October Driving force Newsletter

[RonWilson]

Below is the October 2001 email edition of the Specialty Equipment Market
Association's (SEMA) "Driving Force" newsletter. As always, feel free to
reprint any or all of the information contained within it.

=====================================

SEMA Action Network Awards Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association

SEMA Action Network Director Brian Caudill - never one to turn down a day
of four-wheeling with a SAN member club - journeyed high into the Utah
mountains recently to present a SEMA Certificate of Appreciation to the
Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA) for its efforts in developing and
shepherding through the Utah legislature a bill allowing less restrictive
rules on suspension and body lifts and wheel and tire alterations.

The new Utah law will expand availability of lift kits and larger wheel and
tire combinations for both on- and off-highway use. These modifications are
popular among enthusiasts and often essential for trail-riding activities
where increased clearance, larger tires and improved suspension are
necessary.

"In addition," notes Steve McDonald, SEMA director of government and
technical affairs, "the law amends previous Utah law which was overly
restrictive, difficult to understand and enforce, and provided no real value
to 4x4 hobbyists."

Caudill added, "Working hand-in-hand with SEMA, the U4WDA crafted
legislation that gives Utah's off-highway vehicle enthusiasts more freedom
to legally customize their rigs. SEMA provided technical expertise and
industry support and the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association provided the muscle,
working tirelessly to push the bill through the legislature. This is how an
enthusiast/industry partnership is supposed to work."

The SEMA Action Network would like to recognize the entire Utah 4 Wheel
Drive Association, as well as U4WDA member Tom Barkume and past-President
Brett Davis, for their team effort in getting this law passed.

Noted Davis, "Utah 4-wheelers really stepped out of their comfort zones
and helped get this thing done and I was proud to be the head cheerleader
and, as one of the senators referred to me during the vote, 'consultant.'
Truly a big victory for a bunch of everyday Joes."


SEMA Responds to NHTSA Tire Pressure Monitor Mandate

In comments to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
proposed rule requiring automakers to install tire pressure monitoring
systems (TPMS) on all new vehicles starting in November 2003, SEMA urged
regulators to protect the interests of consumers and the automotive
aftermarket. The new tire pressure monitoring rule is required by the
Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD)
Act, passed last year in the wake of the Ford-Firestone controversy. Tire
pressure monitors will warn drivers when one or more tires are
under-inflated.

SEMA's comments to the proposed rule focused on a number of areas affecting
car enthusiasts. Principally, SEMA believes the proposed rule could have the
unintended effect of limiting consumer access to aftermarket wheel and tires
due to design, installation and potential TPMS computer reprogramming
difficulties on custom wheel and tire combinations. As a result, SEMA
recommended that NHTSA modify its rule to ensure that TPMS are compatible
with all aftermarket wheels, tires and wheel and tire combinations.
Additionally, SEMA urged NHTSA to require automakers to provide servicing,
programming and TPMS computer calibrating information to the independent
service industry to ensure that consumers retain their choice of repair
facilities.

Finally, SEMA advised NHTSA that this proposed rule could have a
substantial affect on basic vehicle maintenance. With the advent of TPMS,
mounting, rotating and balancing tires will no longer be a simple and
inexpensive part of regular vehicle maintenance. These tasks will now
require a working knowledge of sensor placement, operation, and likely also
reprogramming and/or recalibration. The added technology will raise the cost
of basic maintenance, increase technician training requirements and
diagnostic equipment costs on small repair facilities, and may well make
routine maintenance by do-it-yourselfers impossible. Many consumers may
simply opt to avoid the hassle of upgrading wheel/tire set-ups as a result.

"SEMA is certainly supportive of the safety efforts mandated by the TREAD
Act and put into motion by NHTSA. However, we must work to guarantee in
NHTSA's efforts to comply with the TREAD Act that consumer choice and the
economic interests of the specialty aftermarket are protected," commented
Brian Caudill of SEMA's Washington, D.C., office. "We are hopeful that
SEMA's
comments will be taken into account in NHTSA's final rule."


"Right to Repair" Act Introduced

Fittingly named the "Right to Repair Act," a bill (H.R. 2735) has been
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to reaffirm
consumer choice in affordable vehicle repair. Specifically, H.R. 2735 would
provide independent service mechanics access to the computer data that
controls many vehicle systems and components, guaranteeing that they will
have the same information as dealers. Not included in this bill is engine
and emissions-related service information already addressed in the EPA's
on-board diagnostic (OBD) rules.

SEMA Director of Outreach and Public Affairs Brian Caudill noted, "We are
pleased that legislation has been introduced to ensure consumers have their
choice of vehicle repair options. Furthermore, the 'Right to Repair Act' is
clearly a step forward for the independent service industry."


Texas Hobbyists, SEMA Offer Expertise to Texas Emissions Regulators

Effective Sept. 1, 2001, Texas began implementing a voluntary vehicle
scrappage program under the guidelines of a new inspection and maintenance
program. Under this new program, an advisory committee will be formed to
advise in the development and implementation of the scrappage activities.
Principally, this committee will serve to identify and protect vehicles
with, as Troy Mennis, chairman of the Texas Vehicle Club Council (TVCC)
aptly put it, "intrinsic value as an existing or future collectable."
Presumably, these vehicles will then be exempted from scrappage programs.

Both the TVCC and SEMA have volunteered to serve on this advisory
committee. The TVCC is an organization dedicated to preserving the vehicle
hobby and is composed of vehicle clubs from all over Texas. In fact, the
TVCC already has a "Crusher Response Team" that identifies collectable
vehicles.

The SEMA Action Network is hopeful that Texas authorities will recognize
that both organizations will be valuable assets to this newly formed
advisory committee.


Virginia Man Honors a Friend

Auto mechanic Ron Hood had known and watched his young neighbor Justin
Thatcher grow up almost from the day he was born until age 14. When Justin
began to show an interest in cars, Ron, being the only mechanic on the
block, started to spend a lot of time with him.

Sadly, Justin developed a rare form of leukemia that would
eventually take his life. The illness, however, did not diminish the
friendship. In fact, Ron helped conduct several successful bone marrow
drives to help his buddy. He would also stop at the hospital on his way home
from work to visit with him. Unfortunately, Justin's cancer continued to
spread and his health deteriorated. Ron recalls one of the last
opportunities he had to spend time with Justin: "Justin was a car nut like
most teenage kids. Randy Overachre and I got Justin into the Hampton
Coliseum Car Show last year before it opened to the public. At that point,
Justin couldn't be around large groups of people because of his weak immune
system. He absolutely loved it. That was one of his last requests."

Ron didn't forget that experience and he has found a way to help others
with similar illnesses while honoring the memory of his friend. He claims he
's not a car guy, but you'd never know it by the event he put on in Virginia
Beach last month. The inaugural Justin Thatcher Super Auto Show was a huge
success. One hundred and twenty seven cars participated. More than $5,000
was raised for Friends of Justin Thatcher, a scholarship fund to help
Leukemia survivors go to college, and the Robin Hood Foundation, a group
that gives financial assistance to families with children fighting cancer.

While auto hobbyists are always sure to turn out in huge numbers to
support a good cause, Ron made sure that the participants got their money's
worth as well. The band "Nighthawk" entertained the crowd, 45 trophies were
awarded and local radio and television stations covered the event.

Driving Force would like to commend Ron and all those who supported his
efforts, including the Car Club Council of Hampton Road, which handled the
registration. Ron says he plans to hold the event again next year and is
hoping for an even bigger turnout. If you would like information on
participating in next year's show or would like to make a contribution,
contact Ron Jones at 513 Boswell Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, or by
phone at 757/340-0160, or by e-mail at ronjones@pilot.infi.net.


Can You Believe?
Texas Car Show Spectators Harassed by State Police

(Red Balacki from Georgetown, Texas, sent a story that really surprised us.)

For the past 12 years, folks have been coming to Round Rock, Texas, to
enjoy one of the city's biggest annual events, a car show. However, this
year, many people left the event with a bad taste in their mouth. Local
Round Rock police have always offered their assistance to help manage
traffic flow, parking, etc. This year, however, four state troopers set up a
roadblock at the entrance to the event and proceeded to write tickets for
illegal modifications to drivers coming to enjoy the show. As the officers
looked for the slightest violations, the traffic began backing up further
and further. Some spectators were forced to wait as long as 2 hours to enter
the show grounds.

Ironically, it was the local Round Rock police who asked the troopers to
leave. It seems that some show-goers began to get upset and they believed it
was in everyone's best interest for the state police to curtail their
ticket-writing spree before there were any problems.

Before they were asked to leave, the troopers wrote 139 citations for as
much as $200 apiece. Organizers are considering moving next year's show to a
more "hobbyist-friendly" location.

(If you have a horror story regarding unfair restrictions on our rights as
hobbyists or about an unfortunate run-in with the authorities, send it to us
at: andrewr@sema.org or SEMA, Attn: "Can You Believe," 1317 F Street, NW,
Suite 550, Washington, D.C. 20004.)


Eagle One Adds $1,000 Cash To Annual 'Golden Rule' Award Prize Package

Eagle One, a leading marketer of premium car appearance care products, is
expanding the prize package for its 9th Annual "Golden Rule" Award
competition. The company announced that it will add $1,000 in cash to the
more than $5,000 worth of products that have been awarded each year to
winning and runner-up car clubs.

The coveted award will be presented to a car club in the West, Midwest,
East and South whose community and charitable activities are judged the most
outstanding in their region during 2001. A runner-up club in each region
will also be honored.

Eagle One will now send a $250 cash contribution to a charity designated by
each of the four winning car clubs. In addition, each club will receive a
custom-designed plaque as well as 20 buckets of Eagle One products and 10
cases of Valvoline MaxLife motor oil for fund-raising purposes. Runner-up
clubs will receive 10 buckets of Eagle One products, five cases of MaxLife
motor oil and an award of merit.

For the past several years, Eagle One has conducted the "Golden Rule"
Award program to foster a greater public awareness of the outstanding work
being done by car clubs in communities throughout the nation. Since its
inception, SEMA has been proud to endorse this program. In fact, last year,
four SEMA Action Network (SAN) car clubs were honored with "Golden Rule" and
runner-up awards. SAN awardees were Tacoma Model T Ford Club of Tacoma,
Washington, and United Street Machines of Troy, Michigan. Runners-up
included the Rogue Valley Street Rods of Medford, Oregon, and the Heart of
Maryland Classic Chevy Club of Mount Airy, Maryland.

This year the deadline for entries is Dec. 10. To download an entry form,
visit www.eagleone.com or write to: Eagle One Golden Rule Award, c/o Alex
Litrov & Associates, 15720 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 409, Encino, CA 91436, or
fax request to 818/501-2690.


Put SEMA on Your Mailing List, Etc.

We'd like to know what clubs and enthusiasts across the country are up to;
what charity events they're involved in; when and where rod runs, car shows
and rallies are held; and what issues concern club members and individual
enthusiasts. One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what is going on and
what is important to the automobile hobbies nationwide is to receive club
newsletters and updates. Consider putting SEMA on your mailing list. Send
correspondence to Brian Caudill, SEMA, 1317 F St., NW, Ste. 550, Washington,
D.C. 20004. Clubs can also reach Caudill via e-mail at brianc@sema.org or by
fax at 202/783-6024.


OCTOBER SAN CLUB EVENTS

ARIZONA

Oct. 20-21, Tucson 24th annual Old Cars and Parts
Swap Meet and Car Show
Sponsor: Contemporary Historical Vehicle Assoc.,
Southern Arizona Region
Information: 562/293-3178

CALIFORNIA

Oct. 5-7, Palmdale Buick Shootout and Team Challenge #12
Sponsor: Buick Grand National Racing Association
Information: 714/772-6201

Oct. 7, Fremont
Chrysler Bay Area Fall Classic Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: California Chrysler Products Club
Information: 408/227-1837

FLORIDA

Oct. 12-14, Tampa
14th Annual NSRA Southeast Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Information: 303/776-7841

Oct. 27, Miromar 3rd annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Fast Fords of Lee County
Information: 941/495-6831

ILLINOIS

Oct. 13, Lisle Fall Color Tour
Sponsor: Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts
Information: 630/305-9806

INDIANA

Oct. 20-21, Evansville My Classic Car Autofest Nationals
Sponsor: Carlisle Productions
Information: 717/243-7855

KANSAS

Oct. 5-8, Manhattan
2nd annual Sunflower Regional Family Reunion
Sponsor: Scout and International Motor Truck Association
Information: 785/499-6650

MARYLAND

Oct. 27, Stevensville Halloween Cruise-In and Show
Sponsor: Kent Island Cruisers
Information: 410/643-2817

MINNESOTA

Oct. 6, St. Paul Halloween Party
Sponsor: Minnesota Street Rod Association
Information: 507/263-3100

MISSISSIPPI

Oct. 3-14, Jackson
Mississippi State Fair Antique Vehicle Exhibition
Sponsor: Antique Vehicle Club of Mississippi

NEVADA

Oct. 13-14, Las Vegas Las Vegas Fuel and Gas Finals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Information: 925/838-9876

NEW YORK

Oct. 15-18, Henrietta 4th Annual Racing Against Drugs
Sponsor: Street Machines of Rochester, New York
Information: 716/663-0393

NORTH CAROLINA

Oct. 26-28, Charlotte Southeastern Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Information: 925/838-9876

PENNSYLVANIA

Oct. 4-7, Carlisle Fall Carlisle
Sponsor: Carlisle Productions
Information: 717/243-7855

Oct. 6, Doylestown MG at Mercer
Sponsor: Philadelphia MG Club
Information: 610/446-2073

Oct. 9-13, Hershey AACA National Meet
Sponsor: Antique Automobile Club of America
Information: 717/534-1910

TEXAS

Oct. 6-7, Ft. Worth Goodguys Lone Star Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Information: 925/838-9876

Oct. 14, Dallas 6th Annual Toy Drive and Car Show
Sponsor: Summer Knights Car Club
Information: 972/496-5028



SEMA Government Relations Office
1317 F St., NW, Ste. 550
Washington, D.C. 20004
202/783-6007 Fax 202/783-6024

Brian Caudill: Editor/Director of Outreach and Public Affairs
Steve McDonald: Director of Government and Technical Affairs
Stuart Gosswein: Government Affairs Manager
Andrew Rasberry: Research Coordinator

For more legislative and regulatory information, check out the
SEMA consumer website: www.enjoythedrive.com/san