120 million to cover the difference between the two outcomes, Harris said.