| FINAL REMINDER: LAS VEGAS AWAITS! |
SEMA Ignited & 2017 SEMA Show Invitation: Exclusive to SAN Members
SEMA Action Network (SAN) members, time to make plans! In special recognition of your continued support on legislative issues important to the automotive hobby, we are inviting you to SEMA Ignited, the “Official After-Party” of the SEMA Show, FREE OF CHARGE (a $20 value). Join us as we celebrate the top cars built for display at the trade-only SEMA Show. Meet exhibitors, industry icons and SEMA Battle of the Builders® contestants. Enjoy live drifting demonstrations, music, food trucks and much more! SEMA Ignited will be held at the Gold Lot, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, November 3rd starting at 3:00 pm.
You will also be able to register up to 10 guests to join you at SEMA Ignited, compliments of the SAN. Use the following personalized link below to confirm your party’s attendance for this one-time only, non-transferable offer.
Registration deadline is October 8, 2017 for your complimentary passes to SEMA Ignited courtesy of the SAN. For those who have already completed their registration, thank you—there is no need to register again.
After receiving your SEMA Ignited registration confirmation, be on the look-out for a separate email invitation for you and a guest to complimentary Friday-only access at the SEMA Show. This opportunity will be available to the first 500 members of the SAN who register. We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
[A personalized link was emailed to the SAN membership in the original version of this newsletter]
The Class of 2017
A recruiting effort initiated in 2017 has once again brought an impressive number of lawmakers into the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. With more than 150 new members enlisting so far this year, the group now numbers approximately 725 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. Use the following link for the complete list of those who have joined this year.
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Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.
George Kane competed in the 2013 King of the Hammers (KOH) race with this custom-built racing buggy.
George Kane has been off-roading since a young age. It all started at twelve years old when he found the makings of a go-cart in a scrap metal pile. “My father and I rebuilt it with parts from three junk lawnmowers,” he fondly recalls. “Since then, some of my favorite memories have been riding buggies and motorcycles with my father, brother and friends at Pismo Beach, Gorman, Ocotillo Wells, Johnson Valley, the Rubicon Trail and other off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas.” At age 50, George’s passion has only grown. While he counts friends outside the circle, the majority of those closest were met out on the trails, Jeeping and camping. Kane has built a great sense of comradery through helping his friends, sitting around a campfire and sharing stories. He’s been honored to share the off-road hobby with wounded veterans by taking them for rides as part of the 4 Wheel To Heal program. He also proudly helps bring in the next generation of off-roaders by making lifelong impressions in the California deserts. “Just as I have fond memories of Jeeping and off-road trips, so now will the grandkids.”
George explains, “I had a crazy idea in 2013: I was going to race in the King of the Hammers (KOH). It is a 200-mile desert race that also includes rock crawling.” While knowing the project was going to be huge, the experience proved to be the adventure of a lifetime. He set off to build an off-road buggy, purchase an RV and a trailer needed to tow the buggy. “I was amazed and pleased to find that nearly every part I needed was available from local California manufacturers— many of whom gave me personal tours. I actually got to see the chassis being welded together from a pallet full of tubes!” With the parts sourced, Kane worked with numerous specialty mechanics for assembly. Welders, hose makers, aluminum fabricators, powder coaters and others were found locally. Mechanics at Rebel Off Road in Laguna Hills assembled the pieces and ultimately supported the vehicle in the Hammers race. Unknowingly at the time, real friendships have developed with many of these business owners after meeting out on the trails or at off-road shows.
According to George, the ‘fun times’ had just begun once the car was fully assembled. “We went to Johnson Valley and practiced with other teams. Many weekends were spent testing and tuning, as well as sharing racing stories around the campfire.” One of his most memorable days was during practice on the trail known as Sledge Hammer. The vehicle’s drive shaft broke at the bottom of a huge, sandy hill. “We could not get out, no matter what we did. It was getting late and there was not a single car on the lakebed. We had to start walking or decide to sleep the night in that spot. The walk was at least six miles through the sandy desert and over hills.” Finally, a call for help was made to KOH cofounder Dave Cole. Within a few hours, he picked up the group and towed the racer out of the sand hill with his Jeep. “Off-roaders really stick together! Who else would come and save you on a Sunday night when they don’t even know you? What an amazing network!” Check out a video of Kane racing in the 2013 KOH using the following link: https://youtu.be/a2Z7Vy9gCZs
Lately, the driving suit has remained hung up. George is merely a hobbyist these days. “I don’t race anymore and I don’t work in the off-road industry. But I do take my buggy and Jeep out as often as possible.” In fact, he stepped in to help the OHV community earlier this year. Proposals were introduced in California’s legislature that would determine the fate of the state’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) program. Based on firsthand experience, Kane conveyed the importance of off-road recreation to the local economy. “Everyone needs to tell their legislators to keep off-road areas open,” he says. “Get involved; the SEMA Action Network (SAN) can help! I hope to see you soon on the trails, my friends.” Thanks in part to support by the OHV community, legislation to permanently reauthorize the OHMVR program and was just signed into law by the governor.
Congrats on forming such long-lasting friendships along your journey, George! We all appreciate you inspiring future bonds as well.
Stay Up-to-Date on the RPM Act: Get the latest information on the motorsports bill at sema.org/epa-news.
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