From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) recently visited the world-famous King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. This SEMA-coordinated visit brought Rep. Obernolte to the event in his Southern California district, where he met with organizers and key stakeholders to go behind the scenes at Hammertown and discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the off-road and aftermarket communities. Rep. Obernolte's visit also included an aerial tour of Johnson Valley via helicopter.
Rep. Obernolte is leading the way to ensure that Johnson Valley remains a shared-use area for motorized recreation. Of note, the U.S. military released a proposal in August 2025 that would greatly expand its access to the airspace above KOH, which is used for medevac and for drone footage of events like KOH. The Congressman has led the fight to ensure the airspace above Johnson Valley continues to be shared by engaging the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration leadership on the issue.
(From left to right) Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors; Dave Cole, co-founder of King of the Hammers; U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23); Shannon Welch, vice president of the Blue Ribbon Coalition Board of Directors; and Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs.
Rep. Obernolte is also the co-lead sponsor of the "ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act," or H.R. 6688. This bipartisan bill is critical to ensuring that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after a vehicle has been modified by requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines outlining when ADAS must be calibrated and procedures clarifying the procedures for calibrating these systems. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative requesting that they support this important bill.
"King of the Hammers is more than a world-class off-road event--it is a showcase of the innovation, craftsmanship, and community that define the High Desert," said Rep. Obernolte. "Every year, it brings jobs, tourism, and national attention to our region, supporting local businesses and highlighting the deep connection between motorsports and American manufacturing. It was a pleasure to join organizers, competitors, and fans at this year’s event and to witness that impact firsthand."
For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
