Driving Force Newsletter - October 2006

Driving Force - October 2006

Massachusetts Enthusiasts Silence Proposed Aftermarket Exhaust Ban? Again

A SAN-opposed bill to ban the "sale or installation" of certain modified exhaust systems was defeated when it was not considered by the Massachusetts House of Representatives before they adjourned for the year. A targeted e-mail and phone campaign by enthusiasts to key legislators prevented the bill from receiving a vote in the House.

SAN members in Massachusetts have become all too familiar with this bill after successfully stalling the measure in 2003, 2004 and 2005. However, when the measure was reintroduced this year it included a twist. In an attempt to divide the auto hobby, the bill's sponsor included a provision that would exclude limited-use "antique motor cars."

Regardless, the bill failed to provide law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, thereby allowing them to make subjective judgements on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation. Under current Massachusetts law the use of an "exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust" is prohibited.

"The SAN agrees that aftermarket exhaust systems should not be used in a way that causes overly loud or objectionable noise," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "However this bill, which will likely be reintroduced next year, would have banned the sale and installation of exhaust systems that result in modest and inoffensive noise increases."

This year, SAN members were successful in defeating proposed aftermarket exhaust restrictions in Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

To provide lawmakers with an alternative, SEMA has produced model legislation that provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under this procedure, a calibrated sound meter (meeting industry standards) is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle, the vehicle engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower and the highest decibel reading is recorded. Adopted by California in August 2003, the 95-decibel program certifies tested vehicles to be in compliance with the law. The SEMA model has also been enacted in Maine and Washington State.

?The SEMA-model bill is a proven method for determining violations of the vehicle code and provides fair treatment to the many law-abiding and responsible enthusiasts who choose to customize their vehicles," added McDonald.

For more information on these proposals, or to download a copy of the SEMA model bill, visit www.semasan.com.

* Editor's note: The SAN is indebted to the vigilant efforts of the numerous car clubs, businesses and individual enthusiasts who acted upon several alerts and updates sent throughout the year. The overwhelming number of calls and e-mails made by SAN members to state lawmakers in Boston helped to defeat this bill.

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LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS

California Scrappage: The SAN submitted another round of comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on proposed revisions to its motor vehicle scrappage program. In the comments, the SAN supported more stringent vehicle eligibility criteria to help ensure program effectiveness and actual realization of claimed benefits. It also advised the agency to exercise caution with the planned use of remote sensing devices to identify gross polluters so as not to exclusively target older vehicles. In previous comments, the SAN supported a program change to ensure that program vehicles had been registered for at least 2 years rather than just 4 months as a means to demonstrate that the scrapped vehicles were actually being driven on a regular basis and contributing to the state's emissions. As a rule, the SAN opposes scrappage programs that unfairly target older cars as they are not a cost-effective means to reduce vehicle emissions. Where these proposals can't be defeated (as in California), SAN seeks to amend them to protect collector vehicles, focus on verified gross polluters and allow parts recycling.

California Off-Highway Recreation: A resolution was adopted by the California State Legislature to commemorate the 100th anniversary of recreational motor vehicle use at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The resolution declared October 20, 2006, to October 22, 2006, as Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Days. Located near Pismo Beach, this 4,900-acre California state park has provided a long history of motorized recreation on the 51?2 mile beach and adjoining dunes. The resolution declared that in managing the area, the Division of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation of the Department of Parks and Recreation has endeavored to balance the needs of off-highway vehicle users and protection of the environment, which reflects the SAN's position on OHV access rules.

Maine Inspections: The Maine Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proposing to repeal and replace the existing regulations within the state's motor vehicle inspection program. In its proposal, the DPS claimed that modifying exhaust system components may be in violation of Federal law. In comments to DPS, the SAN noted that Federal law allows for the use of aftermarket add-on and modified products if the manufacturer can demonstrate that the product will not cause regulated pollutants to exceed the applicable emissions standard. The SAN also noted that the proposal omitted reference to the recently enacted statute in Maine allowing vehicle exhaust systems to be certified to a 95 decibel limit. Under current Maine law, which is based on the SEMA model bill, exhaust noise restrictions do not apply to a muffler or exhaust system that does not emit noise in excess of 95 decibels. The SAN comments also opposed a proposed change which would have prohibited the use of brush and grille guards and restricted tire and wheel packages.

Massachusetts Tire Efficiency: Legislation that would have required the development of a statewide program to mandate that replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks be as energy efficient as tires sold as original equipment died when the Massachusetts Legislature adjourned for the year. The bill contained a SAN-drafted exemption for some hobbyist tires, including limited-production and off-road tires. However, the SAN ultimately opposed the measure since the replacement tire efficiency program conflicted with federal law by regulating fuel economy, imposed substantial redesign costs on tire manufacturers, competed with Federal consumer information requirements and essentially set a 50-state standard.

New Jersey Inspections: The New Jersey Department of Transportation is proposing to amend regulations concerning motor vehicle inspection standards and test procedures. The proposal would, among other things, fail vehicles equipped with headlamps that do not emit a "white light." The SAN recommended that New Jersey permit any light source or bulb that complies with the federal regulations, including legal blue-hued bulbs. The proposed regulation also seeks to prohibit brush guards, grille guards or other lamp covers simply because they are in front of headlamps without acknowledging that such items usually include detachable lamp protectors that are easily removable. The SAN noted this error and pointed out that while Federal regulations prohibit the installation of equipment that impairs required lighting equipment, there is no evidence that indicates that brush guards or grille guards prevent lamps from meeting required light levels.

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Off-Road News

Concerns Raised about Forest Service's OHV Policy

New Web Page Provides State-by-State Updates on Route Designation Process

The SAN, and its land access partner the Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC), are closely monitoring the implementation of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) policy that will designate roads, trails and other areas for any off-highway vehicle (OHV) within the National Forest system. In 2005, the USFS announced the new regulations for OHV use in national forests and grasslands.

Under the new policy, local agency officials are required to seek public comments from state and local officials and other stakeholders in determining routes open to OHV use. Of immediate concern to the SAN are the proposed closures in the agency's Southern Region.

"We are seeing land managers making decisions outside of the route designation process, which mandates public input," said BRC Public Lands Director Brian Hawthorne. "Blanket closures underway on National Forests in Texas, Mississippi and Florida are short-cutting that public process."

Currently only half of the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands have designated roads and trails open to OHV use, which include more than 200,000 miles of forest roads and 36,000 miles of inventoried trails. As recommended by the SAN, USFS will also consider "user-created" routes in the review process. Many of these routes came into existence during "open" management and serve a legitimate need and purpose, and do not pose an environmental threat. USFS anticipates that it will take up to four years to complete the route designation process.

"While still early in the designation process, the SAN is relatively pleased with the way the Forest Service is proceeding in other regions," said SAN director Jason Tolleson. "Because this policy affects all motorized vehicles, the SAN urges OHV enthusiasts to get actively involved and engage local USFS officials in the route designation process."

To help in this effort, BRC has gathered information and developed a webpage with up-to-date information by state on the inventory process in most of the National Forests. OHV enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.sharetrails.org/public_lands and click on the "Forest Service" button for the latest information on how to get involved with route designations in their area.

For more information, please contact Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org or by phone at 202/783-6007, ext. 39.

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Hey, That's My Car!

Back to School

1968 Pontiac Le Mans

Owner: Carl Johansen

Bristol, CT

I have always had what you could call a "Pontiac passion". There was something about these cars that drew me like a moth to the flame. And it was for this very reason that in 2003 I picked up a '68 Pontiac Le Mans after passing it on the side of the road. I was so in love with this car that I even drove it home without brakes. Over the next two years, my father and I transformed a barely running, rusted Le Mans into a crowd pleasing, show stopping trophy winner.

It was a long and difficult journey from a piece to a prize, but it was also an enjoyable one. Most of the work my father and I did during the winter months, starting with replacing the engine with a 400 from a Catalina, and adding the Ram Air III cam and lifter package. We also added on Hooker Headers to give it a throatier sound. During the fall months we began work on the body, including: sanding, priming, fixing rust spots, and eventually painting it Amber Pearl Metallic. All of this transformed the car into what you see today.

In addition to being one of the youngest vintage Pontiac owners at car shows, I am also the President of the Central Connecticut State University Car Club. C3, as we like to call it, has over 100 members with a diverse collection of cars, trucks, and rods in its roster. This college-based car club has two car shows every year that draw hundreds of cars and is growing every year.

SPECS:

Drivetrain: 400ci RAM Air III-TH400 Long Shaft-posi rear 3:73

Exhaust: Dual Mandrel Bent custom Flowmaster

Suspension: Stock

Wheels/Tires: 15x8 Rear with 275-60 American Racing TQ thrust II 15x7 Front

Interior/Exterior: Machined turned aluminum dash, custom PPG Amber-Pearl paint

Thanks to all who have sent in or e-mailed us photos. Please continue to send us photos of your trail rides, restorations in progress, rod runs, car shows, charity events and drag races. Kindly submit pictures to: The Driving Force, SEMA,1575 South Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. You also may send high-resolution digital pictures (minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch; minimum 5 inches wide) by e-mail to carrw@sema.org.

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Caucus Corner

Wrapping up his first term as a member of the Ohio Legislature, Representative Kenny Yuko has already made a name for himself within the automotive hobby. Shortly after joining the Caucus earlier this year, he helped stall a bill that would have further restricted hobbyists from working on their project vehicles on private property.

An enthusiast himself, Yuko, his father, and his brother worked together to restore a 1931 Ford Model A. The car was an immediate hit within the community and can be found on display at parades and other community events in the Cleveland area. While it has been a great way to grab people's attention, Yuko jokes that many times the car ends up getting more attention than he does.

* Editor's Note: Each month Driving Force will feature a member of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bi- partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Here is its newest Caucus member:

Virginia

Delegate Terrie Suit

* Click here for a complete listing of Caucus members.

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You Got Mail!

E-Mail Action Alerts Send Up-To-Date News to Your Inbox

We here at the SEMA Action Network (SAN) appreciate everything that you, the enthusiasts, do to stay informed about the laws that affect the auto hobby. To ensure a continuous flow of information, we are asking all SAN members who have e-mail addresses but are not currently receiving any e-mails from the SAN to update their information by e-mailing Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.

Any time there is legislation in your state that affects the hobby, the SAN will send an e-mail letting you know how the bill impacts you, what action to take, and who to contact.

These action alerts provide the most up-to-date information on the legislation in which you are the most concerned. Rest assured that any information you provide will not be sold or distributed to anyone. We simply want to provide you with the best information available in order to protect your interests as a hobbyist.

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OCTOBER 2006 SAN CLUB EVENTS

ALABAMA

October 21, Moundville

11th Annual Car & Tractor Show

Sponsor: Rollin-Oldies Antique Vehicle Club

Information: 205/371-2803

ARIZONA

October 14, Sierra Vista

19th Annual Cars in the Park

Sponsor: Sierra Vista Car Club

Information: www.sierravistacarclub.org or 520/378-3096

October 18-22, Lake Havasu City

Relics and Rods 29th Annual Run to the Sun

Sponsor: Relics and Rods

Information: www.relicsandrods.com or 928/855-0933

October 28, Phoenix

Phoenix in the Fall

Sponsor: Mopars Unlimited of Arizona

Information: www.moparsunlimitedofaz.com/ show or 623/322-5194

October 28-29, Tucson

CHVA Swap Meet and Car Show

Sponsor: Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association

Information: 520/293-3178

ARKANSAS

October 7, Benton

Car and Truck Show

Sponsor: Dixie Car Club

Information: 501/316-0552

October 21, Jonesboro

Car Show and Swap Meet

Sponsor: Crowley's Ridge Cruisers

Information: 870/932-6110

CALIFORNIA

October 1, Burbank

Throttlers 2006 Car Show

Sponsor: MTFCA, San Fernando Valley Chapter

Information: 818/361-0645

October 1, La Palma Park

37th Annual All Ford Picnic and Car Show

Sponsor: Early Ford V-8 Club of American, Southern CA Region #11

Information: 949/675-4234

October 1, Long Beach

Cadillac Concours D'Elegance

Sponsor: Cadillac Club International Consortium

Information: 951/845-5916

October 6-8, Sacramento

Golden State Street Rod Nationals

Sponsor: NSRA

Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030

October 8, Tustin

All-Chevy Show

Sponsor: VCCA, Orange County Region

Information: www.ocvcca.org or 714/633-8210

October 22, Huntington Beach

Das O.C.T.O Fest 2006

Sponsor: Orange County Transporter Organization

Information: www.octo.org or 714/374-7506

CONNECTICUT

October 8, New Britain

CCSU Car Club Annual Fall Show

Sponsor: CCSU Car Club

Information: www.ccsucarclub.com

October 15, Stafford Springs

Fall Swap Meet

Sponsor: Ty-Rods Auto Club

Information: 860/649-3697

October 21, South Glastonbury

Hot Rod and Kustom Fall Out

Information: hotrodfallout@yahoo.com or 860/430-9580

FLORIDA

October 13-15, Tampa

Southeast Street Rod Nationals

Sponsor: NSRA

Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030

October 14, Tampa

Mustang, Shelby and Ford Roundup

Sponsor: Mustang Club of Tampa

Information: www.mustangcluboftampa.com or 813/961-3223

GEORGIA

October 14, Thomasville

2nd Annual Car Show

Sponsor: Thomasville Cultural Center

Information: 229/226-0588

ILLINOIS

October 1, Joliet

4th Annual Swap Meet and Car Sale

Information: 815/478-3633

INDIANA

October 7-8, Huntington

Ed Big Daddy Roth Memorial Car Show and Swap Meet

Sponsor: Wells County Kroozers

Information: kroozincalendar@comcast.net or 260-622-6820

October 8, Bristow

16th Octoberfest Car Show

Sponsor: Sturgeon Family Club

Information: 812/547-4915

IOWA

October 14-15, Cedar Rapids

AACA Cedar Rapids Region Swap Meet

Sponsor: AACA, Cedar Rapids Region

Information: 319/378-3873

KANSAS

October 1, Lawrence

Antique Car Show

Sponsor: AACA

Information: 785/842-1664

KENTUCKY

October 21, Louisville

Mike Linnigs Seafood Cruise Night

Sponsor: Okolona Street Rods

Information: www.okolonastreetrods.com or 502/937-9781

MARYLAND

October 28, Stevensville

Kent Island Cruisers Halloween Cruise-In & Car Show

Sponsor: Kent Island Cruisers

Information: 410/643-4582

MASSACHUSETTS

October 1, Brimfield

12th Annual Show/Shine

Information: 508/987-3375

October 1, Webster

Dudley Lions Club Yesteryear 2006 Auto Show

Information: 508/943-9343

October 7, Boston

Super Wheels Top 100 Showdown at City Hall Plaza

Information: 508/428-8055

MINNESOTA

October 15, St. Paul

36th Annual Roadsters Twin Cities Swap Meet

Information: 612/860-4833

NEVADA

October 6-8, Lake Tahoe

West Coast National Meet

Sponsor: Volvo Club of America

Information: www.vcoa.org

October 28-29, Boulder City

Las Vegas AMC Reunion

Sponsor: Southern Nevada AMC Club

Information: 702/985-7647

NEW JERSEY

October 1, Brunswick

19th Annual Picnic and Meet

Sponsor: NJ/NJ Slant Six Club of America

Information: 732/549-0188

NEW YORK

October 1, West Lebanon

Car Show, Swap Meet and Nostalgia Drags

Sponsor: Capital Area Rods

Information: 518/872-2344

October 15, Riverhead

Hallocksville Farm Meet Car Show

Sponsor: AACA, Peconic Bay Region

Information: 631/981-937

NORTH CAROLINA

October 7, Youngsville

Youngsville Fall Festival

Sponsor: Youngsville ECA Club

Information: www.youngsvillefallfestival.com or 919/556-4026

October 27-29, Charlotte

13th Southeastern Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876

PENNSYLVANIA

October 5-8, Hershey

AACA National Fall Meet

Sponsor: AACA

Information: http://local.aaca.org/hershey/ fallmeet.htm or 717/566-7720

October 14, Lahaska

Brits at the Village

Sponsor: Philadelphia MG Club

Information: 215/946-8504

SOUTH CAROLINA

October 19-21, Myrtle Beach

The Year One Myrtle Beach Fall Cruise

Sponsor: Right Coast Assn.

Information: www.rightcoastcars.com

October 19-22, Myrtle Beach

Return to the Beach 7

Sponsor: Carolina PT Cruisers

Information: www.returntothebeach.com

TENNESSEE

October 21, Franklin

AACA Battlefield Region's 17th Annual Show

Sponsor: AACA Battlefield Region

Information: 615/794-1432

TEXAS

September 29 - October 1, Fort Worth

14th Lone Star Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838 9876

October 7, San Antonio

24th Annual Car, Truck and Model Show

Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of San Antonio

Information: www.moparmuscleclub-sa.org or 210/863-0355

October 15, Conroe

Fall Classic

Sponsor: Conroe Cruisers

Information: www.conroecruisers.com or 936/856-4480

VIRGINIA

October 8, Middleburg Hunt Country Classic

Sponsor: MG Car Club, Washington, D.C.

Information: www.mgcarclubdc.com or HuntCountryClassic@mgcarclubdc.com

October 14, Virginia Beach

Annual Fall Mustang & Ford Powered Car Show

Sponsor: Southeastern Virginia Mustang Club

Information: www.sevmc.org or 757/630-0056

October 21, Broadway

Fall Festival

Sponsor: AACA, Tri County Region

Information: 540/896-1637

October 27-29, Newport News

Virginia Fall Classic

Sponsor: Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council

Information: www.vafallclassic.org or 757/926-7204

Check out these early November 2006 events

CALIFORNIA

November 3-5, Bakersfield

7th Fuel & Gas Finals

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/ 838 9876

FLORIDA

November 3-5, Gulfport, FL.

31st Annual Car Show and Swap meet

Sponsor: AACA, Florida West Coast Region

Information: 727/595-7554

MARYLAND

November 4, Glen Burnie

3rd Annual Hot Rod Jalopyrama

Sponsor: The Rusty Nuts H.R.G.

Information: www.jalopyrama.com or 440/437-3763

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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: Jason Tolleson, SEMA, 1317 F Street, N.W.,

Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org .

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