SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,000. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,000. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	In 2011, a total of $112,000 in scholarship awards was granted to 68 recipients through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), the association helps prepare the next generation of the automotive workforce for today's competitive market through financial assistance for students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in the United States. In fact, the fund has yielded more than $1.5 million in scholarships since 1984.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The application, available online at www.sema.org/scholarships, requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation.

SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop in Springfield, Tennessee, that specializes in chassis and suspension work.

Morgan shared some thoughts about what he loves about motorsports and fabrication and offers advice for students applying for scholarships and for those just starting out in the automotive industry.

SEMA Education Institute: Why did you choose to pursue a career in custom fabrication? Was it because of your enthusiasm for racing? A family hobby that inspired you?

Kyle Morgan: Racing has always been a passion of mine that probably was instilled into me by my late grandpa, who had a restoration shop in his back yard when I was growing up. He used to tell me stories about how when I was there with him, I would pick up screwdrivers and wrenches and beat on things to copy what he was doing. I don't follow the traditional path that I believe most do with racing in the South, where NASCAR and drag racing are popular. I would watch WRC, Le-Mans and any other road racing events I could get my hands on. I started my amateur racing career with the TRSCCA auto-crossing.

SEI: Do you plan to continue your higher education?

	SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop (pictured) out of Springfield, Tennessee.

Kyle Morgan: Formally, at an institution, no, but in this field of ever-changing technology, we never can be content with the information that we have already learned; we are forever learning. When I'm not at work, I am constantly browsing Internet forums, industry publications, journals, books, DVDs and any source of knowledge that I can learn from to help further my abilities to succeed in this great industry.

SEI: What advice would you give to a student applying for scholarships now?

Kyle Morgan: Treat it as you would an interview for a coveted job. Being a recipient is an honor and a privilege that is granted to few and can open doors in your field.

SEI: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to pursue an education/career in the automotive industry?

Kyle Morgan: Do not just pursue a career in the industry simply because you feel it's an easy way out of a harder job. When I was in school, there were students everywhere who were only there because their parents gave them an ultimatum of going to college or getting a job. Sadly, most of them chose to go to school for something they thought would be easy and quick. I'm here to tell you that this is one of the few industries that requires you to be dedicated to your passion and if your heart is not in it, you are going to struggle the whole way. This industry is not a so-called nine-to-five job. I can remember when I was first getting the shop up and running—working seven days a week most of the time, 16 hours a day. It takes dedication and willingness to learn.

	In 2011, a total of $112,000 in scholarship awards was granted to 68 recipients through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), the association helps prepare the next generation of the automotive workforce for today's competitive market through financial assistance for students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in the United States. In fact, the fund has yielded more than $1.5 million in scholarships since 1984.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The application, available online at www.sema.org/scholarships, requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation.

SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop in Springfield, Tennessee, that specializes in chassis and suspension work.

Morgan shared some thoughts about what he loves about motorsports and fabrication and offers advice for students applying for scholarships and for those just starting out in the automotive industry.

SEMA Education Institute: Why did you choose to pursue a career in custom fabrication? Was it because of your enthusiasm for racing? A family hobby that inspired you?

Kyle Morgan: Racing has always been a passion of mine that probably was instilled into me by my late grandpa, who had a restoration shop in his back yard when I was growing up. He used to tell me stories about how when I was there with him, I would pick up screwdrivers and wrenches and beat on things to copy what he was doing. I don't follow the traditional path that I believe most do with racing in the South, where NASCAR and drag racing are popular. I would watch WRC, Le-Mans and any other road racing events I could get my hands on. I started my amateur racing career with the TRSCCA auto-crossing.

SEI: Do you plan to continue your higher education?

	SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop (pictured) out of Springfield, Tennessee.

Kyle Morgan: Formally, at an institution, no, but in this field of ever-changing technology, we never can be content with the information that we have already learned; we are forever learning. When I'm not at work, I am constantly browsing Internet forums, industry publications, journals, books, DVDs and any source of knowledge that I can learn from to help further my abilities to succeed in this great industry.

SEI: What advice would you give to a student applying for scholarships now?

Kyle Morgan: Treat it as you would an interview for a coveted job. Being a recipient is an honor and a privilege that is granted to few and can open doors in your field.

SEI: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to pursue an education/career in the automotive industry?

Kyle Morgan: Do not just pursue a career in the industry simply because you feel it's an easy way out of a harder job. When I was in school, there were students everywhere who were only there because their parents gave them an ultimatum of going to college or getting a job. Sadly, most of them chose to go to school for something they thought would be easy and quick. I'm here to tell you that this is one of the few industries that requires you to be dedicated to your passion and if your heart is not in it, you are going to struggle the whole way. This industry is not a so-called nine-to-five job. I can remember when I was first getting the shop up and running—working seven days a week most of the time, 16 hours a day. It takes dedication and willingness to learn.

	In 2011, a total of $112,000 in scholarship awards was granted to 68 recipients through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), the association helps prepare the next generation of the automotive workforce for today's competitive market through financial assistance for students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in the United States. In fact, the fund has yielded more than $1.5 million in scholarships since 1984.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The application, available online at www.sema.org/scholarships, requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation.

SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop in Springfield, Tennessee, that specializes in chassis and suspension work.

Morgan shared some thoughts about what he loves about motorsports and fabrication and offers advice for students applying for scholarships and for those just starting out in the automotive industry.

SEMA Education Institute: Why did you choose to pursue a career in custom fabrication? Was it because of your enthusiasm for racing? A family hobby that inspired you?

Kyle Morgan: Racing has always been a passion of mine that probably was instilled into me by my late grandpa, who had a restoration shop in his back yard when I was growing up. He used to tell me stories about how when I was there with him, I would pick up screwdrivers and wrenches and beat on things to copy what he was doing. I don't follow the traditional path that I believe most do with racing in the South, where NASCAR and drag racing are popular. I would watch WRC, Le-Mans and any other road racing events I could get my hands on. I started my amateur racing career with the TRSCCA auto-crossing.

SEI: Do you plan to continue your higher education?

	SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Kyle Morgan. Morgan is the the co-owner of Never Lift Fabrications, a small race shop (pictured) out of Springfield, Tennessee.

Kyle Morgan: Formally, at an institution, no, but in this field of ever-changing technology, we never can be content with the information that we have already learned; we are forever learning. When I'm not at work, I am constantly browsing Internet forums, industry publications, journals, books, DVDs and any source of knowledge that I can learn from to help further my abilities to succeed in this great industry.

SEI: What advice would you give to a student applying for scholarships now?

Kyle Morgan: Treat it as you would an interview for a coveted job. Being a recipient is an honor and a privilege that is granted to few and can open doors in your field.

SEI: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to pursue an education/career in the automotive industry?

Kyle Morgan: Do not just pursue a career in the industry simply because you feel it's an easy way out of a harder job. When I was in school, there were students everywhere who were only there because their parents gave them an ultimatum of going to college or getting a job. Sadly, most of them chose to go to school for something they thought would be easy and quick. I'm here to tell you that this is one of the few industries that requires you to be dedicated to your passion and if your heart is not in it, you are going to struggle the whole way. This industry is not a so-called nine-to-five job. I can remember when I was first getting the shop up and running—working seven days a week most of the time, 16 hours a day. It takes dedication and willingness to learn.

Collector Car Appreciation Day will be here sooner than you think! The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate Friday, July 13, SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

As many of you are aware, the date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA/SAN is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s national significance.

In previous years, the U.S. Senate helped launch national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions at SEMA/SAN’s request. As a result, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils encourage SEMA-member companies to host an event, organize a “drive your collector car to work” campaign or otherwise honor the day. Collector Car Appreciation Day celebrates our nation’s automotive heritage and the well-paying, high-skilled jobs, which are supported through vehicle restoration and customization.

Don’t be left behind. Schedule your celebration today! Contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org to have your event added to the list.