Driving Force - September 2012
 

lick the following link to view this issue online with images or download the PDF file: http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=...9-toc&g=SEMAGA

Owning the Road
Thousands Gather to Honor Cultural Significance of the Automobile

On July 13, 2012, automotive enthusiasts, car clubs, civic organizations and businesses participated in celebrations to honor the third annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). Nearly 200 official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day throughout the month of July. The official events included car club cruise-ins, business open houses, specialty shows at automobile museums and "drive your collector car to work" displays. Scores of unofficial gatherings included car shows, picnics and cruise-ins.

"This annual celebration has brought thousands of collector car owners to the forefront, which translates into millions of dollars spent in pursuit of our passion—the love of the automobile," explained William "Skeeter" Rader, who hosted a celebration with his club, the Coachmen, in Newbury Park, California. "At the same time, we can recognize how the automobile has historically been so crucial in the growth of our society, both from a developmental perspective as well as in the creation of jobs."

This special day was designated by U.S. Senate Resolution 452 sponsored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) at the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). Lawmakers in several states and Canada, including many local governments, followed the Senate's lead. New York, New Mexico, Idaho, West Virginia and Hawaii, along with the Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and Nova Scotia and the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, adopted their own resolutions commemorating the day. A gallery of more than 1,000 images from these gatherings is available in an online album found at the CCAD homepage on the SAN website (www.SEMAsan.com/CCAD). Enjoy a sample of the coverage on the following pages. The SAN would like to thank everyone who supported our hobby's "holiday" this year. Stay tuned for the announcement of next year's celebration!

CAUCUS CORNER

The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, almost 600 members strong, whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Here is its newest member:

Rhode Island
Representative Jason R. Saine
Visit www.semasan.com for a complete list of caucus members.


LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS

Massachusetts Exhaust Systems: A bill to ban the "use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle including motorcycles" has been assigned for study. The study order authorizes the Joint Transportation Committee to meet during the legislature's recess to make an investigation of the bill and report to the General Court the results and its recommendations, if any, together with a draft of legislation necessary to carry the recommendations into effect. This action essentially kills activity on this bill for the year. An identical bill was introduced in 2009 and was set aside for study without any additional committee consideration. Several other Massachusetts bills were assigned for similar studies, including a bill to provide for the adjustment of registration fees based on vehicle weight and one to exempt new vehicles from motor-vehicle emissions inspections for the two years succeeding their manufacture year.

Massachusetts "Gas Guzzlers": In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation was approved by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to 10% of the price of the vehicle and would take effect July 1, 2013. Vehicles purchased by state residents outside the state would be similarly taxed. Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund rebates for the purchase of such vehicles as hybrids and electric cars. If this effort is successful, the effects on a consumer's ability to purchase the vehicle of choice, not to mention vehicle safety, would be dramatic. The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

North Carolina Emissions: SAN-supported legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles three years old and newer was signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue. Previous law required the inspection of all '96 and newer vehicles. The new law acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of the newer vehicles targeted for the exemption. The idea behind exempting any class of vehicles is to reduce costs while not losing appreciable emissions reductions. This strategy builds support for emissions-inspection programs, but also directs finite resources to where they will be most valuable in cleaning the air.

Pennsylvania Emissions: SAN-supported legislation to provide a 10-year emissions inspection exemption for newly registered vehicles was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Current law only provides a one-year exemption. The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. The bill acknowledges that it is senseless to test newer vehicles, the results of which demonstrate no significant air quality benefits.

FEDERAL UPDATE
29 Palms Base Expansion Threatens "King of the Hammers" and Other OHV Activities at Johnson Valley, California

The U.S. Marines are seeking to expand their base at Twentynine Palms, California, to include nearly 189,000 acres of adjacent land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The land is a designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area and site of "King of the Hammers" and other OHV events throughout the year. The Marines would provide the OHV community with limited access to 40,000 acres for 10 months a year. The proposal is included in a long-awaited final environmental impact statement (FEIS). Any land transfer requires congressional approval.

IAMC Award
Driving Force Recognized in International Competition

SEMA Action Network's own Driving Force again took home the gold medallion in the "Best Single Issue: Newsletter" category of the 21st International Automotive Media Awards. The International Automotive Media Competition, a function of the International Society for Vehicle Preservation, is a peer-judged awards program that recognizes excellence in all forms of automotive media.

"As the leader in legislative advocacy on behalf of the automotive hobby, the SAN relies upon Driving Force to reach thousands of enthusiasts regarding government activity in the states and in Washington, D.C.," said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. "This continued recognition is a testament to its continued effectiveness in providing enthusiasts with the information they need to help effect pro-hobby governmental policies."

SEPTEMBER 2012 SAN CLUB EVENTS

ALASKA

September 6, Anchorage
Cruise Night
Sponsor: Midnight Sun Street Rod Association
Info: 907-337-5860 or http://midnightsunsra.org

CALIFORNIA

September 5, Sonoma
Wednesday Night Drags
Sponsor: STP
Info: 800-870-7223

September 7, Grass Valley
Roamin Angels 13th Annual "Cruisin' the Pines" Car Show
Sponsor: Roamin Angels Car Club
Info: 866-432-8449

September 23, San Diego
Ice Cream Social
Sponsor: San Diego Early Ford V8 Club
Info: 858-748-2849

FLORIDA

September 7, Orlando
SOAKED–Extreme Watersports Festival & Car Show
Sponsor: Orlando Bowtie Club
Info: www.orlandobowtieclub.com

September 22, Palatka
Dancing in the Street Monthly Cruise In
Sponsor: Azalea City Cruisers
Info: www.azaleacitycruisers.com

ILLINOIS

September 6, Cordova
34th AMC Nationals
Sponsor: NAMDRA
Info: namdra1@aol.com

September 8, Bourbonnais
Poker Run/Morris Cruise
Sponsor: Northern Mustang Corral
Info: 708-828-9623

September 8–9, St. Charles
Fiero Rama XVII
Sponsor: Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts
Info: 630-983-6434 or
paulvargyas@comcast.net

September 15, Champaign
Sundowners all Clubs Car Show
Sponsor: Sundowners Car Club
Info: 217-637-2477

September 23, Chicago
Chicago Gearheads Picnic and Show at Armour Park
Sponsor: Chicago Gearheads
Info: 312-305-6221

MARYLAND

September 1, Salisbury
Sherwood of Salisbury Show & Shine
Sponsor: AACA
Info: 410-548-4600

September 16, Frederick
20th Alzheimer's Association Benefit Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Heart of Maryland Classic Chevy Club
Info: 410-840-8089

MASSACHUSETTS

September 9, Lancaster
40th Old Timers Reunion
Sponsor: Ty-Rods
Info: www.ty-rods.org

September 9, Shrewsbury
The Fall Brawl
Sponsor: Corvettes United of Central Massachusetts
Info: 617-549-7371

MICHIGAN

September 2–3, Muskegon
Cars for Cancer Car and Bike Show
Sponsor: Different Strokes Car Club
Info: tradrod51@aol.com or www.differentstrokescarclub.com

September 14–16, Kalamazoo
NSRA Street Rod Nationals North
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Info: http://nsra-usa.com/Events/North/NorthEF2012.pdf

MISSOURI

September 6–8, Earth City
Heartland Regional BCA Meet
Buick Club of America
Info: 636-916-3310

NEW MEXICO

September 7–8, Hillcrest Park, Clovis
16th Run to Hillcrest
Sponsor: Desert Cruzers
Info: 575-762-7893

September 28–30, Albuquerque
Annual NMCCC/Los Lunas Swap Meet
Sponsor: New Mexico Council of Car Clubs
Info: joyce@nmcarcouncil.net

NORTH CAROLINA

September 28–30, Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley Swap Meet & Car Show
Sponsor: Rodney Buckner
Info: www.maggievalleyswapmeet.com

OHIO

September 9, Columbus
All-Pontiac Indian Uprising Car Show and Swap Meet
GTO Association of Central Ohio
Info: 740-927-5302 or gtoaco71@columbus.rr.com

PENNSYLVANIA

September 22, Macungie
WOTSRA Cruise Night
Sponsor: Wheels of Time Street Rod Association
Info: www.wheelsoftime.org

SOUTH DAKOTA

September 21–23, Mitchell
OutKasts Club Kruise/Rod Show
Sponsor: OutKasts Club
Info: 605-996-7913

September 22, Rapid City
Black Hills Mopar Club Liberty Fall Fling Car Show
Sponsor: Black Hills Mopar Club
Info: 605-381-2204

TEXAS

September 13–15, Canyon
AACA Central Fall Meet
Sponsor: Antique Automobile Club of America
Info: 806-477-0418

UTAH

September 1–2, Salt Lake City
30th Annual Lagoon Fun Run
Sponsor: Bonneville Classic Chevy of Salt Lake
Info: 801-268-3202

September 8–11, Wendover
World of Speed–Bonneville
Sponsor: Utah Salt Flat Racing Association
Info: www.saltflats.com

VERMONT

September 21–23, Burlington
NSRA Northeast Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Info: http://nsra-usa.com/events

VIRGINIA

September 3, Clifton
13th Annual Labor Day Car Show
Sponsor: Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia
Info: 703-830-2129

British Columbia, CANADA
September 9–29, North Delta
Pacific Tour
Sponsor: Model A Touring Club
Info: bobkrause@dccnet.com or pat@patburbank.com

HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
Tasteful Victory
Gearhead Rewarded for Getting Involved

1984 GMC S15
Owner: Nicholas Hill, Kuna, Idaho

Good fortune often comes unexpectedly and is certainly a welcome surprise. As he was preparing his dropped mini truck for the Northwest Motorfest, Nicholas Hill couldn't have foreseen the way the weekend was to unfold. He and the other attendees of the popular Boise, Idaho, event had plenty of reason to be excited by the spectacle of attractions. Meeting the featured guest, automotive media personality Courtney Hansen, was a priority for many amid a weekend jam-packed with automotive activities. Thankfully for Hill and the SAN, the stakes were raised again. At the conclusion of the event, Hill and a guest were randomly selected in a contest for new SAN registrants as the winners of dinner with Hansen and SAN Director Colby Martin.

"Is this for real?," asked Hill in disbelief after learning that he'd won the contest. "I never win anything." Throughout the weekend, Hansen, host of Spike TV's "Powerblock" and Velocity Television Network's "Vinsetta Garage," encouraged Hill and other fans to get involved with the SAN while she signed autographs. The dinner opportunity offered a bonus incentive for folks to sign up and help protect their hobby.

Although still "under construction," Hill drove his airbag-equipped pickup to the show and to dinner afterward. With help from friends Jeff Reed, Andy and Matt Pollnow, it currently sports LRD custom suspension and 17-in. Billet Specialties wheels. Future plans for the GMC include a small-block Chevy V8, a tubbed rearend and a Dallas Cowboys color scheme.

Have your car or truck featured in a future issue of Driving Force. Submit your high-resolution photos online at www.semasan.com.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Northern Exposure
July Celebration Strengthens Ties Between Hobbyists and Government

On Friday, July 13, 2012, the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs (M.A.A.C.) hosted its second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day event. Celebrated on the grounds of the Provincial Legislative Building and surrounding area in Winnipeg, Manitoba, spectators enjoyed about 500 specialty vehicles as well as displays from sponsors and charitable organizations. Flor Marcelino, Provincial Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, read an official Proclamation recognizing Collector Car Appreciation Day and the month of July as Collector Car Appreciation Month in the province of Manitoba. A framed copy of U.S. Senate Resolution 452 was also on display. Other speakers appeared on behalf of civic and provincial governments, local law enforcement and Manitoba Public Insurance.

Founded in 1997 with 13 clubs, M.A.A.C. represents automotive hobbyists in the province of Manitoba. Over the years, the province has become known for its array of specialty vehicles and as a consequence, the M.A.A.C. now consists of 20,000 members in more than 70 clubs. Ongoing relationship building and consultations with all levels of government by M.A.A.C. representatives has helped officials better understand the hobby. These bodies now recognize the value of automotive history brought to the Province of Manitoba through specialty vehicle organizations and vehicle owners. Communication between M.A.A.C. and the SAN has also helped the enthusiasts of Manitoba recognize and enjoy benefits like Collector Car Appreciation Day. "We look forward to developing a long and prosperous relationship with SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald, SAN Director Colby Martin and the SAN to move this great hobby forward for many years to come," said M.A.A.C. Chairman Bob Chubala.

Put SAN on Your Mailing List!

We’d like to know what’s going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you’re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.
One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what’s going on and what’s important to the vehicle hobby nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: SEMA Action Network, 1317 F St., N.W., Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105 or san@sema.org.