June 2010

 

 

 

 

It’s that time of the year again when in cities around the country the air will be filled with the sweet smell of fuel and the sound of rumbling rods. That’s right, it’s Power Tour time! Each year the SEMA Action Network (SAN) hits the road for a wild ride with the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour to enlist more enthusiasts into its legislative efforts.

 

Leaving from Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, on June 5, the highways will be filled with hot rods as the tour makes six stops in five states before pulling up to the U.S.S Alabama battleship in Mobile, Alabama, on June 12. In its 16th year, the Power Tour will bring hobbyists together from across the United States and Canada on this 1,300-mile journey.

 

“I look forward to gathering with thousands of automotive enthusiasts who know the importance of actively getting involved to protect our hobby,” said SAN Director Ethan Landesman. “I invite everyone to drop by the SAN tent, located near the Power Tour bus, to say ‘hi.’”

 

For information on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, visit www.hotrod.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are its newest members:

 

Senator Roger Bedford

Senator Jack Harper

Senator Linda Lopez

Representative Lynne Pancrazi

 

 

Senator Robert Burns

Representative Vic Williams

 

 

Senator Rob Kane

 

 

Representative Richard Wills

 

 

Senator Brad Burzynski 

Representative Kay Hatcher

 

 

Representative Joe Seiwert

 

 

Senator Tom Buford

 

 

Representative Tom Houghton

Representative John Siptroth

Representative Tim Solobay

 

 

Representative Larry DeShazor

Representative Martin Griffin

Representative Kenneth Horn

Representative Eileen Kowall

Representative John Walsh

 

 

Representative Phil Sterner

 

 

Representative Curt Dougherty

Representative Tim Jones

 

 

Senator Ryan Zinke

Representative Mike Miller

Representative Penny Morgan

Representative Josh Peck

 

 

Representative Ron Boisvert

Representative Gene Charron

Representative Philip Harvey

Representative Paul Ingersoll

Representative Robert Introne

Representative Michael McCarthy

Representative Carol McGuire

Representative Lawrence Perkins

Representative Ken Weyler

 

 

Representative Rudy Martinez

 

 

Assemblyman Robert Castelli

Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito

 

 

Representative Marilyn Avila

Representative Rosa Gill

Representative Frank Iler

Representative Shirley Randleman

 

 

Senator Elroy Lindaas

Representative Louis Pinkerton

 

 

Representative Dan Hamilton

Representative Tommy Stringer

 

 

Representative Charles Hoffman

 

 

Representative Wayne Christian

Representative Ellen Cohen

 

 

Representative Mark White

 

 

Senator Kevin Mullin

 

 

Representative Ed Brooks

Representative John Nygren

 

 

 

 

Canada (Prince Edward Island) Nitrous Oxide: The province of Prince Edward Island has introduced a bill to permit the installation of nitrous-oxide systems as long as the feed lines are disconnected or the canisters are removed while the vehicle is being operated on a public road. The bill largely mirrors SEMA-model legislation to better protect public road safety while ensuring legitimate off-road uses of nitrous-oxide systems.

 

California Specially Constructed Vehicles: The California State Assembly approved SAN-supported legislation to increase the registration limit for exempted specially constructed vehicle registrations from 500 to 750 vehicles per year. The Senate will now consider the bill, where it is likely to have a much tougher journey. Current law provides for emissions-system certification and a model-year designation for specially constructed vehicles. Under the law, vehicle owners choose whether a smog-test referee certifies the engine model year or the vehicle model year. To determine model year, inspectors compare the vehicle to those of the era that the vehicle most closely resembles. If there is no close match, it is classified as a ’60 vehicle. Only those emissions controls applicable to the model year and that can be reasonably accommodated by the vehicle are required. The Department of Motor Vehicles provides a new registration to the first 500 specially constructed vehicles per year that meet the criteria.

 

Louisiana Inspection Exemption: A SAN-supported bill to exempt antique vehicles 25 years old and older from the motor-vehicle inspection requirements was passed by the Louisiana House. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Current law only exempts vehicles 40 years old and older. The bill makes the inspection exemption consistent with current state law defining an antique vehicle as a vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used primarily for shows, parades, tours and other special uses and not for general transportation. Vehicles in Louisiana are subject to an annual vehicle inspection, including a safety-equipment inspection and, for vehicles registered in selected parishes, an additional emissions inspection. The emissions inspection consists of a visual anti-tampering check and a gas-cap-integrity check. Vehicles manufactured in 1995 and later are also subject to an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) emissions check.

 

New York Historic Vehicles: The SAN is backing legislation in the New York Assembly to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill has been referred to the New York Assembly Transportation Committee for consideration. The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. Under current New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75.

 

Vermont Inoperable Vehicles: Legislation, supported by the SAN, to provide an exemption to automotive hobbyists from the restrictions on salvage yards has been approved by the Vermont Legislature. The bill seeks to increase the regulation of salvage yards and automobile graveyards in the state but includes a provision stipulating that hobbyists are not to be confused with the owners of automobile graveyards. The bill defines an “automobile hobbyist” as a person not primarily engaged in the sale of vehicles and parts or dismantling junk vehicles. Further, the definition of “automobile graveyard” does not include an area used by an automobile hobbyist for storage and restoration purposes, provided their activities comply with federal, state and municipal law. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature and enactment into law.

 

 

 

 

 

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513) at the request of the SAN, designating July 9, 2010, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” nationwide. The Resolution recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

 

The resolution was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senator Tester and Senator Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C., and their sponsorship of S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group of federal lawmakers that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.  

 

The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, “We greatly appreciate the United States Senate’s recognition of the important role classic car restoration serves in our country. As Americans gather at car cruises and other events in conjunction with ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’ on July 9, these vital contributions will be honored and preserved.”

 

“At a time when governmental intrusion, intentional or otherwise, is often negatively affecting the hobby, this is a positive move,” added Tom Cox, president of Southwest Virginia Car Council. “The automotive hobby has many tentacles that support jobs, manufacturing, small business and families. It’s nice to see some official recognition of the beneficial impact automobiles and our hobby have made to America and the world.”

 

 

 

 

 

Whether it has been handed down through the family, an ultimate barn find or a vehicle that just needed your own personal touch, the SAN would like to give you an opportunity to share your passion for your car and truck with the rest of the automotive hobby. Each month, a vehicle is selected to be featured in Driving Force as well as on the SEMA Action Network website, www.semasan.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Legislative Conference Convened In Sacramento

 

 

In working with the SEMA Action Network to ensure that California enthusiasts have a voice in Sacramento, the Association of California Car Clubs (ACCC) consists of thousands of hobbyists throughout the state who advocate on California laws and policies regarding collector and classic automobiles.

 

Formed in 1972, the ACCC is a volunteer organization of regional representatives who keep member clubs, individuals and business members across the state informed of issues that impact the hobby.

 

 

This past May 5–6, the ACCC held their annual legislative conference in Sacramento to ensure that state officials are responsive to the concerns of hobbyists. The conference allowed automotive hobbyists to discuss mutual issues and challenges directly with legislators, the Air Resources Board, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles and other government officials.

 

The SAN thanks the ACCC for taking a leadership role in protecting this great American hobby in California. For more information on the ACCC, visit www.acccdefender.org.

 

 

 

 

 

June 5, Pleasanton

Summer Get Together

Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

Info: www.good-guys.com

 

June 5, Chino

3rd Annual Steve McQueen Car Show

Sponsor: 356 Club of Southern California

Info: www.porsche356club.org

 

June 6, Van Nuys

Eleventh Annual All General Motors Car Show at Woodley Park

Sponsor: Los Angeles Chapter of the Buick Club of America

Info: www.buickclub.org/losangeles

 

June 6, Freemont

20th Annual Mopar Rally

Sponsor: Mopar Alley

Info: www.moparalley.org

 

June 26, Rancho Cordova

Mopar Day in the Park 17: All Mopar Car Show and Swap

Sponsor: Capital City Mopars

Info: www.capitalcitymopars.com or 916/962-2655

 

June 26, Lodi

Picnic at the Grove: Street Rod Car Show

Sponsor: Franklin Syndicate Auto Club

Info: www.franklinsyndicate.com

 

 

June 4–6, Loveland

13th Colorado Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

Info: www.good-guys.com

 

June 19, Aurora

Third Annual Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run

Sponsor: Stevinson Toyota East & Scion

Info: www.onhavanastreet.com

 

 

June 4, Waterford

23rd Annual British by the Sea

Sponsor: Connecticut MG Club

Info: http://mgclub.homestead.com

 

 

June 18–19, Coeur d’Alene

Car d’Alene Cruise and Car Show

Info: 208/667-5986

 

 

June 5, Homer Glen

9th Annual Spring Fling Car Show

Sponsor: Lemont Classic Car Club

Info: 708/301-8899 or smoscato167@cs.com

 

June 19–20, South Barrington

6th Annual Dadfest Car and Bike Show

Info: www.willowcreek.org/dadfest

 

 

June 11–13, Indianapolis

22nd Hot Rod Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

Info: www.good-guys.com

 

June 19, Flora

2010 Hog-Jog Cruise In

Sponsor: Idlers Car Club

Info: 574/967-4666 or idlerscc@yahoo.com

 

 

June 12, Garnett

16th Annual Lake Garnett Cruisers Auto & Motorcycle Show

Info: www.lakegarnettcruisers.com

 

 

June 6, Danvers

17th Annual Marque Antique Auto Show

Info: Ron at 978/979-1422 or www.hubcapcafe.com/calendar/2010/99224.htm

 

June 13, Maynard

Autofest 2010

Sponsor: Maynard Area Auto Club

Info: 978/897-3445 or http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=maynardaac

 

June 19, Woburn

3rd Annual Open House

Sponsor: Chop Shop Customs

Info: www.chop-shopcustoms.com

 

June 26–27, Topsfield

Car Show, Kruse Car Auction, Flea Market and Auto Corral

Sponsor: North Shore Old Car Club

Info: www.nsocc.com

 

 

June 18–20, Branson

38th Annual Rods and Relics Rod Run

Sponsor: Rods and Relics Car Club

Info: www.rodsnrelics.com

 

 

June 5, Omaha

Under the Stars Car Show

Sponsor: American Lung Association

Info: 402/344-6122 or dbp628@aol.com

 

 

June 19, Rio Rancho

15th Annual Mopar Fest Car Show

Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of New Mexico

Info: www.moparclub.com

 

 

June 3–5, Canandaigua

AACA Eastern Spring Meet

Sponsor: Genesee Valley Region AACA

Info: www.aaca.org

 

June 25–27, Rhinebeck

19th East Coast Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

Info: www.good-guys.com

 

 

June 4–6, Carlisle

Third Annual National Meet and Car Show at the All FORD Nationals

Sponsor: Lincoln Mark VII Club

Info: 267/825-3017 or http://TheLincolnMarkVIIClub.org

 

June 15, Harrisburg 

5th Annual Motorsports Day at the Capitol

Sponsor: PA House Motorsports Caucus

Info: www.aacamuseum.org/events/event.aspx?id=290

June 18–20, Prospect Pittsburgh Parts-A-Rama

Info: www.pittsburghparts-a-rama.com

 

 

June 11–12, Bountiful

Cruisin’ the Boulevard Coats for Kids

Sponsor: Bountiful Rotary Club

Info: 801/557-8572 or thompsonterry7@comcast.net

 

June 26, Salt Lake City

8th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Classic Car Show

Sponsor: Utah’s Cruisin’ for a Cure Inc. & Stampede for Men’s Health

Info: www.utahcruisinforacure.org

 

 

June 11–12, Newport News

15th Annual National Truck Show and Club

Sponsor: The Li’l Red Express & Warlock Owners Club

Info: 757/875-5270 or skipgibbs@cox.net

 

 

June 12–13, Wetaskiwin

History Road: The Ultimate Car Show

Sponsor: Reynolds-Alberta Museum

Info: 780/361-1351 or melissa.daoust@gov.ab.ca

 

 

 

 

July 2–4, Des Moines

19th Heartland Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association

Info: www.heartlandnats.com

 

 

July 1–3, Logan

Cache Valley Cruise-In

Sponsor: Cache Valley Cruising Association

Info: www.cachevalleycruisein.net

 

 

 

 

 

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.