driving force online june 2018 issue 1

LEGISLATIVE FRONT LINES

Federal-Level Lookout

Legislative issues impacting the car hobby community on Capitol Hill continue to develop. Congressional lawmakers and regulators are working on efforts concerning auto enthusiasts in a number of areas. Use the following link for an update on initiatives being pursued by the SEMA Action Network (SAN):

Read more

New Mobile App: Post & Find Automotive Events Near You

With a history of commitment to our hobby's important legislative issues, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) membership is invited to be among the first to try out a new tool specifically for car and truck enthusiasts. The MOTORin' automotive event finder has just been launched as a SEMA-supported online app and website to fit those on the move.

Created through a partnership between SEMA and ClassicCars.com, this resource is designed to make it easy to find events by date, location or categories, and to help event organizers reach more users—completely free of charge. The app, which is available for download now at no cost, includes hundreds of events. New events are being added daily. It is intended to be a cost-effective, modern tool to reach the enthusiast community and promote events ranging from car shows, auto auctions, drifting or race competitions.

Automotive event organizers throughout the country are welcome to submit their events without fee or obligation. Promoters can create an account by downloading the app. Once registered, promoters will be able to submit their events, along with details, a photo and a link to purchase tickets, if desired. Visitors will automatically obtain a list of upcoming events local to them when they access MOTORin', but can also search for events by date, location, distance, keyword or event category.

For more information or to begin posting events to MOTORin', download the app from the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or visit www.motorin.com.

Legislative Front Lines

• Louisiana Military Surplus Vehicle Bill Enacted into Law

• Rhode Island Bills to Provide Special Courtesy License Plates All Move to House Committee

• Michigan Bills to Improve Environmental Regulatory Process Sent to Governor

• Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Proclaims July 2018 as "AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE MONTH"

• Hawaii Bills Die for the Year as Legislature Adjourns

• Colorado Bill to Limit Emissions Testing Dies in Committee

• Pro-Hobby Minnesota Bills Die as Legislature Adjourns

• Vermont Bill to Extend Emissions-Inspection Waiver Fails as the Legislature Adjourns

• Collector Car Appreciation Day: July 13, 2018—Post and share this video PSA for tips on setting up your tribute:
  
  

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Darin Mraz special-ordered this 1999 Chevrolet Corvette convertible through a local Chevrolet dealer in 1999. "When I ordered the car, I selected the option for museum delivery at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I had a great time driving it all the way back to the West Coast!"

Discovering brand loyalty in the automotive hobby is not difficult. However, there are those like Darin Mraz who don't just collect the offerings of one marque—they instead seek a specific model. "My dream car has and always will be a Chevrolet Corvette," he insists. "I have had an array of Corvettes over my lifetime. My '66 Corvette is very special to me. And my '91 ZR1 is also one of my favorites. Although, I would like to get a C7 ZR1."

It comes as no surprise that Darin has been interested in cars since he was a child. In fact, he was fondest of Corvettes even then. Surrounded by like-minded family members near Detroit, Michigan's "Motor City" helped make his focused interest easier. "My father was a huge auto enthusiast. My brother and I grew up working on cars also. I have now been able to share the hobby with my children."

Among Mraz's favorite four-wheeled experiences are the restoration of his 1966 Corvette Stingray coupe. He bought it as a seventeen-year-old. "The restoration of my '66 included my first engine rebuild as a teenager. I also developed the skills for doing body work, which included working with fiberglass. It's now been mine for more than thirty-five years. Every time I drive the car, I still think about all the work I put into it as a kid."

Darin is no stranger to automotive organizations either. He has been a member of several Corvette clubs over the years. The efforts of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have resonated with him too. Darin explains, "there are countless legislative measures that threaten the hobby that myself and many others love. The SAN brings to light the issues that impact the automotive industry as well. I believe it is important to be aware and involved in order to protect our hobby." He makes sure to drive one of his 'Vettes during the SAN-supported Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) celebration every July to honor his fellow enthusiasts.

No doubt that Zora Arkus-Duntov, the "Father of the Corvette," would be quite proud of all your dedication, Darin. Bravo!

Stay Up-to-Date on the RPM Act: Get the latest information on the motorsports bill at www.sema.org/epa-news.

◄ Driving Force Online Archives