Courtney Hansen Seeks Your Help in Supporting the RPM Act of 2017
Get involved: visit sema.org/rpm to save our racecars! Automotive media personality Courtney Hansen recently spoke about her roots in the racing world and how the RPM Act will preserve an American tradition: https://youtu.be/jm2-7bAoP3E
LEGISLATIVE FRONTLINES
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Jim Graven poses with his 1995 Porsche 911 (993) coupe, which he’s owned since 2005. The coupe now has about 88,000 thousand miles on the odometer. He calls it a “keeper” that will be passed down to another generation. “I hope a family member will one day assume the role of caretaker of my Porsche. I’d like it to be driven, enjoyed and inspire somebody else to maintain these air-cooled wonders.”
Jim Graven has been an auto enthusiast for as long as he can remember. Many of his earliest memories include the toy cars from Matchbox, Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning while growing up in Georgia. Most he received as gifts from his parents and older brother. Graven’s taste in four-wheeled machines has grown to include a wide range of vehicles and styles. He says, “Admittedly, there are a lot of vehicles I would like to own, ranging from the 1930s to last year. It’s a long and random list.” However, his future aspiration includes taking a complete car down to bare metal and bringing it back to life. “This type of ground-up refurbishment would be a very satisfying experience, as I have not done anything like that.” Lately, he’s had an eye on a certain 1963 Porsche 356. Plans would entail restoring the car to its original glory. If he were to find the right 1980 VW Rabbit Cabriolet, he’d likely give it a period-correct modified look.
“My favorite thing about the auto hobby is the people,” explains Jim. “As my career has taken me from Atlanta to Nashville and most recently to Kansas City, each community has provided me the opportunity to create life-long friends via our shared interest in cars.” A common passion inspired Graven and some buddies to buy a 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. “I wanted to drive an old car with my friends to an interesting destination on roads that it would have taken when new.” So together they fixed up the Caddy and headed toward the Grand Canyon. The group logged almost 3,000 miles over 8-days and only opened the toolbox once! The adventure was documented in a blog: www.vintageroadtrip2010.com. Jim enthusiastically adds, “Yes, I’d do it again in an instant!”
Like many fortunate folks, Graven has turned his automotive interest into a rewarding career. “I have been thrilled to be employed in the automotive aftermarket since graduating from Georgia Southern University in 1990.” Jim has been helping build the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) since 2012. The SDC is an industry owned and operated centralized automotive product data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools. He signed up with the SEMA Action Network (SAN) right away upon joining the team. “As hobbyists, we live and breathe internal combustion daily,” he says. “Thus, we have to ensure our voices and concerns are heard by our elected officials. The SAN helps keep our hobby alive for future generations to enjoy.” Every July, he celebrates national Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) with his SDC colleagues. They make a point to bring their special cars and trucks to the office that day to honor the occasion. “I believe in the words ‘get out and drive!’ Not much compares to starting up a conversation with strangers during a stop for food or fuel.”
On behalf of the SAN, your energy surrounding our beloved hobby is applauded, Jim! May you one day get the chance to complete the build of your dreams.
