By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Our customers are the driving force behind our individual businesses, our industry, and our community. Our customers rallied with us and other industry leaders when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put forth a regulation that would have made it illegal to convert a street vehicle or motorcycle into a competition-only race vehicle, forcing the EPA to withdraw the proposal. What started as a small action has become an unprecedented national movement to save our race cars.

In order to protect our right to race now and into the future, SEMA’s allies in the U.S. Congress introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (RPM Act) in both the House and Senate. The RPM Act simply confirms that it has always been legal to perform such modifications and will erase any doubts that the exemption applies to racing parts and vehicle modifications.

The hobby’s potency surrounding the effort to protect motorsports remains strong. As racers, fans and industry members, we must sustain this energy. Consistent action must be taken at each stage of the legislative process to drive our messages home and to GET CONGRESS TO ACT.

We urge SEMA Members to bring this energy to your storefronts, websites, and garages and mobilize your customers into to action to protect the sport we love.

Here's What You Can Do

• Contact Congress: While many legislators and government officials have voiced support for the RPM Act, many elected officials are still undecided. It only takes a few minutes.
• Sign the RPM Act letter: www.sema.org/RPMAct
• Call your Representatives directly: www.sema.org/rpm-call
• Spread the word: Post content from SEMA’s toolkit (www.sema.org/rpmtools) on your company websites, e-mail, social media, forums, blogs, etc.
• Join the hobby’s legislative voice, SEMA Action Network (SAN): For additional materials, including retail displays, first enlist at www.SEMAsan.com/join. There is no cost, spam or catch.

The rallying cry for lasting automotive freedoms has never been louder; awareness hasn’t been wider, and our momentum never greater.

Want to read more? Check out this month’s SAN spotlight.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Our customers are the driving force behind our individual businesses, our industry, and our community. Our customers rallied with us and other industry leaders when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put forth a regulation that would have made it illegal to convert a street vehicle or motorcycle into a competition-only race vehicle, forcing the EPA to withdraw the proposal. What started as a small action has become an unprecedented national movement to save our race cars.

In order to protect our right to race now and into the future, SEMA’s allies in the U.S. Congress introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (RPM Act) in both the House and Senate. The RPM Act simply confirms that it has always been legal to perform such modifications and will erase any doubts that the exemption applies to racing parts and vehicle modifications.

The hobby’s potency surrounding the effort to protect motorsports remains strong. As racers, fans and industry members, we must sustain this energy. Consistent action must be taken at each stage of the legislative process to drive our messages home and to GET CONGRESS TO ACT.

We urge SEMA Members to bring this energy to your storefronts, websites, and garages and mobilize your customers into to action to protect the sport we love.

Here's What You Can Do

• Contact Congress: While many legislators and government officials have voiced support for the RPM Act, many elected officials are still undecided. It only takes a few minutes.
• Sign the RPM Act letter: www.sema.org/RPMAct
• Call your Representatives directly: www.sema.org/rpm-call
• Spread the word: Post content from SEMA’s toolkit (www.sema.org/rpmtools) on your company websites, e-mail, social media, forums, blogs, etc.
• Join the hobby’s legislative voice, SEMA Action Network (SAN): For additional materials, including retail displays, first enlist at www.SEMAsan.com/join. There is no cost, spam or catch.

The rallying cry for lasting automotive freedoms has never been louder; awareness hasn’t been wider, and our momentum never greater.

Want to read more? Check out this month’s SAN spotlight.

By Becca Butler

The three 2015 Battle of the Builders® finalists—(L-R) Bobby Alloway, Chip Foose and Alan Johnson—were seen with “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs prior to the announcement of the winner.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition brings together the world’s best builders for a chance to compete for the title of the ultimate builder. As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the competition will be televised in a nationwide special airing on the Velocity Network.

New for 2016 is a special program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional recognition through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share it with the rest of the world.”

For more details and to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb before the September 15 deadline.

By Becca Butler

The three 2015 Battle of the Builders® finalists—(L-R) Bobby Alloway, Chip Foose and Alan Johnson—were seen with “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs prior to the announcement of the winner.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition brings together the world’s best builders for a chance to compete for the title of the ultimate builder. As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the competition will be televised in a nationwide special airing on the Velocity Network.

New for 2016 is a special program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional recognition through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share it with the rest of the world.”

For more details and to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb before the September 15 deadline.

By Becca Butler

The three 2015 Battle of the Builders® finalists—(L-R) Bobby Alloway, Chip Foose and Alan Johnson—were seen with “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs prior to the announcement of the winner.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition brings together the world’s best builders for a chance to compete for the title of the ultimate builder. As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the competition will be televised in a nationwide special airing on the Velocity Network.

New for 2016 is a special program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional recognition through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share it with the rest of the world.”

For more details and to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb before the September 15 deadline.

By Becca Butler

The three 2015 Battle of the Builders® finalists—(L-R) Bobby Alloway, Chip Foose and Alan Johnson—were seen with “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic and Chris Jacobs prior to the announcement of the winner.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition brings together the world’s best builders for a chance to compete for the title of the ultimate builder. As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the competition will be televised in a nationwide special airing on the Velocity Network.

New for 2016 is a special program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional recognition through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s President and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share it with the rest of the world.”

For more details and to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb before the September 15 deadline.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Denny Hamlin’s victory last weekend at Watkins Glen International was the first in his first career on a road course, and his second trip to Gatorade Victory Lane this season.

Denny Hamlin Earns First Road Course Win in Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International

Denny Hamlin outlasted a slew of late-race crashes and a final-lap charge from Martin Truex Jr. to win the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen last Sunday afternoon. The victory was the first in his career on a road course, and his second trip to Gatorade Victory Lane this season. The race totaled eight cautions for 24 laps, two red flags for 30 minutes and one more dramatic NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finish at The Glen. Watkins Glen International’s race season continues September 1–4 with the return of the IndyCar Series.

NMCA action continued last weekend for the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl Of Street Legal Drag Racing.

NMCA Race Wrap for the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl Of Street Legal Drag Racing

VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod: Kevin Fiscus in the twin-turbo FKR Mustang drove past the nitrous-injected Musi mountain motor, grabbing the win with a 3.84 at 209 mph to Tim Savell’s 3.86 at 200.

Dart Pro Stock Shootout: Steve Graham took the win over Nino Cavallo, who had clocked a quicker, but losing 7.01 at 196.

Mickey Thompson Radial Wars: DeWayne Mills narrowly drove past Mark Micke in Jason Carter’s Malibu for the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Wiseco Performance/VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Jacky McCarty was victorious over Charles Hull as Hull went -.009 red in the 4.436 to 4.438 final-round contest.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Kevin Skinner in his new 2016 Cobra Jet faced Chuck Watson in the final where Skinner edged past Watson at the stripe, 8.38 to 8.40.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Andy Vogt in his third-gen Trans Am defeated the Mercury Cyclone of Randy Dolensek in a 7.52 to 8.03 matchup.

Quick Lane of Downs Ford NA 10.5: Mike DeMayo Jr. defeated Dwight Ausmus with a 7.98-second top-end charge.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Glenn Pushis took the event win in a 10.37 to 10.42 contest with Ronnie Hackelton.

National Parts Depot Factory Appearing Stock Tire (FAST): Dave Dudek proved unstoppable in his ’69 Roadrunner, and while he faced a capable machine in Terry Pennington’s ’69 Camaro—driven by Ed Keim—Dudek’s 10.26 at 136 mph was far too quick to beat this weekend.

Redline Motorsports MX235: Brad Medlock powered past Brian Edwards for the win, 4.72 to 5.55.

Fastest Street Car Top Sportsman: Eddie Banderowicz in his ’68 Camaro defeated Benjamin Board in his ’12 Camaro.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Chuck Hockenberry drove his Mustang to the win over Jason Coomer, with a 10.02 on a 10.00 to Coomer’s 9.06 on a 9.03.

ATI Performance Products Nostalgia Super Stock: The winner was decided at the start with D.W. Hopkins going -.005 red, but Jeff Frees was worse with a -.021 and subsequently took the runner-up spot.

Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle Car: Jerry Stamps and his ’73 Duster used a 12.08 on his 12.00 index to defeat Brenda Blair and her ’77 Caprice, who went 12.18 on her 12.00 index.

Gear Vendors True Street: Adam Hodson was the overall winner after piloting his ’73 Camaro to a 9.47 average, and Tom Javan of South Elgin, Illinois was the runner-up with a 9.88 average. Dan Pachar of Orange, Texas, wheeled his ’16 Camaro to the 11-second win, while Bob Hoffman of Sandwich, Illinois pushed his ’87 Grand National to the 12-second win. Morgan Hixon of Plainfield used a ’92 Firebird to take the 13-second win, while Al Gvorra flew to the 14-second win. Dan Lambert relied on his ’12 Challenger to achieve the 15-second win.

True Street B3: In the final round, Chris Parisi went -.005 red and handed the win to Gavin Hanson.

In the Super Bowl runoffs, it was a back and forth battle with the NMCA taking an early two-point lead, followed by the NMRA rallying back to a two-point lead as well. The NMCA needed to sweep the final three pairings, and Kevin Fiscus led the charge, followed by Louie Filippides and DeWayne Mills to secure the team win and pick up the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree rings and bonus money.

The NMCA moves to Summit Motorsports Park next, where the 15th Annual NMCA World Street Finals will go down, and class champions will be crowned.

Callaway Competition remains title contender, leading in teams’ championship points.

Callaway Competition remains Title Contender at Nürburgring

With last weekend's ADAC GT Masters round at the Nürburgring, Callaway Competition has entered the decisive phase in the final part of the season. The Leingarten, Germany-based race team remains title contender, leading in teams’ championship points. Jules Gounon and Daniel Keilwitz qualified the #77 ROLLER/Valvoline Corvette C7 GT3-R in a sixth-place for the Saturday race. Finishing the race in fifth place extended the duo’s lead in the ADAC GT Masters Drivers’ Championship. The sister Callaway Corvette, driven by Patrick Assenheimer and Dominik Schwager secured a Top-10 finish in P10.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Denny Hamlin’s victory last weekend at Watkins Glen International was the first in his first career on a road course, and his second trip to Gatorade Victory Lane this season.

Denny Hamlin Earns First Road Course Win in Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International

Denny Hamlin outlasted a slew of late-race crashes and a final-lap charge from Martin Truex Jr. to win the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen last Sunday afternoon. The victory was the first in his career on a road course, and his second trip to Gatorade Victory Lane this season. The race totaled eight cautions for 24 laps, two red flags for 30 minutes and one more dramatic NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finish at The Glen. Watkins Glen International’s race season continues September 1–4 with the return of the IndyCar Series.

NMCA action continued last weekend for the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl Of Street Legal Drag Racing.

NMCA Race Wrap for the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl Of Street Legal Drag Racing

VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod: Kevin Fiscus in the twin-turbo FKR Mustang drove past the nitrous-injected Musi mountain motor, grabbing the win with a 3.84 at 209 mph to Tim Savell’s 3.86 at 200.

Dart Pro Stock Shootout: Steve Graham took the win over Nino Cavallo, who had clocked a quicker, but losing 7.01 at 196.

Mickey Thompson Radial Wars: DeWayne Mills narrowly drove past Mark Micke in Jason Carter’s Malibu for the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Wiseco Performance/VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Jacky McCarty was victorious over Charles Hull as Hull went -.009 red in the 4.436 to 4.438 final-round contest.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Kevin Skinner in his new 2016 Cobra Jet faced Chuck Watson in the final where Skinner edged past Watson at the stripe, 8.38 to 8.40.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Andy Vogt in his third-gen Trans Am defeated the Mercury Cyclone of Randy Dolensek in a 7.52 to 8.03 matchup.

Quick Lane of Downs Ford NA 10.5: Mike DeMayo Jr. defeated Dwight Ausmus with a 7.98-second top-end charge.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Glenn Pushis took the event win in a 10.37 to 10.42 contest with Ronnie Hackelton.

National Parts Depot Factory Appearing Stock Tire (FAST): Dave Dudek proved unstoppable in his ’69 Roadrunner, and while he faced a capable machine in Terry Pennington’s ’69 Camaro—driven by Ed Keim—Dudek’s 10.26 at 136 mph was far too quick to beat this weekend.

Redline Motorsports MX235: Brad Medlock powered past Brian Edwards for the win, 4.72 to 5.55.

Fastest Street Car Top Sportsman: Eddie Banderowicz in his ’68 Camaro defeated Benjamin Board in his ’12 Camaro.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Chuck Hockenberry drove his Mustang to the win over Jason Coomer, with a 10.02 on a 10.00 to Coomer’s 9.06 on a 9.03.

ATI Performance Products Nostalgia Super Stock: The winner was decided at the start with D.W. Hopkins going -.005 red, but Jeff Frees was worse with a -.021 and subsequently took the runner-up spot.

Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle Car: Jerry Stamps and his ’73 Duster used a 12.08 on his 12.00 index to defeat Brenda Blair and her ’77 Caprice, who went 12.18 on her 12.00 index.

Gear Vendors True Street: Adam Hodson was the overall winner after piloting his ’73 Camaro to a 9.47 average, and Tom Javan of South Elgin, Illinois was the runner-up with a 9.88 average. Dan Pachar of Orange, Texas, wheeled his ’16 Camaro to the 11-second win, while Bob Hoffman of Sandwich, Illinois pushed his ’87 Grand National to the 12-second win. Morgan Hixon of Plainfield used a ’92 Firebird to take the 13-second win, while Al Gvorra flew to the 14-second win. Dan Lambert relied on his ’12 Challenger to achieve the 15-second win.

True Street B3: In the final round, Chris Parisi went -.005 red and handed the win to Gavin Hanson.

In the Super Bowl runoffs, it was a back and forth battle with the NMCA taking an early two-point lead, followed by the NMRA rallying back to a two-point lead as well. The NMCA needed to sweep the final three pairings, and Kevin Fiscus led the charge, followed by Louie Filippides and DeWayne Mills to secure the team win and pick up the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree rings and bonus money.

The NMCA moves to Summit Motorsports Park next, where the 15th Annual NMCA World Street Finals will go down, and class champions will be crowned.

Callaway Competition remains title contender, leading in teams’ championship points.

Callaway Competition remains Title Contender at Nürburgring

With last weekend's ADAC GT Masters round at the Nürburgring, Callaway Competition has entered the decisive phase in the final part of the season. The Leingarten, Germany-based race team remains title contender, leading in teams’ championship points. Jules Gounon and Daniel Keilwitz qualified the #77 ROLLER/Valvoline Corvette C7 GT3-R in a sixth-place for the Saturday race. Finishing the race in fifth place extended the duo’s lead in the ADAC GT Masters Drivers’ Championship. The sister Callaway Corvette, driven by Patrick Assenheimer and Dominik Schwager secured a Top-10 finish in P10.

By Jason Catullo

Several Vegas hotels still have rooms available, including Circus Circus.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

Currently, there are a range of hotels that still have rooms available. Powered by the Show’s official housing partner OnPeak, Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms and the added perks, such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings.

The list below is a sampling of of the hotels available in nearly every price range. Click to learn more about the hotel and to make room reservations.

• Aria Resort & Casino
• Bellagio
• Circus Circus
• Excalibur Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
• Luxor Las Vegas
• Mirage
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Stratosphere
• Treasure Island
• Tropicana Las Vegas
• Vdara Hotel and Spa

More information about the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By Jason Catullo

Several Vegas hotels still have rooms available, including Circus Circus.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists hotel properties that can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

Currently, there are a range of hotels that still have rooms available. Powered by the Show’s official housing partner OnPeak, Showgoers receive the guaranteed lowest rates for their rooms and the added perks, such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings.

The list below is a sampling of of the hotels available in nearly every price range. Click to learn more about the hotel and to make room reservations.

• Aria Resort & Casino
• Bellagio
• Circus Circus
• Excalibur Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
• Luxor Las Vegas
• Mirage
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Stratosphere
• Treasure Island
• Tropicana Las Vegas
• Vdara Hotel and Spa

More information about the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.