A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote by all members. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives. 

Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure defines a "vintage travel trailer" as a travel trailer, camping trailer, or fifth-wheel trailer that is 30 years old or older and primarily a collector's item that is used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, occasional recreational or vacation use and other similar uses. 

More information is available.

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

SEMA-model legislation that would allow Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was introduced in the Iowa State Senate. A subcommittee of the Senate Transportation Committee considered the bill February 15, 2012. The bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. Iowa becomes the third state, after Hawaii and West Virginia, to introduce the SEMA model. 

More information is available.

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

SEMA-model legislation that would allow Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was introduced in the Iowa State Senate. A subcommittee of the Senate Transportation Committee considered the bill February 15, 2012. The bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. Iowa becomes the third state, after Hawaii and West Virginia, to introduce the SEMA model. 

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 approved by the Washington State Senate, clearing its way for consideration by the Washington House of Representatives. 

Under a SEMA-drafted amendment, 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 approved by the Washington State Senate, clearing its way for consideration by the Washington House of Representatives. 

Under a SEMA-drafted amendment, 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.

WC Vision, SCCA Pro Racing Announce Leadership Changes for Pirelli World Challenge Championships
WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing announced leadership changes for the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Director of Operations Scott Bove moves to president and chief executive officer, and Geoffery Carter, a veteran of professional motorsports for the more than two decades, was named the competition director for the series. Bove has been part of the World Challenge leadership teams for the past three years and fostered growth and success in all facets of the series as the director of operations for WC Vision. Carter joins the Pirelli World Challenge after 20 years in professional racing in a number of top-level positions with race teams in ChampCar, American Le Mans and Grand Am Rolex.

	Left to right: Jack "JR" Ries, Jill Ries, Jim Ries and son Jake at the Classic Performance Products' flag dedication ceremony. The company is celebrating 20 years in 2012.

Classic Performance Products Celebrates 20 Years
Classic Performance Products Inc. celebrates 20 years of business in 2012. The specialist in steering, brakes and suspension products for classic trucks opened in December 1991. The company expanded in 1993 to a new storefront in with a 300-sq.-ft. showroom in Buena Park, California. Along with company growth came an expansion of the product line to include the classic car market. In May of 2005, the company moved buildings to its current Anaheim, California, location. Today, the company occupies more than 40,000 sq. ft., which includes a 3,000-sq.-ft. showroom, plus sales and business offices and shipping and receiving departments.

Be Cool Founder Announces Company Sale
Be Cool Inc. founder Roger Rosebush announced that the company has been sold to Aerospace America of Bay City, which will now handle Michigan-based product manufacturing. Rosebush also said the company will increase services and product development in the years ahead, and he will remain with the company as a consultant to help ensure a smooth transition.

Subaru Impreza Named MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Sport Compact
The Subaru Impreza received the 2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Compact Car during the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Subaru set sales records in 2011 and has started 2012 with sales up 21% compared to the previous year, the company reports. The Impreza is equipped with a 148hp 2.0L Boxer engine and is available with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an enhanced Lineartronic CVT. According to Subaru, the 2012 Impreza offers the highest fuel economy of any all-wheel drive car in America, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for models with CVT.

Perris Auto Speedway Named Small Business of the Year
Perris Auto Speedway was named Small Business of the Year by Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Grant Bennett presented the award to promoter Don Kazarian earlier this month. The half-mile clay oval will open its 17th season on Saturday, February 25, with the Sokola Shootout featuring Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, California Lightning Sprint cars and the PAS Senior Sprints.

Ohio Technical College Launch Pages on Facebook, Twitter
Ohio Technical College announced that it is using the two leading forms of social media—Facebook and Twitter—to communicate directly with car enthusiasts and prospective students while highlighting the curriculum. The Ohio Technical College Facebook page features school announcements, photos of student projects, videos and links to industry stories. The school's Twitter page (www.twitter.com/OhioTechCollege) includes details on real-world training, links and photos from inside the classroom, and information about upcoming events.  

Surf City Garage, Hopkins Manufacturing Announce Marketing Partnership
Surf City Garage and Hopkins Manufacturing entered into a marketing partnership through which Hopkins will design, market and distribute Enthusiast Grade vehicle cleaning tools and accessories that complement the Surf City Garage car care product line. All tools will bear the Surf Garage brand name. The Enthusiast Grade detailing tools will be rolled out in 2012, according to the companies. 

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council (SPC)—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market. Joining this community of industry trendsetters, entitles members to several distinct benefits, including:

	Visit www.sema.org/spc to learn more about the Street Performance Council and begin to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Educational Opportunities: As a member of SPC, you have direct access to many powerful educational tools developed by the council to address the challenges, opportunities and trends of the street performance segment. Available through the SEMA Education Institute, these sessions have been archived for SPC members to access. 

Networking: Throughout the year, the SPC offers one-on-one networking opportunities for members to speak with the top manufacturers, distributors, retailers and tuners in the street performance segment. Throughout the year, the SPC provides the environment necessary to have the conversations that can facilitate the growth of your career, company and industry. As a council member, you'll be on the guest list for private SPC-sponsored events, industry-only receptions at the SEMA Show, as well as virtual meetings held online using social networking sites.   

Recognition: The SPC provides special recognition to those members who have proven to be tremendous leaders in the industry, while creating a forum for upcoming talent to share their opinions.  Members are encouraged to write council- and industry-specific news pieces to be published and distributed to a targeted audience of more than 100,000 auto industry professionals through SEMA eNews. In addition, the SPC recognizes members who have volunteered their personal and professional time to the market segment with a range of prestigious industry awards at the annual SEMA Show.

The SPC is open to all SEMA members. Visit www.sema.org/spc to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council (SPC)—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market. Joining this community of industry trendsetters, entitles members to several distinct benefits, including:

	Visit www.sema.org/spc to learn more about the Street Performance Council and begin to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Educational Opportunities: As a member of SPC, you have direct access to many powerful educational tools developed by the council to address the challenges, opportunities and trends of the street performance segment. Available through the SEMA Education Institute, these sessions have been archived for SPC members to access. 

Networking: Throughout the year, the SPC offers one-on-one networking opportunities for members to speak with the top manufacturers, distributors, retailers and tuners in the street performance segment. Throughout the year, the SPC provides the environment necessary to have the conversations that can facilitate the growth of your career, company and industry. As a council member, you'll be on the guest list for private SPC-sponsored events, industry-only receptions at the SEMA Show, as well as virtual meetings held online using social networking sites.   

Recognition: The SPC provides special recognition to those members who have proven to be tremendous leaders in the industry, while creating a forum for upcoming talent to share their opinions.  Members are encouraged to write council- and industry-specific news pieces to be published and distributed to a targeted audience of more than 100,000 auto industry professionals through SEMA eNews. In addition, the SPC recognizes members who have volunteered their personal and professional time to the market segment with a range of prestigious industry awards at the annual SEMA Show.

The SPC is open to all SEMA members. Visit www.sema.org/spc to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council (SPC)—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market. Joining this community of industry trendsetters, entitles members to several distinct benefits, including:

	Visit www.sema.org/spc to learn more about the Street Performance Council and begin to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Educational Opportunities: As a member of SPC, you have direct access to many powerful educational tools developed by the council to address the challenges, opportunities and trends of the street performance segment. Available through the SEMA Education Institute, these sessions have been archived for SPC members to access. 

Networking: Throughout the year, the SPC offers one-on-one networking opportunities for members to speak with the top manufacturers, distributors, retailers and tuners in the street performance segment. Throughout the year, the SPC provides the environment necessary to have the conversations that can facilitate the growth of your career, company and industry. As a council member, you'll be on the guest list for private SPC-sponsored events, industry-only receptions at the SEMA Show, as well as virtual meetings held online using social networking sites.   

Recognition: The SPC provides special recognition to those members who have proven to be tremendous leaders in the industry, while creating a forum for upcoming talent to share their opinions.  Members are encouraged to write council- and industry-specific news pieces to be published and distributed to a targeted audience of more than 100,000 auto industry professionals through SEMA eNews. In addition, the SPC recognizes members who have volunteered their personal and professional time to the market segment with a range of prestigious industry awards at the annual SEMA Show.

The SPC is open to all SEMA members. Visit www.sema.org/spc to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council (SPC)—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market. Joining this community of industry trendsetters, entitles members to several distinct benefits, including:

	Visit www.sema.org/spc to learn more about the Street Performance Council and begin to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Educational Opportunities: As a member of SPC, you have direct access to many powerful educational tools developed by the council to address the challenges, opportunities and trends of the street performance segment. Available through the SEMA Education Institute, these sessions have been archived for SPC members to access. 

Networking: Throughout the year, the SPC offers one-on-one networking opportunities for members to speak with the top manufacturers, distributors, retailers and tuners in the street performance segment. Throughout the year, the SPC provides the environment necessary to have the conversations that can facilitate the growth of your career, company and industry. As a council member, you'll be on the guest list for private SPC-sponsored events, industry-only receptions at the SEMA Show, as well as virtual meetings held online using social networking sites.   

Recognition: The SPC provides special recognition to those members who have proven to be tremendous leaders in the industry, while creating a forum for upcoming talent to share their opinions.  Members are encouraged to write council- and industry-specific news pieces to be published and distributed to a targeted audience of more than 100,000 auto industry professionals through SEMA eNews. In addition, the SPC recognizes members who have volunteered their personal and professional time to the market segment with a range of prestigious industry awards at the annual SEMA Show.

The SPC is open to all SEMA members. Visit www.sema.org/spc to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.