A bill (H.B. 3214) to ban the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems or exhaust system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise that exceeds noise limits has been introduced by Oregon State Representative Phil Barnhart.

Under the bill, noise limits would be specified in rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, in 1991, the DEQ terminated its noise-control program. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee for consideration. Among other things, the bill would prohibit the sale of these exhaust systems in Oregon and the sale of these systems by an Oregon-based business to an out-of-state customer; provides no clear standard to enforce, and refers to DEQ noise standards that are not currently in use; and makes no accommodation for SEMA-model legislation to allow vehicle hobbyists to buy and install aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

For more information, click here. For details, please contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A bill (H.B. 3214) to ban the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems or exhaust system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise that exceeds noise limits has been introduced by Oregon State Representative Phil Barnhart.

Under the bill, noise limits would be specified in rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, in 1991, the DEQ terminated its noise-control program. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee for consideration. Among other things, the bill would prohibit the sale of these exhaust systems in Oregon and the sale of these systems by an Oregon-based business to an out-of-state customer; provides no clear standard to enforce, and refers to DEQ noise standards that are not currently in use; and makes no accommodation for SEMA-model legislation to allow vehicle hobbyists to buy and install aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

For more information, click here. For details, please contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011, which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

SEMA applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. SEMA also supports a newly introduced bill (H.R. 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011, which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

SEMA applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. SEMA also supports a newly introduced bill (H.R. 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

UNBELIEVABLE: In only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start, 20-year-old Trevor Bayne shocked the world by driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford to victory in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

VIVA LAS VEGAS: After months of speculation, it was confirmed Tuesday that the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights will conclude the season October 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

CANCELED: The season-opening Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix has been canceled because of the violent protests calling for democratic reform, which have erupted in the country in recent weeks.

SIGNED: Chase Elliott, the 15-year-old son of 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bill Elliott, has signed a driver-development contract with Hendrick Motorsports.

SANCTIONED: The Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway will receive sanctioning from the Lucas Oil Late-Model Dirt Series this year.

SPONSORED: DHL, a leading logistics company, has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Andretti Autosport to serve as the co-primary sponsor of IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay.

LIMITED: Conor Daly, the 2010 Star Mazda Championship Series champion, will compete in five Firestone Indy Lights events with Sam Schmidt Motorsports this year.

IN HONOR OF: To honor Jeff Byrd, the late president and general manager of Bristol (Tennessee) Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway who died in October, Food City will step aside as sponsor of the March 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup event so it can be known as the Jeff Byrd 500.

NOW IN CHARGE: Steve Sexton, former president and CEO of Churchill Downs Entertainment and former president of Churchill Downs, has joined the Formula One United States Grand Prix management team as president.

STARTING TIME: The 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 will start an hour earlier this year, as 33 of the best drivers in the world will take the green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 12:00 p.m. on May 29.

CASHING IN: Daryn Pittman pocketed $10,500 by winning the Ronald Laney Memorial for 360 sprint cars as part of the 13th King of the 360s Saturday night at Florida’s East Bay Raceway Park.

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