Full Breakdown
Utah Forces Divestiture of Motorsports Park from Chinese Company
2/13/2026, 7:45:28 PM
Overview of the Forced Sale
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced that the state has compelled Mitime Utah Investment LLC, a company with ties to the Chinese government, to sell the Burt Brothers Motorsports Campus in Tooele County. This action marks the first forced divestiture under a state law aimed at preventing foreign ownership of Utah real estate by entities linked to adversarial nations. The property, located near sensitive military installations, was sold to a Utah-based private investment firm, PV3 Enterprises, on January 22, 2023.
Legislative Background
The forced sale was executed under a law enacted in 2024 that prohibits companies owned or controlled by the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from owning land in Utah. This legislation also applies to restricted foreign entities with controlling stakes in companies. Governor Cox emphasized the importance of this law, stating, "This is a huge win for Utah. It's a big win for the United States. It's a win for our servicemembers, and it's a win for national security."
Motivations Behind the Action
Officials expressed concerns that the motorsports park's proximity to the Tooele Army Depot and the Utah Test & Training Range could pose security risks, including potential surveillance activities. House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci, who sponsored the 2024 law, highlighted the strategic implications of foreign ownership near military assets, stating, "It's incredibly strategic and they're playing the long game." The state’s investigation concluded that Mitime was in violation of the law, prompting the divestiture.
Economic and Community Impact
Tooele County officials welcomed the transition of ownership, anticipating economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded partnerships. Assistant County Manager Brittany Lopez remarked, "We look forward to the economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded partnerships this transition can bring." PV3 Enterprises plans to restore the facility and reintroduce it to the public, aiming to serve the local community and racing enthusiasts.
Future Legislative Measures
In response to the divestiture, Pierucci announced plans for a new bill that would tighten restrictions on foreign ownership by lowering the ownership threshold from 51% to 25%. Other lawmakers are also pursuing legislation to protect critical infrastructure from foreign threats, including cyberattacks.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Cox reiterated the state's commitment to safeguarding its land and infrastructure, stating, "We welcome lawful investment and partnership but we will not allow other adversarial governments to gain leverage over critical assets." He acknowledged the changing dynamics in U.S.-China relations, noting, "The Chinese Communist Party has changed over the past 10 years."
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a huge win for Utah. It's a big win for the United States. It's a win for our servicemembers, and it's a win for national security,” — Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah
- “The land that has just been transferred and purchased by a Utah company is located right next to the Tooele Army Depot and the Utah Test & Training Range, one of the most critical military testing areas in the United States,” — Candice Pierucci, House Majority Whip
- “We look forward to the economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded partnerships this transition can bring.” — Brittany Lopez, Assistant County Manager, Tooele County
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the divestiture has been celebrated by state officials, there is limited information on the specific terms of the sale and the future operational plans of PV3 Enterprises for the motorsports park. Further details regarding the implementation of new legislative measures to restrict foreign ownership are also pending.
