SEMA Chairman of the Board Asks for Your Help in Getting the RPM Act Enacted Into Law
Take action now: visit sema.org/rpm to save our racecars! The RPM Act of 2017 has reached an important milestone: more than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 27 members of the Senate are supporting the legislation. SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans recently spoke about why enacting the RPM Act into law is critical for the future of auto racing: https://youtu.be/5q93lJ52B-o
LEGISLATIVE FRONTLINES
Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.
Brian Burnett turned a “beat up” 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle into a beautiful SS clone. The car is finished in factory-style dark green, while the 350/350 powerplant was upgraded to a 454 c.i. big block and TH400 transmission.
Brian Burnett was among many Oregon residents who recently helped defeat an anti-hobby bill targeting vintage cars and trucks. Legislation that would have required registered owners of vehicles 20 years old and older to pay a $1,000 “impact tax” every five years was quickly killed after an onslaught of objections were lodged by vehicle owners in the state. Brian explains, “When I received the SEMA Action Network’s link to the bill, I was a bit agitated and really disappointed to say the least. I sent an email out to my state representatives shortly thereafter.” He watched the call-to-action soon spread like wild fire throughout the cyber world. In the end, the ill-fated proposal was defeated in less than 24 hours! House Speaker Tina Kotek’s office confirmed with the SAN that the bill would not be considered and was dead on arrival after her office received hundreds of angry messages. “I have since received responses from many representatives thanking me for my message,” says Burnett.
Brian’s automotive passion is accurately reflected in his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. The 8 ½ year project is his first vintage car. He plans on adding more classics to his collection one day, including a convertible Chevelle. “One of the greatest things about classic cars is the people you meet,” he continues. “Our vehicles are more than just metal or a means of travel. They form a special life style. Being involved in legislative actions is important in keeping these cars around and the culture alive.” Burnett now has an extended family of sorts through his connections in the hobby. He credits George Burns, Jr. and George Burns III for introducing him to the culture and passing on so much knowledge about cars. “George Burns, Jr. was an old-school car guy. It was such an experience to see him perform the process of working metal by hand. Although he passed away a couple years ago, the work he did lives on.”
Burnett enjoys participating in local car shows with charitable ties. He has been going to Cascade High School’s spring event in Turner, Oregon, since it began four years ago. The community event raises funds for seniors and draws in people from all over the area. Last year, Brian’s ride took home the title of “Best Under Construction.” The Santa Cruz is hosted by the local fire department in the sister town of Stayton. Car owners show up to support the children’s toy drive and fundraising raffle. Another annual favorite is Scio, Oregon’s Chicken Run, put on by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Your enthusiasm for the automotive community is applauded, Brian. Don’t lift off the throttle!
