By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA is working with Congress to pass legislation that would allow companies to manufacture up to 500 turn-key replica vehicles annually for customers nationwide. The “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” (H.R. 2675) provides new opportunities for SEMA members to grow their companies. H.R. 2675 would benefit businesses that supply equipment along with manufacturers that build and market replica vehicles. Under the measure, these are cars that resemble automobiles produced at least 25 years ago such as '30s hot rods, 50s classics and '65 Cobras.    

“Small volume auto manufacturing is almost nonexistent in the United States due to the federal government’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ method for regulating car manufacturers,” said SEMA Senior Director of Federal Affairs Stuart Gosswein. “The rules are the same whether you produce 5 million cars or five.” 

Replica car companies produce and sell kits, which can be sold to consumers as either a box of auto parts or as an assembled rolling chassis. Kit cars are sold minus the engine/transmission since federal regulators determined that installing the powertrain is the step that makes it a “motor vehicle” and subjects the manufacturer to a host of burdensome regulations.  

The “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” would permit small manufacturers to produce up to 500 replica vehicles in the United States. Cars produced under the legislation would avail themselves of a simplified regulatory structure, which recognizes the challenges of small-volume production. The bill would benefit small manufacturers, suppliers, and enthusiasts that want to buy a completed vehicle. Enthusiasts would also still have the ability to build specially constructed vehicles that don’t replicate older vehicles.

SEMA needs your help in persuading Congress to move the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” toward enactment into law. Click here to email your member of Congress and tell them to co-sponsor H.R. 2675.

For addition information on the bill, contact Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org) or Eric Snyder (erics@sema.org) at 202-783-6007.
 

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significantly lower exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds. The new limit for beryllium would be 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter, just one-tenth the current level. Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminium yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. Beryllium is frequently used in airbag, power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. If approved, OSHA estimates that the new standard would apply to about 35,000 workers and potentially prevent around 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The industry would be required to implement exposure control methods (restricted beryllium work areas, respirators, protective clothing, etc.) to meet the new limits.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significantly lower exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds. The new limit for beryllium would be 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter, just one-tenth the current level. Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminium yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. Beryllium is frequently used in airbag, power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. If approved, OSHA estimates that the new standard would apply to about 35,000 workers and potentially prevent around 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The industry would be required to implement exposure control methods (restricted beryllium work areas, respirators, protective clothing, etc.) to meet the new limits.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significantly lower exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds. The new limit for beryllium would be 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter, just one-tenth the current level. Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminium yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. Beryllium is frequently used in airbag, power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. If approved, OSHA estimates that the new standard would apply to about 35,000 workers and potentially prevent around 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The industry would be required to implement exposure control methods (restricted beryllium work areas, respirators, protective clothing, etc.) to meet the new limits.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

10th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA/NMRA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing

	The 10th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA/NMRA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing attracted more than 600 cars of various elapsed-time levels in twenty-three categories.

For the tenth year in a row, the NMCA Flowmaster Drag Racing series pulled into Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, for the Nitto Tire Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing. The exciting event joins the NMCA and its sister series, the NMRA, for a weekend of hard-launching, high-horsepower action, and this year's event attracted more than 600 cars of various elapsed-time levels in twenty-three categories.

In the fast and furious VP Racing Fuels Pro Mod class, Steve Summers lit up the track in his '70 1Ž2 Camaro with a 5.86 at 254 mph to oust Josh Green and his '69 Camaro, who was no slouch with a 6.02 at 237 mph. In ARP Nitrous Pro Street, veteran racer Don Baskin powered his '10 Camaro to a 7.39 at 184 mph to grab the win over class stalwart, Joe Bucaro, whose '04 Mustang muscled its way to a 8.83 at 99 mph. VP Racing Fuels/Stainless Works Street Outlaw action saw newcomer Rich Bruder power his '88 Mustang to a 4.53 at 163 mph and the win. Edelbrock Xtreme Street saw an exciting final between reigning class champion, David Hutnick, who blasted to a 7.75 at 179 mph in his '02 Camaro to defeat Louie Filippides, whose equally stunning '10 Camaro clocked 7.80 at 177 mph.

The next stop in the NMCA Flowmaster Drag Racing series is the 14th Annual NMCA World Street Finals featuring the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series, August 27-30, 2015, at the always-fast Summit Motorsports Park. For information go to www.nmcadigital.com.

Dalziel Sweeps GT Weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Heitkotter, Thompson Win in GTA and GT Cup

From left: Bryan Heitkotter, of Fresno, California, won in GTA and took third overall, Ryan Dalziel, of Windermere, Florida, won Round 15 and Colin Thompson, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, won Round 13 of the GT Cup presented by MOMO class.

For the second straight year, Ryan Dalziel, of Windermere, Florida, swept the GT weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, winning Round 15, part of the StopTech Grand Prix presented by MOMO. Bryan Heitkotter, of Fresno, Calif., won in GTA and finished third overall, while Colin Thompson, of Doylestown, Pa., won Round 13 of the GT Cup presented by MOMO class.

With the win, Dalziel moves into the GT Drivers' Championship lead with 1319 points over Olivier Beretta with 1305. Henrique Cisneros (1417) continues to lead over Frankie Montecalvo (1389) in GTA. Thompson continues to lead in GT Cup presented by MOMO.

GT, GTA and GT Cup presented by MOMO drivers now head to Miller Motorsports Park, Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23. Watch the races from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on CBS Sports Network, Sunday, August 9, 4 p.m. Eastern.

Southeast Dirt Riot Series Crowns Champions

	John Bodie takes the podium in the Mod Trail class of the Southeast Dirt Riot Series.

The Southeast Dirt Riot Series has come to a close and the class champions are now official. In the Mod Trail class the final results put John Bodie over Jason Dehn and David Jackson. In the SuperMod class Kenn Hite won the class for the second year in a row.

A National Dirt Riot Champion will also be awarded at the National Rampage September 26th in Bridgeport, Texas. For additional details on everything Dirt Riot go to www.DirtRiot.com.

	Colorbond Automotive Finishes will present the second annual Cleo award and $500 to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore any vehicle’s interior.

By Becca Butler

More than 2,000 exhibiting companies are gearing up for the 2015 SEMA Show, and many have already announced their product debuts, vehicle announcements and other Show-related news. Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors via the Online Media Center. Check out what these exhibitors already have planned: 

• Colorbond Automotive Finishes, Booth #23793 announces the second annual Cleo Interior Restoration Crystal Trophy and $500 to be presented at the 2015 SEMA Show. The award is given to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore the interior of any type of vehicle.

• Performance Distributors (D.U.I), Booth #38193 announces the new S.O.S. (Sultans of Spark) coils that have been designed and engineered to increase performance and improve gas mileage for 1996-2002 Range Rover and Discovery owners.

• SlideMaster by Innovative Industries Inc., Booth #38243 introduces their American-made custom-built cargo handling trays in aluminum and steel.

• Avec Products, Booth #34291 announces their new CP-Optics Off Road LED light bars. The 500W 52 in. version is designed to a stylish look as well as improved performance.

• Big Ass Solutions, Booth #10170 introduces their new Black Jack fan that provides serious airflow, yet is small enough to go wherever. It fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110V power supply, drawing less power than a toaster—only 7 amps at top speed.

• Ranch Fiberglass, Booth #36127 announces their participation in the 2015 SEMA Show. They will have two truck builds on display, both being built by Atomic Off-Road Designs and IMZZ Elite Vehicle Concepts.

• Rock Krawler/Pure Performance Group, Booth #36133 releases their Rock Racer suspension systems for the JK Wrangler. Rock Krawler has spent many months and thousands of miles in the desert, on the rocks and in the woods testing this new system.

• Miller Electric Manufacturing, Booth #24113 announces four welding and cutting demonstration areas that will be available in the Miller Electric Mfg. Co. booth. Visitors will be able to try the company’s latest MIG, TIG and metal cutting products as well as get general and technical questions answered.

• Hoosier Pattern Inc., Booth #32269 can bring projects to life quickly and accurately with their 3D printer. Eliminating the need for fabricating a pattern for the bold, Hoosier Pattern can print geometrically complex designs for 17 cents a cubic inch.

• Del City, Booth #23875 announces the Blue Sea Systems bus bars that are designed, tested and built to meet the stringent requirements of the boating, emergency and commercial vehicle industries.

• Mountain Off-Road Enterprises (M.O.R,E), Booth #37059 introduces three new off-road Jeep parts that will withstand the toughest trails while performing well and adding convenience to enthusiasts’ rigs.

For more information or to register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Colorbond Automotive Finishes will present the second annual Cleo award and $500 to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore any vehicle’s interior.

By Becca Butler

More than 2,000 exhibiting companies are gearing up for the 2015 SEMA Show, and many have already announced their product debuts, vehicle announcements and other Show-related news. Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors via the Online Media Center. Check out what these exhibitors already have planned: 

• Colorbond Automotive Finishes, Booth #23793 announces the second annual Cleo Interior Restoration Crystal Trophy and $500 to be presented at the 2015 SEMA Show. The award is given to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore the interior of any type of vehicle.

• Performance Distributors (D.U.I), Booth #38193 announces the new S.O.S. (Sultans of Spark) coils that have been designed and engineered to increase performance and improve gas mileage for 1996-2002 Range Rover and Discovery owners.

• SlideMaster by Innovative Industries Inc., Booth #38243 introduces their American-made custom-built cargo handling trays in aluminum and steel.

• Avec Products, Booth #34291 announces their new CP-Optics Off Road LED light bars. The 500W 52 in. version is designed to a stylish look as well as improved performance.

• Big Ass Solutions, Booth #10170 introduces their new Black Jack fan that provides serious airflow, yet is small enough to go wherever. It fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110V power supply, drawing less power than a toaster—only 7 amps at top speed.

• Ranch Fiberglass, Booth #36127 announces their participation in the 2015 SEMA Show. They will have two truck builds on display, both being built by Atomic Off-Road Designs and IMZZ Elite Vehicle Concepts.

• Rock Krawler/Pure Performance Group, Booth #36133 releases their Rock Racer suspension systems for the JK Wrangler. Rock Krawler has spent many months and thousands of miles in the desert, on the rocks and in the woods testing this new system.

• Miller Electric Manufacturing, Booth #24113 announces four welding and cutting demonstration areas that will be available in the Miller Electric Mfg. Co. booth. Visitors will be able to try the company’s latest MIG, TIG and metal cutting products as well as get general and technical questions answered.

• Hoosier Pattern Inc., Booth #32269 can bring projects to life quickly and accurately with their 3D printer. Eliminating the need for fabricating a pattern for the bold, Hoosier Pattern can print geometrically complex designs for 17 cents a cubic inch.

• Del City, Booth #23875 announces the Blue Sea Systems bus bars that are designed, tested and built to meet the stringent requirements of the boating, emergency and commercial vehicle industries.

• Mountain Off-Road Enterprises (M.O.R,E), Booth #37059 introduces three new off-road Jeep parts that will withstand the toughest trails while performing well and adding convenience to enthusiasts’ rigs.

For more information or to register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Colorbond Automotive Finishes will present the second annual Cleo award and $500 to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore any vehicle’s interior.

By Becca Butler

More than 2,000 exhibiting companies are gearing up for the 2015 SEMA Show, and many have already announced their product debuts, vehicle announcements and other Show-related news. Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors via the Online Media Center. Check out what these exhibitors already have planned: 

• Colorbond Automotive Finishes, Booth #23793 announces the second annual Cleo Interior Restoration Crystal Trophy and $500 to be presented at the 2015 SEMA Show. The award is given to the individual who has shown excellence in utilizing Colorbond’s finishes to restore the interior of any type of vehicle.

• Performance Distributors (D.U.I), Booth #38193 announces the new S.O.S. (Sultans of Spark) coils that have been designed and engineered to increase performance and improve gas mileage for 1996-2002 Range Rover and Discovery owners.

• SlideMaster by Innovative Industries Inc., Booth #38243 introduces their American-made custom-built cargo handling trays in aluminum and steel.

• Avec Products, Booth #34291 announces their new CP-Optics Off Road LED light bars. The 500W 52 in. version is designed to a stylish look as well as improved performance.

• Big Ass Solutions, Booth #10170 introduces their new Black Jack fan that provides serious airflow, yet is small enough to go wherever. It fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110V power supply, drawing less power than a toaster—only 7 amps at top speed.

• Ranch Fiberglass, Booth #36127 announces their participation in the 2015 SEMA Show. They will have two truck builds on display, both being built by Atomic Off-Road Designs and IMZZ Elite Vehicle Concepts.

• Rock Krawler/Pure Performance Group, Booth #36133 releases their Rock Racer suspension systems for the JK Wrangler. Rock Krawler has spent many months and thousands of miles in the desert, on the rocks and in the woods testing this new system.

• Miller Electric Manufacturing, Booth #24113 announces four welding and cutting demonstration areas that will be available in the Miller Electric Mfg. Co. booth. Visitors will be able to try the company’s latest MIG, TIG and metal cutting products as well as get general and technical questions answered.

• Hoosier Pattern Inc., Booth #32269 can bring projects to life quickly and accurately with their 3D printer. Eliminating the need for fabricating a pattern for the bold, Hoosier Pattern can print geometrically complex designs for 17 cents a cubic inch.

• Del City, Booth #23875 announces the Blue Sea Systems bus bars that are designed, tested and built to meet the stringent requirements of the boating, emergency and commercial vehicle industries.

• Mountain Off-Road Enterprises (M.O.R,E), Booth #37059 introduces three new off-road Jeep parts that will withstand the toughest trails while performing well and adding convenience to enthusiasts’ rigs.

For more information or to register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.