CAUCUS CONNECTION

The Class of 2014

An aggressive recruiting effort initiated in 2014 has once again brought an impressive number of lawmakers into the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. With 98 new members signing up so far this year, the group numbers about 665 total members representing all 50 states. Founded in 2005 and supported by SEMA, the Caucus is designed as a non-partisan group of state legislators whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. To follow is the complete list of those who have joined this year.

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Legislative Front Lines

View complete list of Legislative Action Alerts

» Michigan State Senate Proclaims August as "Automotive Heritage Month"

» New Hampshire Bill to Expand Year-of-Manufacture Plates Signed Into Law

» Massachusetts Legislature Adjourns for the Year

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Utica, New York’s Lance Giangolini stands proudly beside his 1995 Chevy Impala SS during a rain-filled stop on the 2014 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Apart from a few engine upgrades, this Super Sport remains largely in its stock configuration.

Regular readers of Driving Force Online have likely picked up on a recurring theme among car enthusiasts: the passion for this hobby was developed early in life. Thus, it’s not surprising that Lance exception to the rule. Captivated by automobiles in the late '50s as a youngster, the Utica, New York resident dreamed of living his passion. This hope was realized during the heyday of drag racing’s "floppers," as Giangolini became a mechanic on the "Utica Flash" funny car team sponsored by Custom Body Enterprises. For Lance, this exciting venture lasted from 1969 until the mid-'70s. Later on, he was part of the Mohawk Motorcades Automobile Club.

Not one to let those around him have all the fun, Giangolini gets a thrill out of driving and showing off his vehicles. "I always enjoy the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour," Lance explains. "I have a blast meeting and talking with car people each year, those I already know as well as those I don’t." A regular participant in the event, 2014 marked his seventh Tour which was completed in his 1995 Chevy Impala SS. While on the 2008 journey, Giangolini got involved with the SEMA Action Network (SAN). A fan of both late and early model vehicles, Lance stays abreast of legislation that affects the entire hobby and forwards SAN messages to his fellow enthusiasts and industry contacts. He has been contacting his lawmakers recently to promote policies that recognizes the risks associated with the use of ethanol fuel in vintage powerplants. Keep racking up those miles of smiles, Lance, and thanks for doing your part to ensure others have the same opportunity!

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