By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has amended and approved the “Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act” (S. 486) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. The amended bill requires the secretary of the interior to conduct a study to determine how wildlife buffer restrictions can be reduced to allow for expanded OHV recreation. The study would determine the smallest area necessary to protect local species while opening new pedestrian and vehicle corridors around the protected land. The study report would be due one year after enactment of the new law.

The House of Representatives bill (H.R. 819) would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore. The legislation would reinstate a previous management strategy that better balances wildlife protections with responsible OHV access. S. 486 was originally identical to H.R. 819 before being amended. H.R. 819 currently awaits action by the House Judiciary Committee and S. 486 will now await consideration by the full Senate.

SEMA will continue to urge members of both the House and Senate to act quickly to re-open responsible recreational access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) participated in the June 19, 2013, “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill. The event raised awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. Hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in partnership with the SAN, the event drew car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders from across the nation.

Ethanol’s chemical property poses a risk to older cars and motorcycles. Ethanol absorbs water, which can lead to metal corrosion. It can also dissolve plastics and rubber. Most older vehicles and many motorcycles were not constructed with ethanol-compatible materials. The EPA has made it illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles and motorcycles with E15. However, the EPA only requires a warning label on the pump.

“Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), lawmakers have eliminated the free marketplace and mandated that an ever-increasing amount of ethanol be mixed in gasoline,” said Dan Sadowski, SEMA’s congressional affairs director. “A mixture of 10% ethanol no longer achieves the arbitrary RFS mandates. The EPA has now authorized 15% ethanol while acknowledging the dangers posed to older vehicles and motorcycles. Despite the EPA’s restrictions on ethanol in older cars, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.” 
  
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), an active segment of the SAN, circled the U.S. Capitol in their classic and vintage automobiles. Their message was clear—hit the brakes on ethanol. AACA believes the collection, restoration and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and all segments of society. AACA represents thousands of local car clubs and related businesses that have been instrumental in preserving this part of our unique historic heritage by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of these vintage cars. 

“For more than 75 years, AACA has fostered the growth and development of this American pastime by bringing together thousands of car enthusiasts and their collector vehicles to honor the past and our shared history,” said AACA President Tom Cox. “Now, due to a shortsighted government mandate, these vintage vehicles are at risk due to ethanol. On behalf of AACA and SAN, I encourage congress to amend the RFS mandates and conduct further research on the damaging effects of ethanol fuel. The future of our older antique vehicles depends on it.”

Rally speakers included Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Tim Griffin (R-AR), Tom Petri (R-WI), Bill Posey (R-FL), Chris Stewart (R-UT) and David Valadao (R-CA). These members of congress are not only concerned lawmakers, but are also automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts committed to addressing ethanol concerns.
 
The SAN is a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry who want to protect their hobby. Founded in 1997, the SAN was designed to help eliminate legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. For more information, please visit www.semasan.com or www.sema.org.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA) (right) and Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) President Tom Cox (left) chat after their remarks at the “Fuel for Thought” Rally in Washington, D.C.	U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) addressing the “Fuel for Thought” Rally attendees on the National Mall.
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) drove their collector vehicles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. AACA is a large and active segment of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).	U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA), co-chairman of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, speaks about the dangers of E15 to automobiles and motorcycles.
AACA members parked their collector and vintage vehicles on the National Mall in front of the United States Capitol building to exhibit some of the many vehicles affected by ethanol gasoline corrosion.	A young boy admires a classic car.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) participated in the June 19, 2013, “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill. The event raised awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. Hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in partnership with the SAN, the event drew car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders from across the nation.

Ethanol’s chemical property poses a risk to older cars and motorcycles. Ethanol absorbs water, which can lead to metal corrosion. It can also dissolve plastics and rubber. Most older vehicles and many motorcycles were not constructed with ethanol-compatible materials. The EPA has made it illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles and motorcycles with E15. However, the EPA only requires a warning label on the pump.

“Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), lawmakers have eliminated the free marketplace and mandated that an ever-increasing amount of ethanol be mixed in gasoline,” said Dan Sadowski, SEMA’s congressional affairs director. “A mixture of 10% ethanol no longer achieves the arbitrary RFS mandates. The EPA has now authorized 15% ethanol while acknowledging the dangers posed to older vehicles and motorcycles. Despite the EPA’s restrictions on ethanol in older cars, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.” 
  
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), an active segment of the SAN, circled the U.S. Capitol in their classic and vintage automobiles. Their message was clear—hit the brakes on ethanol. AACA believes the collection, restoration and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and all segments of society. AACA represents thousands of local car clubs and related businesses that have been instrumental in preserving this part of our unique historic heritage by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of these vintage cars. 

“For more than 75 years, AACA has fostered the growth and development of this American pastime by bringing together thousands of car enthusiasts and their collector vehicles to honor the past and our shared history,” said AACA President Tom Cox. “Now, due to a shortsighted government mandate, these vintage vehicles are at risk due to ethanol. On behalf of AACA and SAN, I encourage congress to amend the RFS mandates and conduct further research on the damaging effects of ethanol fuel. The future of our older antique vehicles depends on it.”

Rally speakers included Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Tim Griffin (R-AR), Tom Petri (R-WI), Bill Posey (R-FL), Chris Stewart (R-UT) and David Valadao (R-CA). These members of congress are not only concerned lawmakers, but are also automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts committed to addressing ethanol concerns.
 
The SAN is a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry who want to protect their hobby. Founded in 1997, the SAN was designed to help eliminate legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. For more information, please visit www.semasan.com or www.sema.org.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA) (right) and Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) President Tom Cox (left) chat after their remarks at the “Fuel for Thought” Rally in Washington, D.C.	U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) addressing the “Fuel for Thought” Rally attendees on the National Mall.
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) drove their collector vehicles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. AACA is a large and active segment of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).	U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA), co-chairman of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, speaks about the dangers of E15 to automobiles and motorcycles.
AACA members parked their collector and vintage vehicles on the National Mall in front of the United States Capitol building to exhibit some of the many vehicles affected by ethanol gasoline corrosion.	A young boy admires a classic car.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) participated in the June 19, 2013, “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill. The event raised awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. Hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in partnership with the SAN, the event drew car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders from across the nation.

Ethanol’s chemical property poses a risk to older cars and motorcycles. Ethanol absorbs water, which can lead to metal corrosion. It can also dissolve plastics and rubber. Most older vehicles and many motorcycles were not constructed with ethanol-compatible materials. The EPA has made it illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles and motorcycles with E15. However, the EPA only requires a warning label on the pump.

“Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), lawmakers have eliminated the free marketplace and mandated that an ever-increasing amount of ethanol be mixed in gasoline,” said Dan Sadowski, SEMA’s congressional affairs director. “A mixture of 10% ethanol no longer achieves the arbitrary RFS mandates. The EPA has now authorized 15% ethanol while acknowledging the dangers posed to older vehicles and motorcycles. Despite the EPA’s restrictions on ethanol in older cars, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.” 
  
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), an active segment of the SAN, circled the U.S. Capitol in their classic and vintage automobiles. Their message was clear—hit the brakes on ethanol. AACA believes the collection, restoration and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and all segments of society. AACA represents thousands of local car clubs and related businesses that have been instrumental in preserving this part of our unique historic heritage by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of these vintage cars. 

“For more than 75 years, AACA has fostered the growth and development of this American pastime by bringing together thousands of car enthusiasts and their collector vehicles to honor the past and our shared history,” said AACA President Tom Cox. “Now, due to a shortsighted government mandate, these vintage vehicles are at risk due to ethanol. On behalf of AACA and SAN, I encourage congress to amend the RFS mandates and conduct further research on the damaging effects of ethanol fuel. The future of our older antique vehicles depends on it.”

Rally speakers included Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Tim Griffin (R-AR), Tom Petri (R-WI), Bill Posey (R-FL), Chris Stewart (R-UT) and David Valadao (R-CA). These members of congress are not only concerned lawmakers, but are also automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts committed to addressing ethanol concerns.
 
The SAN is a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry who want to protect their hobby. Founded in 1997, the SAN was designed to help eliminate legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. For more information, please visit www.semasan.com or www.sema.org.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA) (right) and Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) President Tom Cox (left) chat after their remarks at the “Fuel for Thought” Rally in Washington, D.C.	U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) addressing the “Fuel for Thought” Rally attendees on the National Mall.
Members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) drove their collector vehicles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. AACA is a large and active segment of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).	U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-CA), co-chairman of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, speaks about the dangers of E15 to automobiles and motorcycles.
AACA members parked their collector and vintage vehicles on the National Mall in front of the United States Capitol building to exhibit some of the many vehicles affected by ethanol gasoline corrosion.	A young boy admires a classic car.

	The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.  

	The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.  

	The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.  

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.