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Going My Way?
SEMA Action Network Joins with Hot Rodders From Across the Country in Annual Tour
It’s that time of year again! So check your tires, fill up the gas tank and get ready for the long haul. In its 12th year, the Hot Rod magazine Power Tour will draw enthusiasts from across the country for this pilgrimage across the heartland. Kicking off from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the convoy of collectibles will travel over 1,300 miles before pulling into the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. Over the seven days, participants will pass through eight states, stop at venues in seven cities, and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be there covering every mile of it.
Whether you’re a long hauler or are just planning to attend one of the stops along the way, be sure to stop by the SAN RV and meet with Jason Tolleson, director of the SAN. Bring your fellow car guys and gals and have them join this nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty-automotive parts industry who have bonded together to oppose harmful legislative initiatives and promote hobby-friendly legislation. The more people that get involved, the more we can all stand up to protect our hobby. And best of all…it’s free!
For more information visit www.hotrod.com.
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Here are its newest members:
Kentucky
Representative Charlie Hoffman
Maine
Representative A. David Trahan
Maryland
Senator J. Robert Hooper
Delegate Warren Miller
Massachusetts
Representative Robert Hargraves
Michigan
Representative Fran Amos
Representative Bill Caul
North Dakota
Senator Tom Fischer
Oregon
Representative Jeff Barker
Tennessee
Representative Chris Crider
West Virginia
Delegate Cliff Moore
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Colorado Kit Cars: The Colorado State Legislature passed a version of SEMA model legislation to create a statutory titling and registration class for kit cars and exempt these cars from Colorado’s emissions inspection program. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. The bill defines a “kit vehicle” as a passenger-type motor vehicle assembled by someone other than a licensed manufacturer, from a manufactured kit that includes a prefabricated body and chassis and is accompanied by a manufacturer’s statement of origin.
Illinois Inoperable Vehicles: With the adjournment of the Illinois Legislature, the SAN defeated legislation (H.B. 4256 and H.B. 25) that would have further restricted the ability of vehicle hobbyists to maintain inoperable vehicles on private property. H.B. 4256 threatened to redefine “inoperable motor vehicles” to include vehicles incapable of being driven under their own power for a period of 7 days. Under current law, these vehicles must be undriveable for a period of at least 6 months to be deemed inoperable and thus subject to disposal and fines by a county. H.B. 25 would have effectively required that all inoperable historic vehicles over 25-years of age be stored in a garage or risk a nuisance citation and possible disposal. It would have also removed historic vehicles over 25-years of age from a list of vehicles exempt from county inoperable vehicle ordinances if not kept within a building.
Kansas Military Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation to allow qualifying military vehicles to be registered and operated on public roadways as “antiques” was approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. The new law defines an “antique military vehicle” as a vehicle, regardless of the vehicle’s size or weight, which was manufactured for use in any country’s military forces and is maintained to represent its military design. The law excludes fully-tracked vehicles from this definition. In Kansas, “antique” vehicles must be more than 35-years old and propelled by a motor using petroleum fuel, steam or electricity or any combination of these three. Vehicles registered as “antiques” in Kansas are also afforded a one-time registration fee of $40.
Maryland Antiques: SAN-supported legislation to provide for a one-time registration fee of $50 for vehicles at least 60 years old was passed by the Maryland State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bob Ehrlich. Under the measure, the one-time registration is not transferable to a subsequent owner.
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
My Red Gal
1964 Ford Galaxie
Owner: Bill and Deb Haegele
Centreville, Virginia
I have always been a fan of the 1964 Ford Galaxie since I was a kid growing up in the 60’s. My favorite NASCAR driver, Fred Lorenzen, drove a ’64 and it was the one I remember the most. I grew up, went to college, got married, and went to work, and while I often thought about building a car, there wasn’t the time or money for it. As I approached 50s, I decided it was finally time to build a car.
While my wife was less than thrilled that I was taking up an expensive hobby, it was time to find and restore a ’64 Galaxie 500. However, it couldn’t just be any one. It had to be a convertible and it had to have a 390 FE (289s were too small to move the massive body and 427s were too rare and becoming very expensive). So I started looking and finally found my car at a small used car dealership in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was in decent shape with a little rust, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed. So in February of 2002, after putting some new tires on her I began the long, slow trip home from Fredericksburg to Centreville, Virginia. I was surprised I made it home as the next day I discovered a major leak in the radiator! Oh, boy! My first repair.
In the four years that I have owned her I have had the braking system completely rebuilt with new hard and soft lines; front and rear suspensions rebuilt; radiator re-cored; floor pan repaired; new seat upholstery, door panels, carpets and insulation; trunk pan replaced; power steering system replaced; installed a remanufactured 390 FE long block. I also had her repainted 2005 Ford Vermilion Red. I did all the bodywork and paint prep and had a local body shop shoot the final color. The next project is a new convertible top.
When I am not working on the Galaxie, I am cruising with my wife, or my club, the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia. As with any restoration project, the work is never truly done. I am sure I will find things to keep me busy working on it for many more years to come.
Editors Note: In addition to tooling around on his Galaxie, Bill is also the President of the Northern Virginia Car Club Council. The Council was recently established to work hand in hand with the other regional Car Councils in Virginia (Central, Hampton Roads, Peninsula and Southwestern) to promote pro-hobby legislation in the state. The SAN encourages clubs in Virginia to become involved with the individual councils in their area. For more information visit the Virginia Association of Car Councils website at www.vaacc.org.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Off-Roaders Host Annual Charity Crawl
Two off-road clubs in Minnesota have found a great way to help raise funds for national cause. They’re going off-roading!
The H.T.R. 4x4 Club and Twin City Off Road are hosting the 2nd Annual Crawl 4 the Cure on July 1-3 in Gilbert, Minnesota. In addition to enjoying some terrific trail riding in the state’s first public off-road park, all of the funds raised during the event are donated to the Minnesota Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Held at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, the park offers all levels of excitement from tight winding trails, to large hill climbs, to difficult rock crawling gorges. “In our first year, we raised $21,000 and we hope to raise $50,000 this year,” said event organizer John Johnson. “ So bring your rig and your family and friends for a fun weekend in support of a great cause.”
For more information, visit www.crawl4cure.org.
EVENTS
CALIFORNIA
June 3-4, Pleasanton
13th Summer Get Together
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
June 10, Northridge
3rd Annual S.O.L.I.D. Car Show
Information: 818/756-9011 ext. 2000
June 11, Chatsworth
3rd Annual All American Car Show
Sponsor: All Mustang and Ford Club of So. Cal.
Information: www.allmustangandfordclub.com or 818/341-3921
June 11, Corona
17th Annual Picnic in the Park and Car Show
Sponsor: Road Kings
Information: www.roadkingsburbank.com or 818/842-5464
June 11, Corona
Rollin 4 the Kids Truck Show and Concert
Information: www.fendercenter.org
June 14-18, Sacramento
CCI Western National
Sponsor: Sacramento Classic Chevy Club
Information: 530/823-8871
June 24, Sacramento
Mopar Day at the Park XIII
Sponsor: Capital City Mopars
Information: www.capitalcitymopars.com or 916/729-4367
June 25, Anaheim
30th Annual Forty Ford Day
Sponsor: Forties Limited, Orange County
Information: 714/968-6440
COLORADO
June 2-4, Loveland
9th Colorado Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
June 9-11, Glenwood Springs
2006 Glenwood Rallye
Sponsor: MG Car Club, Rocky Mountain Centre
Information: www.mgcc.org or 303/377-1578
June 23-25, Pueblo
Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: NSRA
Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030
CONNECTICUT
June 4, Windsor Locks
4C’s Auto Show and Aircraft Exhibit
Sponsor: Connecticut Council of Car Clubs
Information: www.ctccc.org or 860/623-3906
June 4, Waterford
19th Annual Gathering
Sponsor: Connecticut MG Club
Information: www.ctmgclub.com or 860/693-4249
DELAWARE
June 3, Wilmington
2nd Annual Riverfront Camaro Show
Information: www.kahunaville.com/cruise.htm or 302/528-7731
GEORGIA
June 10, Macon
1st Annual Fort Hawkins Benefit Open Car Show
Sponsor: Old Capital Car Club and Macon Classic Cruisers
Information: 478/932-1043
INDIANA
June 9-11, Indianapolis
18th Hot Rod Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
IOWA
June 4, Marion
25th Annual Chevy and Chevy Powered Car Show
Sponsor: Hawkeye Area Classic Chevy Club
Information: 319/366-4966
MARYLAND
Juen 4, Capitol Raceway
Muscle Car Mania
Sponsor: Maryland Camaro Club
Information: cgeis@drc.com or 301/854-2014
MASSACHUSETTS
June 18, Holliston
It’s Father Day - Celebrate It Your Way
Sponsor: Dominators Hot Rod Club
Information: civilizeds@aol.com
MINNESOTA
June 4, Pine River
9th Annual Lakes Car Show
Sponsor: Lakers Car Club
Information: wayner1@tds.net or 218/568-8878
June 23-25, St. Paul
33rd Annual Back to the 50’s Weekend
Sponsor: MSRA
Information: 651/641-1992
MISSOURI
June 11, Warrenton
8th Annual Charity Car Show
Sponsor: American Roadhouse Car Club
Information: www.americanroadhouse.org or 636/946-4389
June 19, Columbia
19th Annual Show-Me Mopar Fest
Information: 573/636-9777
MONTANA
June 23-24, Hamilton
28th Annual Swap Meet and Car Show
Sponsor: Bitterroot Valley Dusters Car Club
Information: arbevrs@yahoo.com or 406/363-7527
NEBRASKA
June 22-25, Kearney
32nd Annual Convention
Sponsor: Tucker Automobile Club of America
Information: www.tuckerclub.org
June 25, Lincoln
Rebels Auto Show
Sponsor: Rebels Auto Club
Information: 402/217-2333
NEVADA
June 10, Reno
Classics in Paradise
Sponsor: Classic Chevys of Reno
Information: www.classicchevyclubreno.com
June 23-25, Carson City
22nd Annual Run What Cha Brung
Sponsor: Karson Kruzers
Information: 775/883-1635
NEW MEXICO
June 3, Carlsbad
Car-A-Fair 2006
Sponsor: Carlsbad Automotive Restoration Society
Information: 505/887-8853
June 10, Los Lunas
10th Annual Cruzin South Rt. 66
Summerfest Car Show
Information: www.cruzinsouthroute66.com or 505/352-3596
June 17, Belen
11th Annual Hub City Mopar Fest
Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of New Mexico
Information: 505/896-8115
June 17, Portales
Heritage Day’s 2006 Car Show
Sponsor: Sun Country Car Club and Eastern NM Antique Automobile Club
Information: 505/477/2276
June 17, Ruidoso
Ruidoso Spring Fling
Sponsor: Pine Top Rod and Custom Club
Information: 505/336-8451
June 18, Alamogordo
9th Annual Father’s Day Car Show
Sponsor: Historic Vehicle Association of Alamogordo
Information: 505/443-8074
June 23-25, Albuquerque
Route 66 80th Anniversary
International Celebration
Information: www.oldrt66.com or 505/821-5929
NEW JERSEY
June 25, Hammonton
Rain or Shine Show
Sponsor: Cruisin’ Classics Auto Club
Information: 609/561-2581
NEW YORK
June 11, Rochester
32nd Annual Street Machines of
Rochester Auto Show
Sponsor: Street Machines of Rochester
Information: www.streetmachinesofrochester.com or 585/663-0393
NORTH DAKOTA
June 2-4, Devils Lake
14th Annual Devils Run
Sponsor: Greater Dakota Classics
Information: www.greaterdakotaclassics.com or 701/662-7222
June 23-25, Canton
Roundup 27
Sponsor: Cosworth Vega Owners Association
Information: 330/478-5138
PENNSYLVANIA
June 2-4, Carlisle
Carlisle All-Ford Nationals
Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855
June 2-4, York
Street Rod Nationals East
Sponsor: NSRA
Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030
June 4, Lahaska
5th Annual Spring Meet and Antique Auto Show
Sponsor: Northeast Region, Professional Car Society
Information: 201/342-4871
June 11, Hellertown
13th Annual British Car Gathering
Sponsor: Keystone Region MG Club
Information: termglr@epix.net or 610/847-5988
June 16-18, Butler Fairground
30th Annual Pittsburgh Parts-A-Rama
Information: www.pittsburghparts-a-rama.com or 412/366-7154
June 24, Trexlertown
13th Annual Classy Cruisers Show and Shine
Sponsor: Classy Cruisers Club
Information: 610/395-6943
June 23-25, Carlisle
Carlisle All-GM Nationals
Information: www.carlisleevents.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
June 9-18, Black Hills
Black Hills Overdrive
Information: www.bhoverdrive.com or 605/355-3700
TENNESSEE
June 21-25, Gatlinburg
MG2006
Sponsor: www.mg2006.com or info@mg2006.com
June 23-25, Nashville
1st Nashville Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
TEXAS
June 28-July 2, Dallas
Lone Star Nationals
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of America
Information: www.oldsclub.org or 517/663-1811
VIRGINIA
June 9-11, Yorktown
11th Annual Li’l Red Express & Warlock Owners Truck Show Weekend
Sponsor: Li’l Red Express & Warlock Owners Club
Information: 757/875-5270
June 10, Fredericksburg
2006 Antique Automobile Meet
Sponsor: AACA, Historic Fredericksburg Region
Information: 540/786-5819
June 10, Richmond
Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: AACA, Richmond Region
Information: www.richmondaaca.com or 804/356-4382
WISCONSIN
June 1-4, Greenfield
Dells Run
Sponsor: Fiero Fanatics
Information: www.fierofanatics.com or 414/282-3577
June 16-18, Warrens
25th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Wizards of Rods
Information: 608/388-5582
Early July 2006 Events
CALIFORNIA
June 30-July 2, Sonoma
18th Sonoma Nitro Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
IOWA
June 30-July 2, Des Moines
15th Annual Heartland Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
WISCONSIN
July 1, Grafton
Rods-n-Relics Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Rods-N-Relics Car Club
Information: www.rodsnrelics.org or 262/242-3834
Newly Introduced Legislation
Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:
EMISSIONS/INSPECTIONS
Colorado SJR 22: Requires commission to review current and future impact of nitrogen oxide reduction rules, including the use of remote sensing technology to identify high-emitting vehicles.
Texas HB 64C: Imposes motor vehicle sales and use tax based on the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the vehicle.
EQUIPMENT
New York SB 7330: Exempts a motor vehicle with an automatic or remote car starter from the prohibition of leaving a running motor vehicle unattended.
LIGHTING
New York AB 10758: Authorizes insurance premium reductions for vehicles retrofitted with daytime running lamps.
Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!
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 hobbies 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 Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at san@sema.org.