By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified before the U.S. Senate Clean Air Subcommittee on November 14 in support of S. 203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act took a major step forward, as the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill (H.R. 350) with bipartisan support. Approved by a vote of 33 to 20, the bill is now eligible for consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives. The RPM Act clarifies that it is legal under federal law to manufacture, sell, distribute and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a motor vehicle that is used solely for racing. 

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified November 14 before the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee. The bill is now pending before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. 

The RPM Act addresses a problem that did not exist prior to 2015 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule stating that it was illegal to convert street vehicles into racing vehicles if the emission system is taken out-of-compliance from its stock configuration. It would also make it illegal to sell any emissions-related parts for those vehicles. This interpretation was inconsistent with 45 years of previous agency policy, practice and industry understanding of the law as it applies to dedicated race vehicles.

Although the EPA withdrew the proposed rule, the agency still asserts it has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions modifications to converted vehicles used solely for competition. The RPM Act simply confirms that Congress never intended for race vehicles and parts to be regulated under the Clean Air Act.  

The racing community and the businesses that support it deserve certainty and confidence that the EPA will not go after this American pastime. While significant progress has been achieved, racers, fans and the industry must keep the pressure on their members of Congress to get the RPM Act over the finish line. 

To contact your lawmakers, visit www.sema.org/epa.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified before the U.S. Senate Clean Air Subcommittee on November 14 in support of S. 203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act took a major step forward, as the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill (H.R. 350) with bipartisan support. Approved by a vote of 33 to 20, the bill is now eligible for consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives. The RPM Act clarifies that it is legal under federal law to manufacture, sell, distribute and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a motor vehicle that is used solely for racing. 

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting testified November 14 before the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee. The bill is now pending before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. 

The RPM Act addresses a problem that did not exist prior to 2015 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule stating that it was illegal to convert street vehicles into racing vehicles if the emission system is taken out-of-compliance from its stock configuration. It would also make it illegal to sell any emissions-related parts for those vehicles. This interpretation was inconsistent with 45 years of previous agency policy, practice and industry understanding of the law as it applies to dedicated race vehicles.

Although the EPA withdrew the proposed rule, the agency still asserts it has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions modifications to converted vehicles used solely for competition. The RPM Act simply confirms that Congress never intended for race vehicles and parts to be regulated under the Clean Air Act.  

The racing community and the businesses that support it deserve certainty and confidence that the EPA will not go after this American pastime. While significant progress has been achieved, racers, fans and the industry must keep the pressure on their members of Congress to get the RPM Act over the finish line. 

To contact your lawmakers, visit www.sema.org/epa.

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

By SEMA Editors

(L–R):CTDA board member Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels with TIA President David Martin of ATD.

Tire Industry Association (TIA) President David Martin of American Tire Distributors (ATD) and SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Chairman Greg Parker of Wegmann Automotive will be featured speakers at the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA)/1-800EveryRim - OEM Wheels annual New Year Luncheon, January 17, at The Dal Rae Restaurant in Pico Rivera, California. 

SEMA WTC Chairman Greg Parker of Wegmann Automotive.

CTDA President Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will be the Master of Ceremonies. Gold sponsors to date are Federated Insurance, Yokohama, Lakin Tire, Pirelli and 1-800EveryRim, along with Silver Sponsors ATV American Tire Depot and Net Driven.

“With all due respect to our important speakers, the best part of our event is the pre-luncheon social period, including refreshments and appetizers. I call it socially networking the old-fashioned way,” said CTDA board member and event underwriter Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim - OEM Wheels.

The event is free to tire- and wheel-related industry vendors and dealers. Those interested in attending, sponsoring or providing door prizes should contact Eordekian at billy@1-800EveryRim.com.

By SEMA Editors

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and will be auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson next month in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 13–21, in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the proceeds benefitting the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck, equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFePower Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

Rogue Racing supplied the rear suspension system, front and rear bumpers, and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The front suspension system was supplied by Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and the 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Coil Springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country Wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair or BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares has raised more than $1 million for charity. This year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

By SEMA Editors

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and will be auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson next month in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 13–21, in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the proceeds benefitting the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck, equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFePower Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

Rogue Racing supplied the rear suspension system, front and rear bumpers, and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The front suspension system was supplied by Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and the 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Coil Springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country Wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair or BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares has raised more than $1 million for charity. This year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

By SEMA Editors

Loaded with aftermarket upgrades, the SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4 was built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and will be auctioned for charity at Barrett Jackson next month in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SEMA Cares ’17 Ford F-250 Super Duty SuperCab XLT 4x4, built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 13–21, in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the proceeds benefitting the Childhelp children’s charity.

The truck, equipped with a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel, was tuned at aFe Power in Corona, California, with an aFePower Scorcher HD Electronic Power Module, Momentum HD air intake air cleaner, and 5-in. DPF-back exhaust system. The upgrades added 50 hp and nearly 100 lb.-ft. of torque, totaling 397 hp and 817 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

Rogue Racing supplied the rear suspension system, front and rear bumpers, and custom bed rack. LGE*CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California, installed the fenders and managed the custom matte silver/black/bronze paint scheme. The front suspension system was supplied by Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and the 3.0 External Bypass full adjustable shocks utilize Icon Coil Springs. A performance front sway bar by Hellwig Suspension Products added more control.

The wheels are custom Raceline bronze 935M Defenders with 2-in. Rough Country Wheel spacers, and are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires.

Baja Designs provided the lighting, featuring 10-in. LEDs, four wide/driving S8 10-in. lightbars and another two S2 Pro LED flush-mount amber spots. In addition, the Rogue Racing Enforcer front bumper has two S2 Pro LED driving lights and two XL-R Pro LED driving/combo ambers. A Warn Zeon 12s winch was mounted to the Rogue unit.

A Curt manufacturing Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch was installed to handle towing duties. The AMP Research Power Step XL retractable steps are illuminated when they are down to help improve footing when it’s dark.

A pair or BD Squadron Pros were mounted atop the Rogue Racing bed cage. An ARB Twin Compressor rests underneath the truck for when more air is needed.

Mounted near the A-pillar, an sPOD 8-Circuit SE System was tasked with operating all of the lights, and the stock stereo system was upgraded with a SYNC 3 system and a Kicker Audio–powered vehicle-specific sub enclosure.

To date, SEMA Cares has raised more than $1 million for charity. This year alone, SEMA Cares raised $95,000 from the sale of the Ford Maverick and $75,000 from the sale of the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler.

The ’19 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was caught showing off a less-rugged look. This prototype depicts a new design language, which features curves and sweeping lines—something never seen before on a Silverado.

GM is expected to make some radical changes to its fullsize pickups in the form of an aluminum-intensive construction to shed weight and improve efficiency, following the Ford F-150’s similar efforts. The company is said to be working on making stronger aluminum and learning from Ford’s implementation of aluminum.

A turbocharged V6 option is also said to be offered with the new generation of GM trucks, as is a diesel V6 (confirmed). The 10-speed automatic already seen in the Camaro ZL1 should replace the current eight-speed unit in many, if not all, versions of the Silverado.

The Silverado should be revealed next year, with an on-sale date late in 2018.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde