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Madison or Bust!
SEMA Action Network Hits the Road With Hot Rodders From Across the Country
If you ever wanted to take a 1,200-mile road trip with 2,000 of your closest friends, then this is the event for you. In its 14th year, the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour draws hobbyists from across the country on an exciting trek through the heartland of America. Leaving from the Arkansas State Fairground in Little Rock on June 7, the highways will be filled with hot rods as the tour visits seven cities in seven states before pulling into the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 14.
“I look forward to meeting with countless SAN members who stop by the SAN booth in front of the Hot Rod bus throughout the event,” said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. “Whether they are in for the long haul or just stopping by at one of the events along the way, it’s great to connect with those who help drive the SAN and its legislative efforts.”
For information on the event, visit www.hotrod.com.
CANADIAN UPDATE
Leaded Fuel Ban on Hold for One Year
Environment Canada Delays Restriction on Leaded Fuel for Competition Motor Vehicles
The Canadian Department of the Environment has delayed action for one year on a proposal that would terminate the current exemption from environmental restrictions for leaded gasoline used in competition motor vehicles. Under the revised regulation, the exemption will remain in place until January 1, 2010.
The extended period will allow all racing events in 2008 and 2009 to proceed while providing time for regulators to conduct further studies on the health risks of leaded fuel use at race facilities. The last study of this type was conducted in 1997.
In 2006, competition motor vehicles comprised only 1.5% of all leaded gasoline consumed in Canada. The aviation industry, which owns a permanent exemption from the ban, accounts for the other 98.5%.
In their announcement, government officials highlighted the significance of the economic impact a leaded fuel ban would have on race tracks, local and racing-affiliated businesses. With an estimated 165 racing facilities across Canada, the closure of these facilities would also have a negative effect on restaurants, campgrounds, motels and other small businesses.
“While this is just a temporary reprieve, it does provide an opportunity to further educate regulators on the vital role the racing industry plays in the Canadian economy,” said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. “The additional time should provide ample opportunity for the development of a fair policy that will balance the interests of the racing community and the economy with any environmental concerns.”
A special thanks goes to the National Association of Antique Automobile Clubs of Canada Corporation for mobilizing their membership against this short-sighted proposal.
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Delaware Street Rods: SAN-supported legislation to exempt street rods from the state’s regular safety inspections was approved by the Delaware State Legislature. Under an agreement reached with state regulators, the registration and titling process will be changed administratively to allow street rods to be assigned a registration and titling designation bearing the same model year that the body of the vehicle resembles. The bill next moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law.
Kentucky Project Titles: Pro-hobbyist legislation to create classic motor-vehicle project titles was approved by the Kentucky State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear. The SAN-supported law applies to vehicles at least 25 years old, not road-worthy and currently without a title or with a title from another state. Under the law, a classic motor-vehicle project title would prohibit the use of vehicles bearing these titles on the highway but, once restored, a regular title could be issued.
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA- supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here are its newest members:
California Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes
California Assemblymember Joel Anderson
New Jersey Assemblymember Gary Chiusano
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Show ’Em What You’ve Got!
Whether it has been handed down through the generations, an ultimate barn find or a vehicle that just needed your own personal touch, the SAN would like to give you an opportunity to share your passion for your car and truck with the rest of the automotive hobby. A vehicle will be selected each month to be featured in Driving Force, as well as on the SEMA Action Network website.
Submit your photos to san@sema.org.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Land of 10,000 Lakes? Try 13,000 Street Rodders!
Since its founding in 1967, the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) has worked hard to ensure the future of automotive hobby in the North Star State. With the original 12 members meeting at a pizzeria in Minneapolis, the MSRA now has over 13,000 members worldwide. Their annual Back to the ’50s Show attracts more than 11,000 cars and more than 100,000 spectators.
Through all of this, the MSRA has always kept its focus on building good relationships with state lawmakers and regulators. For the last 15 years, the MSRA Legislative Committee has organized a “Run to the Hill” to inform legislators at the State Capitol on how the pending bills they are considering will impact the hobby. In years when there are no pressing issues, MSRA members use the event as an opportunity to educate lawmakers about the organization. These relationships are of great benefit when support is needed on an issue that may cause problems for the hobby.
In working with the SEMA Action Network over the years, the MSRA has been very successful in having hobby-friendly legislation enacted, including the adoption of the Street Rod License Plate; an ethanol mandate exemption for collector vehicles; a law permitting the use of blue-dot taillights; and an exemption for collector vehicles from a bill that establishes the California emissions requirements in Minnesota.
To inform and gain additional support from enthusiasts, the Legislative Committee will be on hand at the “Back to the ’50s” Extravaganza later this month. All these efforts ensure that street rodding will be around for a long time in Minnesota.
As it proudly states on their website, “MSRA is still about Friends, Food, Fun and Fellowship...but most about having fun with cars! So lean back and let’s go cruisin’!”
Kudos to Colby
We at the SEMA Action Network take great pride in putting together Driving Force. This issue is no exception, as SEMA’s own Colby Martin put his artistic talents on display through the first-ever illustrated cover of Driving Force.
Over the years he has designed several creative items for the SAN, including the artwork on the SAN T-shirt, which he illustrated at the ripe old age of 17.
EVENTS
California
June 1, Fremont
18th Annual Mopar Rally
Sponsor: Mopar Alley
Information: http://moparalley.org or 408/356-4752
June 8, Van Nuys
10th Annual All GM Vehicle Show & Swap Meet
Sponsor: Los Angeles Chapter Buick Club of America
Information: www.buickclub.org/losangeles/news1.htm or 818/999-6626 or 818/999-6626
June 8, Burbank
19th Annual Picnic in the Park and Car Show
Sponsor: Road Kings of Burbank
Information: www.roadkingsburbank.com/car_shows.htm or 818/842-5464
June 23–27, Ventura
CORSA International Convention
Sponsor: CORSA West of Los Angeles
Information: http://conventions.corvair.org/2008 or 805/497-5586
Colorado
June 27–29, Pueblo
Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com.s18903.gridserver.com/index.php/site/evdet/20 or 901/452-4030
Connecticut
June 1, Waterford
21st Annual British by the Sea
Sponsor: Connecticut MG Club
Information: http://mgclub.homestead.com
Florida
June 27–28, Melbourne
33rd Annual Corn Boil
Sponsor: Space Coast Street Rods
Information: 321/727-2810 or 321/254-4099
Georgia
June 13–15, Atlanta
2nd Southern Nationals
Information: www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-610 or 925/838-9876
Illinois
June 8, Lake Villa
17th Annual Fun Run
Sponsor: Kroozers of Northern Illinois
Information: 815/943-2115 or 815/861-5370
June 28–29, Springfield
2nd Annual Midwest 4Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/9
June 20–21, Jeffersonville
13th Annual Mustang and All Ford Weekend
Sponsor: Fall City Mustang Club
Information: http://fallscitymustangclub.com/car_show/index.htm or 502/223-1369
Indiana
June 6–8, Indianapolis
20th Hot Rod Nationals
Information: www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-601 or 925/838-9876
Iowa
June 1, Marion
27th Annual Chevy & Chevy Powered Car Show
Sponsor: Hawkeye Area Classic Chevy Club
Information: http://geocities.com/haccc57//carshow2 or 319/438-1422
Kansas
June 21–22, Lindsborg
2008 VCOA Midsommar
Sponsor: Volvo Club of America
Information: http://midsommar.vcoa.org
Maryland
June 29, Crofton
Muscle Car Mania
Sponsor: Corvette Club of America & Maryland Camaro Club
Information: www.mdcamaroclub.com/image/DragRace1.pdf or 301/854-2014 or 204/506-6283
Massachusetts
June 15, Fitchburg
29th Annual Father’s Day Antique & Classic Auto Show
Sponsor: Mid-State Antique Auto Club
Information: http://midstateaac.org/fathersdayflyer.htm or 978/534-7127
Michigan
June 1–2, Dearborn
33rd Annual Motor City Show & Go
Sponsor: Shelby American Automobile Club–Motor City Region
Information: www.saac-mcr.com/ec/showgo or 734/956-1636
June 20–21, St. Ignace
12th Annual Antiques on the Bay
Information: www.stignacecarshow.com or 906/643-8087
June 20–22, Detroit
Round Up 29
Cosworth Vega Owners Association
Information: http://www.cosworthvega.com or 313/388-1026
June 27–28, St. Ignace
33rd Annual St. Ignance Car Show and Swap Meet
Information: www.stignacecarshow.com or 906/643-8087
Minnesota
June 20–22, Minneapolis/St. Paul
35th Annual Back to the ’50s
Sponsor: Minnesota Street Rod Association
Information: www.msra.com/BackToThe50s.htm
Nebraska
June 8, Omaha
32nd Annual Midwest Early Corvette Club Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Midwest Early Corvette Club
Information: 402/391-5270
Nevada
June 21, Reno
“Classics in Paradise” Car Show
Sponsor: Classic Chevys of Reno
Information: www.classicchevyclubreno.com or 775/424-6824
New Jersey
June 14, Pompton Plains
26th Annual Thunderbird Car Show
Sponsor: New Jersey Thunderbird Association
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=njtbird or 732/432-6797
June 28–29, Augusta
7th Annual Motor Jamboree
Sponsor: Freewheelers Car Club
Information: www.freewheelerscarclub.com/jamboree2008.html or 973/347-1419
New Mexico
June 6–7, Carlsbad
Car-A-Fair 2008
Sponsor: Carlsbad Automotive Restoration Society
Information: www.carsclubofcarlsbad.com/CARAFAIR.html or 505/887-8853
June 15, Los Lunas
12th Annual Cruzin South Rt. 66 Summerfest
Sponsor: Los Lunas Victory Riders
Information: http://loslunasnm.gov/DocumentView.asp?DID=307 or 505/352-3596
June 14, Albuquerque
1st Annual Duke City Mopar Fest
Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of New Mexico
Information: www.moparclub.com or 505/896-8115
New York
June 15, Auburn
17th Annual Father’s Day Car Show
Sponsor: Prison City Ramblers
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/prisoncityramblers/mission.cfm or 315/252-6318
North Dakota
June 6–7, Mandan
Classtiques Rod & Custom Rod Run ’08
Sponsor: Classtiques Rod & Customs Club
Information: www.classtiques.com/RodRun08/rodrun08.pdf or 701/222-2069
Ohio
June 14, Mount Vernon
13th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Ohio Eastern Star Chapters of District 12
Information: 740/694-3596 or 740/366-4180
Oklahoma
June 7, Sapulpa
19th Annual Route 66 Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Dragin Masters Car Club
Information: http://vette-granny.tripod.com/id15.html or 918/224-5709
Pennsylvania
June 6–8, York
Street Rod Nationals East
Information: http://nsra-usa.com.s18903.gridserver.com/index.php/site/evdet/21 or 901/452-4030
June 8, Washington
Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC Truck Show
Sponsor: Western PA Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club Internationl
Information: 724/843-5195 or 412/833-1441
June 21, Trexlertown
Classy Cruisers Show & Shine
Sponsor: Classy Cruisers Club of Lehigh Valley
Information: www.classycruisersclub.com/carshow.htm or 610/758-9111
Tennessee
June 27–29, Nashville
3rd Nashville Nationals
Information: www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-607 or 925/838-9876
Virginia
June 6–8, Newport News
The Li’l Red & Warlock Nationals 2008
Sponsor: Li’l Red Express & Warlock Owners Club
Information: http://home.att.net/~theadventurer or 757/875-5270
Wisconsin
June 7, Burlington
26th Annual Oldsmobile Show
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/ocw/pdf/2008_Lynch_Flyer_2.pdf or 262/966-3702
June 13–15, Warrens
27th Wizards of Rods Fun Run
Sponsor: Wizards of Rods Car Club
Information: 608/985-8040
Ontario, Canada
June 14, Fort Francis
Scott Street Show & Shine
Sponsor International Early Iron Car Club
Information: 807/274-2345 or 218/283-4938
EARLY JULY 2008 EVENTS
Iowa
July 4–6, Des Moines
17th Heartland Nationals
Information: www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-602 or 925/838-9876
Wisconsin
July 5, Cedarburg
18th Annual Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Rods-N-Relics Car Club
Information: www.rodsnrelics.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/rodsnrelics2008flyer.pdf or 262/242-3834
July 6, Augusta
Augusta Bean & Bacon Days Auto, Truck & Tractor Show
Information: 715/456-2880
Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!
Put SAN on Your Mailing List!
We’d like to know what’s going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you’re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.
One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what’s going on and what’s important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: SEMA Action Network, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail to san@sema.org.