From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Classic Instruments in August welcomed Republican Michigan state Rep. Parker Fairbairn for a tour of its Boyne City, Michigan, facility, to share the impact of the aftermarket industry on the state's economy.
As a member of the Michigan Legislature, Rep. Fairbairn plays an important role in supporting small manufacturers and advancing policies that impact the specialty-equipment and motorsports industries. He is serving his first term representing District 107, containing the cities of Boyne City, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Harbor Springs, Mackinac Island, Petoskey, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace. Rep. Fairbairn sits on the Regulatory Reform Committee as vice chair, the Natural Resources and Tourism, Communication and Technology, and Energy Committees. He is familiar with the industry and has previously attended the SEMA Show.
A key topic discussed during Rep. Fairbairn's visit was SEMA's top state legislative priority heading into 2026: protecting race tracks from nuisance claims, specifically when tracks were built before nearby development occurred. Preserving race tracks by shielding them from civil lawsuits is essential to sustaining grassroots motorsports and supporting the broader automotive culture. SEMA will continue its advocacy efforts in the next legislative session to ensure racetracks are protected and motorsports can continue to thrive in Michigan and beyond.
A Local Example of the Aftermarket's National Clout
The visit is part of SEMA's ongoing effort to build strong relationships with lawmakers, educate them on the aftermarket industry's priorities and ensure that the future of automotive innovation, from performance to personalization, remains protected and supported in the state that is the heart of the American auto industry.
Founded in 1977, Classic Instruments designs, engineers and manufactures custom gauges from its 14,000-sq.-ft. headquarters, where it employs a dedicated team of 25. Classic Instruments is a pillar of the local community and has earned numerous awards for its support of law enforcement, fire departments and local sports organizations. Its reputation and community involvement made it a natural stop to host Rep. Fairbairn.
Michigan's specialty equipment aftermarket and performance racing industries make a significant contribution to the state's economy. The specialty-equipment market generates $34.67 billion in total economic impact, supports 116,186 jobs, provides $9.46 billion in wages and benefits and contributes $3.53 billion in taxes paid. Moreover, Michigan's racing industry accounts for $6.95 billion in total economic impact, supports 24,643 jobs, provides $1.86 billion in wages and benefits and contributes $791.75 million in taxes paid annually.
Host Your Own Tour
Hosting local lawmakers at your facility is a valuable opportunity to highlight your business, introduce your team and build stronger connections with those shaping public policy. These visits are especially impactful when elected officials witness the skill, dedication and pride that go into the work at small, family-owned operations which serve as the heart of the automotive aftermarket. Seeing your shop in action puts a human face on the policies they consider. It reinforces that behind every regulation are real people, quality jobs and local communities.
If you are interested in hosting a lawmaker at your facility, SEMA's Government Affairs team is here to help make it happen. Contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.
