ACT NOW! New Congress Means New Opportunity to Save Our Racecars
U.S. Senate Introduces Counterpart to House 2017 RPM Act
2017 marks a new session of Congress. Bills that did not become law at the end of 2016 must be reintroduced for consideration.
Good news! The RPM Act is off to a fast start in 2017. The bill has been reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The RPM Act of 2017 protects Americans’ right to modify street cars and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, along with industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete. You may be one of the thousands of supporters who contacted your legislators about the RPM Act in 2016. We appreciate your efforts and are in need of your support once again. Tell Congress to pass the RPM Act and save racing from government threat.
Legislative Success: When Preparation and Opportunity Meet
The closing of the 2016 legislative session brought yet another slew of triumphs for car enthusiasts in states across the country. Get the scoop in the “Legislative Front Lines” feature of the Driving Force’s current issue. The list of victories is proof that coordinated action from the SAN has a direct impact on the decisions of legislators. Without your contribution to these efforts, this list of victories would shrink.
Behind every automotive win is a long road. The process begins with reviewing new proposals nationwide.
Frank Raso and his wife of Ontario, Canada, enjoy touring together when possible. In 2013, the pair took their second trip down the legendary Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California in their ‘02 Chevy Camaro SS. This photo from that journey is at the marker of the Continental Divide.
As with many car enthusiasts, Frank Raso’s automotive history extends the full length of his life. “I’ve always been interested in cars, even as a young child,” he says. “I like unusual vehicles and builds. What makes a car special to me is the work done to make it better for its intended purpose.” He purchased a ‘65 Plymouth Barracuda as his first car in 1983. It’s been in his stable ever since and has been kept mostly original. As long as the roads aren’t being salted, Raso drives his hobby cars as much as he can. “Since I really enjoy road trips, my Barracuda has a few improvements to make it more enjoyable for the open road. In 1992, my fiancé and I took it on our first trip down Route 66, which lasted a month. We tried to follow the oldest alignments as much as we could—we were practically off-roading in a few sections!” While he may not have a favorite car, vintage Mopars rank high in Frank’s mind. A ‘71 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda would be his choice set of wheels if given an unlimited budget.
The auto hobby appeals to Raso as much for the camaraderie as the vehicles themselves. In 1988, he joined the newly formed Rainbow Region chapter of Antique & Classic Car Club of Canada (ACCCC) after finishing school. It is now called the Niagara Region and is one of the ACCCC’s thirteen regional clubs located throughout Ontario. Interestingly, the ACCCC began as the Ontario Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) in 1956. Incorporated in 1963, its purpose is to further the interest in and the knowledge of historic, antique and classic vehicles 20-years-old and older. Later on, he joined the Rods & Relics car club of Fort Erie. This group of Canadian auto enthusiasts who “love hot rods and old cars” has been around since 1990. He took on organizing their annual car show in 2007 and is now the club president.
Frank also believes in the efforts of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). “Legislators have so many interests in mind when devising legislation. I believe that specialty vehicle owners need to speak with a unified voice through the SAN to protect their interests.” He was first made aware of the network many years ago through a presentation at an annual meeting of the Specialty Vehicle Association of Ontario (SVAO). “The SAN has resources from which the entire specialty vehicle community here in Canada can benefit,” Raso adds. With his help in spreading the good word, our growing force is sure to be filled with more of his fellow Canadians.
Glad you have our backs in the Great White North, Frank! Thanks for doing your part to ensure the future of the hobby.
