Click the following link to view this issue online with images or download the PDF file:
http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?cont...1-toc&g=SEMAGA
SAN Votes 2012
Critical Election Demands Active Hobbyist Participation
Hope. Change. Believe. Forward. These buzz words are an unavoidable element of today’s political campaigns. Many historic political messages, such as the “Don’t Tread On Me!” slogan, are being adopted as rallying cries for certain political constituencies. A flood of messages such as these reflect the views of a portion of the citizenry that is seeking to influence our country’s governing policies.
What if these buzz words also represented a bigger ideal than just encouraging support for a single party or candidate? Perhaps we should look past the obvious campaign marketeering and consider a more universal message: Go vote! This year, voters will elect the president of the United States, 435 members of the U.S. House, 33 U.S. senators, 12 governors and thousands of state and local leaders.
The struggles to gain and maintain the right to vote have been legendary in our country. In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted, allowing women the right to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was the result of years of discriminatory voting practices that had been responsible for the widespread disenfranchisement of many of our fellow citizens. Despite the persistence of our forefathers and mothers to gain these rights, today only about half of Americans actually vote. In fairly recent times, we’ve seen the impact of individual votes on elections. In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected by a margin of 0.16% of the popular vote, while in 2000, the race between George W. Bush and Al Gore hinged on the outcome of a single state’s returns, the result of which was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
As SEMA Action Network (SAN) members know, the automotive hobby is impacted daily by laws and regulations issued at the national, state and local levels. Some laws are hobby-friendly but many, if not most, are not. On Election Day, we have an opportunity to determine which candidates will be making the laws which set the future course for our country and our hobby.
The SAN works closely with hundreds of lawmakers at the state and federal level. More than 600 legislators who support the motor-vehicle hobby have joined the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. In Washington, D.C. nearly 100 members make up the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus to recognize contributions made by the automotive performance and motorsports industry to the U.S. economy. Many of these lawmakers seek to expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
Legislators such as New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich are more than just supporters of our hobby, they’re gearheads themselves. He is the chairman of the State Caucus and can often be found tinkering with vehicles from his own collection, including a prized ’57 Chevy and a custom ’60s-era Batmobile that he built from a kit. Reilich has introduced several pro-hobby bills, including SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and legislation to reduce registration fees for historic vehicles. Reilich fights daily to protect the rights of motor-vehicle enthusiasts and encourages them to get more involved with their elected officials.
“Enthusiasts and car clubs should write about the top two or three issues of importance to them and send it to their elected officials,” said Reilich. “The more information we have from groups affected by legislation helps not only to formulate our decisions on how to vote, but gives us valuable information for debating the matter at hand. Even a handful of letters on a particular subject are effective.”
As an American, your vote has equal value to every other voter, regardless of wealth, power or influence. “Participating in the election process is always very important,” added Reilich. “I recommend that car hobbyists consider supporting those that show support to them and their hobby.” To determine if your elected officials are members of these bipartisan caucuses, visit
www.semasan.com.
With so much at stake for our country, speak your mind and be heard at the polls on November 6...your hobby may depend on it!
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
California Electronic Keys: In 2007, California began requiring car manufacturers to give electronic key replacement information to registered locksmiths so lost electronic keys could be replaced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To allow manufacturers adequate time to comply, a six-year exception was made for manufacturers that provide a replacement key overnight. Legislation to permanently exempt certain vehicle manufacturers from the requirement to provide locksmiths with electronic key code information was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown. The bill would also have made permanent the requirement that exempted manufacturers operate a request line whereby owners could obtain a replacement key within one day of the request or via overnight delivery from the manufacturer. The governor claimed that the 24/7 standard for car key replacement should apply uniformly to all manufacturers.
California License Plates: Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SAN-supported legislation to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. Under the new law, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state’s past. Previously, classic car owners could only revive well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicle. Among other things, the new law will bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) and ’70s–’80s (yellow lettering on blue background). The law requires that at least 7,500 applications for any one particular plate must be received by the DMV on or before January 1, 2015.
FEDERAL UPDATE
Court’s Ethanol Decision Jeopardizes Historic Vehicles, Specialty Parts
SAN Urges Congress to Ban E15
The U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit, which challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to permit 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for ’01 and newer model year cars and light trucks. Over a year ago, the EPA raised the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). The agency has approved applications to sell the fuel and it may soon appear at a gas station near you. The SAN opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. In light of the court’s decision, the SAN is now seeking passage of legislation in the U.S Congress (H.R. 3199) that would prevent the EPA from permitting E15 sales until the National Academies has conducted a study on how E15 may impact gas-powered vehicles. The bill has been approved by the U.S. House Science Committee and is pending on the House floor. It is important that congressional lawmakers hear from you on this important issue.
SAN Announces Winner of Hot Rod Magazine Contest
Hot Rod to Publish SAN Member’s Glowing Testimonial
SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Joseph J. Glosek was recently announced as the winner of the Hot Rod Magazine contest for his submission on “How Has the SEMA Action Network Served the Auto Hobby?” After reviewing all the entries, the staff of Hot Rod chose Glosek’s essay as the winner. Glosek currently owns an ’08 Challenger SRT8, a ’67 Charger and a ’70 Daytona Charger Tribute. A self-proclaimed “Mopar guy,” Glosek is a member of the Winged Warriors/National B-Body Association, Daytona-Superbird Auto Club, Mopars Unlimited of Arizona and the National Street Machine Association. Here is his article which, along with a photo of Glosek, will appear in an upcoming issue of Hot Rod:
“In today’s busy world, most of us have little free time with work and family so we tend to use this limited resource doing things we enjoy, such as working on or driving our cars. In many ways our cars, whether they are musclecars, antiques, collector cars, race cars or even just a really nice daily driver, offer a refuge from a world that at times seems to move way too fast. As a result, we tend to let ‘the other guy’ handle tasks that are mundane or unpleasant. This unfortunately also includes keeping a tab on legislation that could directly affect our hobby. Most of us only learn of the negative impact of new laws and regulations on our hobby after the fact when it is too late to take action.
Fortunately, we have the SEMA Action Network watching out for the best interests of our hobby. They do what we should be doing—watching for any new legislation that could limit or even end our hobby. They are ‘the other guy’ so that we can continue to enjoy our vehicles for years to come without being unduly burdened by unfriendly laws and regulations. Thanks to the SEMA Action Network, we can enjoy our family-friendly hobby, and aftermarket manufacturers are willing to invest in our hobby with new and improved products. Without the SAN, we would not have our hobby and manufacturers would find little reason to invest in new-product development. The SAN makes our hobby a win/win for all involved.”
Special thanks to Hot Rod for its generous support of the SAN and all who participated in the contest.
Golden Rule Award
Will Your Club Receive $3,000 for Its Favorite Charity?
In honor of the 20th anniversary of its Golden Rule Award for car clubs, Eagle One will donate $3,000 to one club’s favorite charity. All nonprofit car clubs in the United States are eligible to enter. The winning club will be randomly drawn from all entries and will also receive a custom-designed award, a generous supply of Eagle One premium appearance care products and Valvoline motor oil for fundraising events.
“Eagle One is very proud of its two decades of being the only organization recognizing and rewarding car clubs for their outstanding support of community and charitable causes,” said Rob McCarter, brand manager.
In prior years, the automotive appearance care products brand has honored and rewarded a car club in four regions for conducting the most outstanding community service program in their region. That format will be resumed in 2013.
To obtain an entry form, visit
www.eagleone.com and submit your enter by December 31, 2012. The winning club will be announced January 30, 2013.
4th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 12, 2013
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day will be celebrated on July 12, 2013. The date marks the fourth consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The SAN will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.
“The U.S. Senate helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the fourth celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, Collector Car Appreciation Day is quickly taking on a global character, with additional events held in Canada and Australia.”
The previous resolutions were sponsored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C., and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history.
The SAN will again maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, SAN director, at 909-978-6721 or
san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 12, the SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.
NOVEMBER 2012 SAN CLUB EVENTS
ALABAMA
November 3–4, Lineville
25th Annual Alcazar Car Show
Info: 256-396-2058 (Bob) or
http://claycochamber.com/clay-county-car-show-swap-meet
ARIZONA
November 2–4, Lake Havasu City
Havasu Street Drags
Sponsor: Relics & Rods
Info:
www.HavasuStreetDrags.com
November 3, Tucson
6th Annual Cops &Rodder’s Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Tucson Police Foundation
Info:
www.copsandrodderstucson.org
November 10, Phoenix
Corvettes on the Midway
Sponsor: Fast Glass Corvette Club
Info: 623-628-1249 (Sean)
November 16–18, Scottsdale
Goodguys 15th Southwest Nationals at WestWorld of Scottsdale
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Info:
https://good-guys.com
CALIFORNIA
November 4, Solvang
Nojoqui Falls Fun Run Car Show
Sponsor: Central Coast Streetrods
Info:
http://centralcoaststreetrods.com
November 10–11, Pleasanton
Goodguys 23rd Autumn Get-Together at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Info:
https://good-guys.com
November 16–18, Borrego Springs
Bronco Daze 2012
Sponsor: Early Bronco Registry
Info:
www.earlybronco.com
November 17, San Jose
24th Annual SJCCC Car Show
Sponsor: San Jose Classic Chevy Club
Info:
www.facebook.com/sanjosechevys
November 17, El Segundo
Hot Rod & Car Craft Cruise
Sponsor: Automobile Driving Museum, Hot Rod Magazine &Car Craft Magazine
Info:
http://www.socalcarculture.com/Image...raftCruise.pdf
November 18, Rancho Palos Verdes
Golden Cove All British Cars Coffee Meet
Sponsor: Austin Healey Association of Southern California
Info:
www.sdhealey.org
November 23–25, Del Mar
Goodguys 2nd Fall Del Mar Nationals at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Info:
https://good-guys.com
November 25, Santa Ana
Gasoline Alley Customs and Classics Car Show
Sponsor: Gasoline Alley Customs and Classics
Info: 714-550-7764 or
http://www.socalcarculture.com/Image...olineAlley.pdf
FLORIDA
November 3, St. Augustine
28th Auto Show
Sponsor: AACA–Ancient City Region
Info: 904-687-3894 (Mark) or
34beachrod@gmail.com
November 10, Port St. Lucie
Fall Festival at Tradition
Sponsor: AACA – Coast Region
Info: 440-570-5133 (Don) or
Don2006MX5@aol.com
November 17, Jacksonville
JAM! Fest 2012 Car Show to Benefit Homes For Our Troops
Sponsor: Jacksonville Automotive Muscle
Info:
www.jamcarclub.com
November 22-25, Daytona
39th Annual Turkey Run
Sponsor: Daytona Beach Street Rods
Info:
www.turkeyrun.com/Turkey_Run_Home.html
November 23-24, Ormond Beach
55th Gaslight Parade/Antique Car Show
Sponsor: AACA–Volusia Region
Info: 386-672-7762 (Joan)
ILLINOIS
November 3, Kankakee
Cruise to Pontiac
Sponsor: Northern Mustang Corral Car Club
Info: 708-828-9623
ovember 4, Grayslake
Skip’s Show & Swap Meet
Info: 630-340-4744 or
skip@skipsusa.com
November 17–18, Rosemont
2012 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
Info: 773-908-8668 (Bill) or
http://www.rosemont.com/donald_e_ste...ion_center.php
INDIANA
November 3–4, Richmond
40th Annual Rod and Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Vintage Wheels Car Club
Info: 765-855-1482
November 25, Indianapolis
Super Sunday Indy Automotive Swap Meet & Car Sale at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Info: 708-563-4300 or
www.midamericapromotions.com
NEVADA
November 2–3, Henderson
Las Vegas AMC Reunion
Sponsor: Nevada AMC Club
Info: 702-985-7647 (Mark) or
http://snamc.amcrc.com
November 10, Henderson
VFW Post 3848 Car Show
Info: 702-565-9452 (Greaser) or
greaser1@cox.net
NEW MEXICO
November 10, Truth or Consequences
16th Veterans Day Car Show
Sponsor: New Mexico State Veterans’ Home
Info: 575-894-4222 (Sam)
November 18, Deming
ASR Bracket Racing
Sponsor: Arroyo Seco Raceway
Info: 575-496-2627 (Roger)
SOUTH CAROLINA
November 3, Florence
Pecan Festival Car and Truck Show
Sponsor: Swamp Fox Old Car Club
Info: 843-346-9892 (Jessie) or 843-430-0159 (Luther)
November 10, Mount Pleasant
4th Annual Royall Hardware Holiday Open Car and Truck Show
Sponsor: Coastal Carolina Corvette Club
Info:
www.4cccc.org
November 17, North Charleston
Wheels On Fire North: Charleston’s Auto Show
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Info: 803-320-3193 or
smkoss@kossmotorsports.com
TEXAS
November 9–11, Baytown
NMRA/NMCA Lonestar Shootout
Sponsor: NMRA/NMCA
Info: 949-784-9061
WASHINGTON
November 3–4, Bremerton
OVAC Swap Meet
Sponsor: Olympic Vintage Auto Club
Info:
www.ovac.us/swap-meet.html
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Finding a New Line
Track Cars Lead to Trick Cars
1937 Ford Replica
Owner: Mike Russo, Syosset, New York
After 30 years of racing, it came time to hang up my helmet and driving suit. However, my interest in cars never waned. As a result, I picked up a ’33 Ford six years ago and joined a car club: the South Side Boys of Long Island, New York. I’ve been having a great time going to car shows and meeting new people. Now at age 63, this has turned out to be a far more popular hobby than I ever anticipated. In fact, it’s opened a new chapter in my life. This year, I supported my fellow New Yorkers by getting involved with the progress legislation to provide a $100 one-time registration fee for historic vehicles and contacted lawmakers as Action Alerts from the SAN were distributed. I believe that no matter what your hobby is, whether it is cars, motorcycles, golf or fishing, everyone should explore their options. Activities such as this only further fuel your interest in life!
My new vehicle is the replica ’37 Ford street rod pictured here. This 5-window coupe was built by Lakeside Rods & Rides in Iowa using a body and chassis from OZE. It features a Chevy LS1 engine with 4l60E transmission tuned in Arkansas by Street & Performance. The chassis is set up with an Air Ride Technology suspension, including a Ford 9-in. rearend and Wilwood disc brakes, with Falken tires on Budnik wheels. PPG made the Halabura Green and Sunlit Tan paint applied to the body. The interior was done by Weber’s Custom Interiors featuring Ultraleather. The car won a Street Rodder magazine Top 100 pick as well as Meguiar’s Magnificent Masterpiece Award.
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
Mobile Miracle
MHRA’s Lifesaver on Wheels Nears 40
Since 1951, the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) has been preserving and promoting the world of modified vehicles. This association was originally formed to fill young enthusiasts’ need for a safe and organized place to drag race their hot rods in the state. The world-renowned Detroit Autorama event, founded in 1953 by MHRA, continues to draw crowds from around the world. An MHRA-owned and -operated dragstrip was created in New Baltimore, Michigan, a few years later using the profits from those early hot-rod shows.
Although it has had many accomplishments over the last 60-plus years, one of the most unique has to be the group’s Rod Repair Shop operation. At the dawn of the street-rodding movement in the late ’60s and early ’70s, MHRA hosted “rod tours” that made for fun weekend trips. A repair vehicle commonly followed the touring group to act as a support. Eventually, similar touring events sprung up around the country and the association decided to construct a Rod Repair Shop trailer to be towed and operated by MHRA volunteers. In 1973, the first Rod Repair trailer went from Detroit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the National Street Rod Association’s (NSRA) annual event. As was the case in the past, all emergency repair services are still provided at no cost to participants from funds raised from the Autorama.
As the requests for the Rod Repair Shop Trailer have increased, the tools and equipment have been improved. The original 3,000-lb. trailer was replaced with a custom 9,000-lb. trailer in 1985. Today, the Rod Shop trailer clocks about 5,000 miles each year and provides onsite support for many vehicles. Look for this inspired automotive aide at an event near you!
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.
