“This is an issue we’re pushing back against, encouraging these companies to also create employment opportunities here,” he said.

The fate of the venue underlined deep worries about pandemic-era gentrification of the high desert, as big-money real estate and entertainment firms jockeyed for control of desirable properties and development opportunities.

If there hadn’t been a track 15 miles from his parents’ house, Vargas might never had gotten the opportunity to race.

He added: "Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body."

Election officials are required to notify those voters and give them an opportunity to fix the error.