By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 410) has been introduced in the Georgia House to conditionally allow for the installation and operation of bar-shaped auxiliary lighting on a motor vehicle when driving on public roads.

Legislation (H.B. 410) has been introduced in the Georgia House to conditionally allow for the installation and operation of bar-shaped auxiliary lighting on a motor vehicle when driving on public roads. Current law allows the use of such auxiliary lighting only for off-road purposes. The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Motor Vehicles Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Congress instructed the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a process for requesting an exclusion from the 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese products. The directive was included in the federal spending bill signed into law in February. The exclusion process was to be the same as established for $50 billion worth of Chinese goods subject to 25% tariffs. However, USTR Ambassador Lighthizer only intends to establish an exclusion process if the 10% tariffs increase to 25%. It is his contention that the recent devaluation of the Chinese Yuan means the 10% tariff is only having a 2% or 3% impact.

President Trump has delayed indefinitely a proposed increase in the 10% tariffs. U.S. and Chinese officials are reportedly making progress in talks to resolve trade disputes. They are drafting six separate agreements covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity.

To address the exclusion dispute, SEMA-supported legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that would mandate creation of an USTR program for the 10% tariffed-products (along with any other Chinese products covered in the future). The bill is called the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1452/S. 577). It has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE). SEMA will provide updates as the legislation is scheduled for consideration.  

For the tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, the USTR will consider granting an exclusion if a company can demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the tariff will cause severe economic harm and that the good is strategically important. Tariffs on the $50 billion worth of Chinese products cover some automotive products; however, most covered auto parts are subject to the 10% tariffs. It is estimated that U.S. importers have paid the U.S. Treasury $12.2 billion in Chinese tariffs as of February 21.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Congress instructed the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a process for requesting an exclusion from the 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese products. The directive was included in the federal spending bill signed into law in February. The exclusion process was to be the same as established for $50 billion worth of Chinese goods subject to 25% tariffs. However, USTR Ambassador Lighthizer only intends to establish an exclusion process if the 10% tariffs increase to 25%. It is his contention that the recent devaluation of the Chinese Yuan means the 10% tariff is only having a 2% or 3% impact.

President Trump has delayed indefinitely a proposed increase in the 10% tariffs. U.S. and Chinese officials are reportedly making progress in talks to resolve trade disputes. They are drafting six separate agreements covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity.

To address the exclusion dispute, SEMA-supported legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that would mandate creation of an USTR program for the 10% tariffed-products (along with any other Chinese products covered in the future). The bill is called the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1452/S. 577). It has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE). SEMA will provide updates as the legislation is scheduled for consideration.  

For the tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, the USTR will consider granting an exclusion if a company can demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the tariff will cause severe economic harm and that the good is strategically important. Tariffs on the $50 billion worth of Chinese products cover some automotive products; however, most covered auto parts are subject to the 10% tariffs. It is estimated that U.S. importers have paid the U.S. Treasury $12.2 billion in Chinese tariffs as of February 21.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Congress instructed the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a process for requesting an exclusion from the 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese products. The directive was included in the federal spending bill signed into law in February. The exclusion process was to be the same as established for $50 billion worth of Chinese goods subject to 25% tariffs. However, USTR Ambassador Lighthizer only intends to establish an exclusion process if the 10% tariffs increase to 25%. It is his contention that the recent devaluation of the Chinese Yuan means the 10% tariff is only having a 2% or 3% impact.

President Trump has delayed indefinitely a proposed increase in the 10% tariffs. U.S. and Chinese officials are reportedly making progress in talks to resolve trade disputes. They are drafting six separate agreements covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity.

To address the exclusion dispute, SEMA-supported legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that would mandate creation of an USTR program for the 10% tariffed-products (along with any other Chinese products covered in the future). The bill is called the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1452/S. 577). It has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE). SEMA will provide updates as the legislation is scheduled for consideration.  

For the tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, the USTR will consider granting an exclusion if a company can demonstrate that the product is available only from China, that the tariff will cause severe economic harm and that the good is strategically important. Tariffs on the $50 billion worth of Chinese products cover some automotive products; however, most covered auto parts are subject to the 10% tariffs. It is estimated that U.S. importers have paid the U.S. Treasury $12.2 billion in Chinese tariffs as of February 21.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show are offering additional discounts for a limited time.

Make your SEMA Show hotel reservations before March 27 for additional early-bird discounts. The hotels are:

• Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas
• Bellagio
• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• MGM Grand Hotel Casino
• New York, New York Hotel and Casino
• Park MGM
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara Hotel and Spa

All hotel rates listed on the Travel & Lodging page of www.SEMAShow.com include resort fees.

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show are offering additional discounts for a limited time.

Make your SEMA Show hotel reservations before March 27 for additional early-bird discounts. The hotels are:

• Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas
• Bellagio
• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• MGM Grand Hotel Casino
• New York, New York Hotel and Casino
• Park MGM
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara Hotel and Spa

All hotel rates listed on the Travel & Lodging page of www.SEMAShow.com include resort fees.

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show are offering additional discounts for a limited time.

Make your SEMA Show hotel reservations before March 27 for additional early-bird discounts. The hotels are:

• Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas
• Bellagio
• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• MGM Grand Hotel Casino
• New York, New York Hotel and Casino
• Park MGM
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara Hotel and Spa

All hotel rates listed on the Travel & Lodging page of www.SEMAShow.com include resort fees.

Toyota and the SEMA Garage are providing members with a rare opportunity to measure the new 2020 Supra, well in advance of its Summer 2019 release.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964

Toyota and the SEMA Garage are providing members with a rare opportunity to measure the new 2020 Supra, well in advance of its Summer 2019 release.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Yando Ulloa took the win in both the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout and Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout.

25th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Race Wrap

The 25th Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout was held last weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. Below are the results.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Vince Palazzolo and his ’09 Mustang squared off against Dominic Didonato’s ’04 Mustang in the finals, where Palazzolo hauled in an Edelbrock Victor award on the merit of a 4.47 at a 160.54-mph pass.

Edelbrock Renegade: Haley James and her ’93 Mustang LX squared off with Joe Guertin’s four-eyed Fox in the finals, where James cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle with a 4.82 at 146-mph rip.

ProCharger Modified Street: Bob Cook’s Fox met Brad Schehr in the final round, where Schehr flexed his 7.95-second muscle, while Cook ran well off the pace, making for an easy victory.

Limited Street: Michael Ciborowski faced Sondra Leslie in the finals, where he won with an 8.841 to Leslie’s 8.844.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Tim Matherly and his ’03 Mustang faced Clair Stewart II in the finals, where Matherly took the win with a 10.282 to Stewart’s quicker, but losing, 10.249.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Both driving ’90 Mustangs, Dan Ryntz met Gary Windsor in the finals, where Ryntz took the win on a 10.45 at 125-mph pass.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Shane Williams met Susan McClenaghan in the finals, where Williams ran closer to his dial-in to take the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway piloted his ’85 Ranger to the uncontested win.

Roush Performance Super ’Stang: Miles Wagoner and his ’16 Mustang GT took the win in the final round against Marvin Knack.

ARP Open Comp: Junior McKenzie lit the red bulb and handed Larry Geddes the win and a trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: Bill Lee Jr. got the jump on John Butsko in the finals to take the win.

QA1 True Street: Jeff Bloem earned the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle courtesy of 7.82-, 7.79- and 8.09-second passes that delivered a 7.904-second average. Not only did Bloem take home the class win, but he also earned the first entry into the eight-car IDIDIT King of the Street eliminator that will be settled at the 21st Annual NMRA All-Ford World Finals in September. The other winners in QA1 True Street include Dwayne Hickman (9 seconds), Joshua Levin (10 seconds), Robert Ball (11 seconds), Mike Baker (12 seconds), Louis Mendes (13 seconds), Chris Parisi (14 seconds) and Patrick Bruce (15 seconds).

TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout: Yandro Ulloa and his turbo Cobra squared off against Steve Shrader’s New Edge racer in the finals, where Ulloa cruised to the win.

JLT Performance Spring Break Shootout: Jeff Bloem took the win over Mike Jovanis with a final-round blast of 7.62 at 168.82.

Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown, presented by Ford Performance: Paul Roderick and his ’13 Cobra Jet met David Swanson’s ’14 Cobra Jet in the finals, where the newer Cobra Jet struck just a little too soon and lit the red bulb, handing the win to Roderick, who still ran a 9.14 on a 9.15 dial-in on the free pass.

Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Yandro Ulloa faced Randy Thomas in the finals, where Ulloa’s Cobra took the win on an 8.11 at 165-mph run.

Hellion Turbo Battle: Justin Jordan’s turbocharged Coyote machine met Paul Albino’s ’04 Lightning in the finals, where Jordan cruised to the win with a 7.45 at 191.65-mph blast.

NMRA Bracket 1 and Bracket 2: Stanley Albritton took the win over Jerry Norton in the finals. Meanwhile, Doug Poskevich soldiered through six rounds to the finals, where he defeated Bill Unkel.

Presented by COPO Parts Direct, the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout is open to all Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles from 1969 to present.

50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout Announced

ProMedia Events has been selected to host the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout at its NMCA All-American Nationals event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, August 22–25. Presented by COPO Parts Direct, this event is open to all Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles (tributes/clones permitted) from 1969 to present, with activities that include a drag race, custom winners circle experience, racer happy hours, special celebration luncheons and a free parts raffle. The winner of the COPO Camaro Shootout will receive $3,000 cash, an NMCA Victor award and will be treated to a champagne celebration in the Aerospace Components Winners Circle.

Yokohama is partnering with Porsche Motorsport North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Organization as the sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama.

Yokohama Tire Returns as Sponsor and Exclusive Tire Provider for Porsche Pikes Peak Division

For the second straight year, Yokohama is partnering with Porsche Motorsport North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Organization as the sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama. Action sports star and Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana won the inaugural class last year and is set to defend his title in the “Race to the Clouds,” June 30, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pastrana will race against five others in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy division, including fellow Team Yokohama member and Nitro Circus performer Blake “Bilko” Williams.

4 Wheel Parts President Craig Scanlon Seeks History in Mint 400 Desert Race

Craig Scanlon, an experienced professional UTV racecar driver, will attempt to complete the unofficial Mint 800, Sunday, March 10, with a UTV Pro class race in the morning followed by a Class 6100 Trophy Truck Spec race in the afternoon. The attempt will be chronicled in “Chasing the Mint,” a mini-documentary in development that will spotlight Scanlon’s Mint 800 participation at the same time he’s running Transamerican Auto Parts. The three-part video series began on The Dirt by 4WP, Monday, March 1, and gave an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the effort it takes to prepare for such an endeavor. For more information, visit www.4wp.com/TheDirt.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.