By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named 2019 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year.

The finalists for the industry’s most prestigious industry awards—SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year—have been announced.

Finalists for the Manufacturer of the Year Award are:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• AEM Performance Electronics
• Redline Detection

Finalists for the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award are:

• Justin Hartenstein, director of product innovation at Oracle Lighting
• Matt Kossoff, owner and founder of The Retrofit Source
• Brendan McGrath, CEO of Dyme Performance Systems

Winners of the awards will be announced virtually as part of the SEMA Awards Celebration, airing on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST). It is a unique opportunity for the entire industry to gather online and celebrate. The program will also include the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year and recognitions of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology; Jack Chisenhall, Vintage Air; John Gaines, G&M Performance Parts; and Joe St. Lawrence, RTM Productions.

“The celebration of industry icons and legends is always a highlight during SEMA Week—and while 2020 may look a little different, the celebration will continue,” said Lindsay Bianco, manager, membership projects. “We invite everyone to tune in from the comfort of their homes, phones and desktops and join us for a night to remember.”

Log on to the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST) to join in the celebration.

By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named 2019 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year.

The finalists for the industry’s most prestigious industry awards—SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year—have been announced.

Finalists for the Manufacturer of the Year Award are:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• AEM Performance Electronics
• Redline Detection

Finalists for the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award are:

• Justin Hartenstein, director of product innovation at Oracle Lighting
• Matt Kossoff, owner and founder of The Retrofit Source
• Brendan McGrath, CEO of Dyme Performance Systems

Winners of the awards will be announced virtually as part of the SEMA Awards Celebration, airing on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST). It is a unique opportunity for the entire industry to gather online and celebrate. The program will also include the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year and recognitions of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology; Jack Chisenhall, Vintage Air; John Gaines, G&M Performance Parts; and Joe St. Lawrence, RTM Productions.

“The celebration of industry icons and legends is always a highlight during SEMA Week—and while 2020 may look a little different, the celebration will continue,” said Lindsay Bianco, manager, membership projects. “We invite everyone to tune in from the comfort of their homes, phones and desktops and join us for a night to remember.”

Log on to the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST) to join in the celebration.

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced its plans to launch its first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship on November 5, 2020.

AACF board president Lynn Parker said, “When the SEMA and AAPEX trade shows were cancelled in the interest of public safety, AACF made the decision to cancel its largest annual fundraising event, the Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament. While this was the right thing to do, we needed to find a way for aftermarket industry employees to connect and have fun as an industry family, and raise funds to assist those in need during this challenging time.”

AACF’s first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship will be an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete in real-time via 60 Topgolf locations throughout North America. The Top Contender format increases the competitive fun, as teams from all locations will compete in real time in the same game. Live leaderboards will be displayed in each time zone starting at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on November 5.

Teams of six players each will compete against other teams to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets. The more accurate the shot, the more points each team will earn. A national champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. See video here. 

Deadline for registration is November 3.

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced its plans to launch its first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship on November 5, 2020.

AACF board president Lynn Parker said, “When the SEMA and AAPEX trade shows were cancelled in the interest of public safety, AACF made the decision to cancel its largest annual fundraising event, the Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament. While this was the right thing to do, we needed to find a way for aftermarket industry employees to connect and have fun as an industry family, and raise funds to assist those in need during this challenging time.”

AACF’s first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship will be an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete in real-time via 60 Topgolf locations throughout North America. The Top Contender format increases the competitive fun, as teams from all locations will compete in real time in the same game. Live leaderboards will be displayed in each time zone starting at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on November 5.

Teams of six players each will compete against other teams to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets. The more accurate the shot, the more points each team will earn. A national champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. See video here. 

Deadline for registration is November 3.

By John Santos

The 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online, January 26–28.

The 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will take place entirely online, January 26–28, 2021, making it easy for manufacturers and media to connect, engage and interact entirely online from anywhere in the world.

Exhibitor applications are open exclusively to MPMC members at www.sema.org/mtc through November 6, 2020.

Featuring manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for reporters and journalists and makes it easy and efficient to conduct interviews and obtain content for stories. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By John Santos

The 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online, January 26–28.

The 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will take place entirely online, January 26–28, 2021, making it easy for manufacturers and media to connect, engage and interact entirely online from anywhere in the world.

Exhibitor applications are open exclusively to MPMC members at www.sema.org/mtc through November 6, 2020.

Featuring manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for reporters and journalists and makes it easy and efficient to conduct interviews and obtain content for stories. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By SEMA Editors

Enabled by a GM-designed three-motor e4WD system and advanced, selectable driving modes, the ’22 GMC HUMMER EV “will be the ultimate off-road EV supertruck,” according to General Motors sources, with all-new features developed to help address tough obstacles and terrain.

A number of exciting new, high-performance vehicles aimed at the enthusiast market are in the pipeline, including GM’s innovative electric HUMMER EV, scheduled for production as a ’22 model.

Enabled by a GM-designed three-motor e4WD system and advanced, selectable driving modes, the ’22 GMC HUMMER EV “will be the ultimate off-road EV supertruck,” according to General Motors sources, with all-new features developed to help address tough obstacles and terrain.

The HUMMER EV will be the first full-electric vehicle in GMC’s portfolio and is powered by General Motors’ new Ultium battery system. The battery cells will be produced as part of a joint venture with LG Chem, at a new facility, in Lordstown, Ohio. Initial production begins in late 2021, at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center9—a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to electric vehicle production. Future production vehicles out of the factory will offer zero emissions. At launch, the HUMMER EV is offered exclusively in the Edition 1 model, featuring the full range of off-road-driving technologies including the Extreme Off-Road Package.

“Our goal was to develop the most capable, factory off-road pickup on the market. We’re excited to show the world what 100-plus years of truck know-how can do when applied to EV power,” said Al Oppenheiser, HUMMER EV chief engineer.

The HUMMER EV’s unique architecture offers inherent advantages for off-road driving, with the placement of the batteries contributing to a low center of gravity for stability, while the design of the drive motors eliminates the axle “pumpkins” and prop shaft in conventional trucks, which helps optimize ground clearance.

The all-new structure eliminates conventional frame rails, which would raise the center of gravity, and makes the battery pack a fundamental structural element of the chassis. It is protected by sturdy shear panels above and below the double-stacked batteries, while an exceptionally rigid floor above the battery pack helps the body resist twisting, even with the Sky Panels of the Infinity Roof removed.  

The Six-Function GMC MultiPro Tailgate helps improve accessing, loading and unloading HUMMER EV’s cargo bed.

Multiple Drive Modes

A unique e4WD drive system with torque vectoring will enable maneuverability and traction unlike anything GM has ever offered, with capabilities including climbing 60% grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-in. verticals and fording water more than 2 ft. deep.

HUMMER EV’s Drive Mode Control’s five drive modes—four pre-configured modes and the driver-configurable My Mode—will enable the driver to tailor the vehicle’s performance, including torque distribution, four-wheel steering, ride height, shock damping, throttle maps, brakes and interior sound enhancement. The modes suit a variety of driving conditions, from rock crawling to highway driving and even trailering.

Off-Road Performance Features

The HUMMER EV Edition 1’s off-road features are extensive. They include independent front and rear suspension systems, paired to the drive motors and designed to optimize handling in off-road conditions and ride comfort on the highway. There is also a front e-locker—an electronically controlled, driver-selectable locking differential that elevates traction capability by locking both front wheels, so that they turn at the same speed. Up to 100% of available torque can be sent to either of the front wheels for maximum traction capability and fully synchronized e4WD propulsion, and a rear virtual locker that simulates a locking differential for the dual-motor rear drive unit. It is capable of torque vectoring, which can vary the amount of torque sent to each wheel to optimize not only traction in off-road conditions, but enhance on-road driving dynamics.

Heavy-duty ball-spline half-shafts maximize axle articulation for maneuverability, while also reducing feedback through the steering system in hard-cornering and other off-road driving conditions. Standard 18-in. wheels with 35-in.-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires that offer exceptional strength and flexibility to optimize maneuverability. Additionally, the vehicle is engineered to accommodate 37-in. tires.

Underbody armor, consists of five skid plates/rock sliders and two underbody shields to protect the battery pack, drive units and other key components. UltraVision5 includes new front and rear underbody cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. The underbody cameras are specially packaged to help protect against damage and equipped with a wash function to help remove debris. HUMMER EV offers a total of 18 available camera views from the vehicle, helping increase awareness of surroundings, serving as a virtual spotter.

More Torque than Diesel

Without the constraints of a conventional propulsion system and traditional drive axles, power control is available at each wheel, keeping the HUMMER EV moving in some of the toughest driving conditions and terrain, retaining maneuverability and suspension articulation—including nearly 13 in. of suspension travel.

Edition 1’s three electric drive motors within Ultium Drive will yield a combined GM-estimated 1,000 hp, and when multiplied through the front- and rear-drive unit gear ratios, there will be more than a GM-estimated 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque available at the wheels. The system’s pure electric propulsion holds peak torque much longer, through a wider speed range (up to 40 mph) than even diesel engines, which is optimal for off-roading, but also thrilling on-road. For straight-line performance, the Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive will offer enough power to enable the Watts to Freedom performance feature, launching the HUMMER EV from 0-60 mph in approximately 3 seconds (based on GM estimates).

HUMMER EV will have the ability to take advantage of the industry’s fastest 350-kilowatt DC fast chargers4. This vehicle will offer a GM-estimated 350+ miles of range based on preliminary testing, with a unique ability to switch its battery pack from its native 400 volts to 800 volts for charging. A disconnect unit and mechanization within the pack enables the battery to switch from “parallel” to “series,” allowing it to add nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging, according to the manufacturer.

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The 2020 campaign season is nearing a close, and it is important that the men and women who make up the specialty automotive aftermarket make their voices heard on election day. The stakes couldn’t be higher on November 3. Before you head into the voting booth, please take time to learn about the members of Congress and state lawmakers who support the automotive aftermarket. The sections below highlight members of the congressional and state automotive enthusiast caucuses in addition to the members of Congress who are the aftermarket’s biggest champions.  

The race for the presidency between incumbent President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, has consumed the national media’s attention, although voters will also elect all 435 members of the U.S. House, 35 U.S. senators, 13 governors and thousands of state and local leaders in 44 states holding legislative elections. With the finish line so close, there is no better time to prepare for and fulfill our civic duty as Americans. The Voter Information tool on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website provides you with information on your state’s voting dates and deadlines. In advance, find out if your state and federal representatives are affiliated with the automotive hobby-friendly, SEMA-supported federal and states caucuses at www.semaSAN.com/FederalCaucus (includes 71 members of Congress) and www.semaSAN.com/StateCaucus (comprised of more than 700 state lawmakers). You can also locate your elected officials under the “Legislators” tab at www.semaSAN.com.  

Many of the racing and performance industry’s closest allies are up for re-election. It is imperative that these lawmakers are re-elected and back in office next year to fight for the industry and the hobbyists that make it possible. Please note the members of Congress profiled in this article and take time to research the people running to represent you in Washington and in your state capitol.

Why wait? Act today by planning to vote! If you won’t be able to make it to the polls on November 3, don’t forget to make plans to vote early or by absentee ballot. On behalf of our industry, take part in our democracy and make your voice heard on election day.

KEY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Congressman Sanford Bishop proudly serves as co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Bishop is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and has been serving in Congress since 1992. He’s been a longtime supporter of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which clarifies that it is legal for companies to manufacture, sell, distribute, and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a car, truck, or motorcycle that is being converted for race use only. He was also a cosponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which created a streamlined regulatory process for small automotive businesses looking to produce classically styled replica vehicles. To learn more about Rep. Bishop’s support for the industry, click here.

U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
A first-term member of Congress, Rep. Anthony Brindisi has proven himself to be a strong supporter of motorsports. He enthusiastically agreed to support the RPM Act shortly after becoming a member of Congress and has since worked with senior lawmakers to advance the bill. Rep. Brindisi has also fought to reopen New York racetracks to spectators. He is co-chair of the moderate Blue Dog Caucus and is a member of both the Bipartisan Working Group and the Career and Technical Education Caucus.

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC)
During his time in Congress, Rep. Richard Hudson has proven himself to be a defender of motorsports. As a passionate racing fan and the hometown congressman for Charlotte Motor Speedway and much of the race parts industry, Rep. Hudson is the only member of Congress who prominently displays the hood of a race car in his Washington, D.C., office. He is the leading Republican voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the RPM Act and has even questioned the two past U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrators during public hearings about their position on the conversion of motor vehicles for racing. To learn more about Rep. Hudson’s stalwart support for the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
While there are more than a few gearheads in Congress, the zeal Congressman Doug LaMalfa has for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class of his own. Rep. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years, and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow in the decades since. His fleet includes Ford trucks from ’34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Rep. LaMalfa is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, and is a strong advocate for the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. LaMalfa’s passion for everything automotive, click here.

U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Elected to Congress at the age of 29, Rep. Patrick McHenry quickly rose through the ranks and distinguished himself as a leader in the House. A longstanding member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Rep. McHenry contacted SEMA upon hearing about the EPA’s efforts to regulate race parts and prohibit motor vehicles from being converted for racing. Within a matter of days he had introduced the RPM Act, and he’s been a leading advocate for the bill ever since. To learn more about Rep. McHenry through a Q&A with the Congressman, click here.

U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, Congressman Markwayne Mullin has been a strong ally of automotive enthusiasts on the powerful Energy & Commerce Committee. He was the lead sponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act and has advocated for the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the law. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Mullin grew his family’s plumbing company from a small business to one of the largest service companies in eastern Oklahoma. Rep. Mullin is an automotive enthusiast whose hobbies include rock crawling, working cattle, and mixed martial arts. To learn more about Rep. Mullin, here’s an interview and video about the Congressman.  

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL)
A longtime racer, Rep. Bill Posey is also co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. Growing up near Los Angeles, Rep. Posey spent his early days attending races with his father. Rep. Posey started racing midgets at age 5 and raced for many years afterward before running for Congress. He is the proud owner of a ’66 Chevelle Malibu and has been a champion for both the RPM Act and all things racing. To learn more about Rep. Posey, click here.

U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Before he was elected to Congress, Rep. Raul Ruiz spent his formative years working on the pit crew of his father’s Southern California midget team. The four-term congressman is the lead Democrat sponsor of the RPM Act and has been a prominent voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the bill. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Ruiz was an emergency physician at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, and founded the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative, which brought together stakeholders from across the region to address local healthcare needs.

U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
As the proud owner of a midnight-blue ’14 Ford Shelby Cobra Mustang that’s equipped with a 662-hp engine and racing tires, Congressman Kurt Schrader has a passion for speed. He is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and is a leading voice for racing on the Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. Schrader and his visit to Warn Industries, a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)
As the longtime congressman representing Sonoma Raceway (and the surrounding communities), it is no coincidence that Rep. Mike Thompson is a champion of all things racing. Rep. Thompson is co-chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and a co-sponsor of the RPM Act. He was the lead sponsor of the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, a bill that made permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Having become the first female U.S. Senator in West Virginia’s history in 2014, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has proven herself a strong advocate for the state. Sen. Capito chaired the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air during the 2017–2018 session of Congress, marshalling the RPM Act through a hearing on the bill. She has been a strong supporter of racing and is an original cosponsor of the bill. To learn more about why Sen. Capito served as an original cosponsor of the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
A longtime motorcyclist, Sen. Gary Peters is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus. When Congress is out of session in August, Sen. Peters is known for spending a week traveling across Michigan by motorcycle to meet with his constituents. He has been a strong supporter of the RPM Act during his first term in the Senate. To learn more about Sen. Peters and his visit to a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Hailing from a state with a rich racing heritage, Sen. Thom Tillis understands the importance of motorsports to North Carolina, and is a passionate advocate for racers and the race parts industry. Sen. Tillis is an original sponsor of the RPM Act and has worked closely with North Carolina’s Senior Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to support the bill.  

*SEMA would also like to recognize U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Joe Manchin (D-WV), who are among the strongest allies of the racing industry. It is important to highlight each of these senators while noting that they are not up for re-election in 2020. Senators Burr and Manchin serve as RPM Act lead sponsors, and Senators Braun and Tester have been tireless advocates for the bill. Additionally, Senators Burr and Tester serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The 2020 campaign season is nearing a close, and it is important that the men and women who make up the specialty automotive aftermarket make their voices heard on election day. The stakes couldn’t be higher on November 3. Before you head into the voting booth, please take time to learn about the members of Congress and state lawmakers who support the automotive aftermarket. The sections below highlight members of the congressional and state automotive enthusiast caucuses in addition to the members of Congress who are the aftermarket’s biggest champions.  

The race for the presidency between incumbent President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, has consumed the national media’s attention, although voters will also elect all 435 members of the U.S. House, 35 U.S. senators, 13 governors and thousands of state and local leaders in 44 states holding legislative elections. With the finish line so close, there is no better time to prepare for and fulfill our civic duty as Americans. The Voter Information tool on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website provides you with information on your state’s voting dates and deadlines. In advance, find out if your state and federal representatives are affiliated with the automotive hobby-friendly, SEMA-supported federal and states caucuses at www.semaSAN.com/FederalCaucus (includes 71 members of Congress) and www.semaSAN.com/StateCaucus (comprised of more than 700 state lawmakers). You can also locate your elected officials under the “Legislators” tab at www.semaSAN.com.  

Many of the racing and performance industry’s closest allies are up for re-election. It is imperative that these lawmakers are re-elected and back in office next year to fight for the industry and the hobbyists that make it possible. Please note the members of Congress profiled in this article and take time to research the people running to represent you in Washington and in your state capitol.

Why wait? Act today by planning to vote! If you won’t be able to make it to the polls on November 3, don’t forget to make plans to vote early or by absentee ballot. On behalf of our industry, take part in our democracy and make your voice heard on election day.

KEY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Congressman Sanford Bishop proudly serves as co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Bishop is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and has been serving in Congress since 1992. He’s been a longtime supporter of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which clarifies that it is legal for companies to manufacture, sell, distribute, and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a car, truck, or motorcycle that is being converted for race use only. He was also a cosponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which created a streamlined regulatory process for small automotive businesses looking to produce classically styled replica vehicles. To learn more about Rep. Bishop’s support for the industry, click here.

U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
A first-term member of Congress, Rep. Anthony Brindisi has proven himself to be a strong supporter of motorsports. He enthusiastically agreed to support the RPM Act shortly after becoming a member of Congress and has since worked with senior lawmakers to advance the bill. Rep. Brindisi has also fought to reopen New York racetracks to spectators. He is co-chair of the moderate Blue Dog Caucus and is a member of both the Bipartisan Working Group and the Career and Technical Education Caucus.

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC)
During his time in Congress, Rep. Richard Hudson has proven himself to be a defender of motorsports. As a passionate racing fan and the hometown congressman for Charlotte Motor Speedway and much of the race parts industry, Rep. Hudson is the only member of Congress who prominently displays the hood of a race car in his Washington, D.C., office. He is the leading Republican voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the RPM Act and has even questioned the two past U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrators during public hearings about their position on the conversion of motor vehicles for racing. To learn more about Rep. Hudson’s stalwart support for the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
While there are more than a few gearheads in Congress, the zeal Congressman Doug LaMalfa has for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class of his own. Rep. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years, and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow in the decades since. His fleet includes Ford trucks from ’34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Rep. LaMalfa is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, and is a strong advocate for the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. LaMalfa’s passion for everything automotive, click here.

U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Elected to Congress at the age of 29, Rep. Patrick McHenry quickly rose through the ranks and distinguished himself as a leader in the House. A longstanding member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Rep. McHenry contacted SEMA upon hearing about the EPA’s efforts to regulate race parts and prohibit motor vehicles from being converted for racing. Within a matter of days he had introduced the RPM Act, and he’s been a leading advocate for the bill ever since. To learn more about Rep. McHenry through a Q&A with the Congressman, click here.

U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, Congressman Markwayne Mullin has been a strong ally of automotive enthusiasts on the powerful Energy & Commerce Committee. He was the lead sponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act and has advocated for the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the law. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Mullin grew his family’s plumbing company from a small business to one of the largest service companies in eastern Oklahoma. Rep. Mullin is an automotive enthusiast whose hobbies include rock crawling, working cattle, and mixed martial arts. To learn more about Rep. Mullin, here’s an interview and video about the Congressman.  

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL)
A longtime racer, Rep. Bill Posey is also co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. Growing up near Los Angeles, Rep. Posey spent his early days attending races with his father. Rep. Posey started racing midgets at age 5 and raced for many years afterward before running for Congress. He is the proud owner of a ’66 Chevelle Malibu and has been a champion for both the RPM Act and all things racing. To learn more about Rep. Posey, click here.

U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Before he was elected to Congress, Rep. Raul Ruiz spent his formative years working on the pit crew of his father’s Southern California midget team. The four-term congressman is the lead Democrat sponsor of the RPM Act and has been a prominent voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the bill. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Ruiz was an emergency physician at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, and founded the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative, which brought together stakeholders from across the region to address local healthcare needs.

U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
As the proud owner of a midnight-blue ’14 Ford Shelby Cobra Mustang that’s equipped with a 662-hp engine and racing tires, Congressman Kurt Schrader has a passion for speed. He is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and is a leading voice for racing on the Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. Schrader and his visit to Warn Industries, a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)
As the longtime congressman representing Sonoma Raceway (and the surrounding communities), it is no coincidence that Rep. Mike Thompson is a champion of all things racing. Rep. Thompson is co-chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and a co-sponsor of the RPM Act. He was the lead sponsor of the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, a bill that made permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Having become the first female U.S. Senator in West Virginia’s history in 2014, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has proven herself a strong advocate for the state. Sen. Capito chaired the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air during the 2017–2018 session of Congress, marshalling the RPM Act through a hearing on the bill. She has been a strong supporter of racing and is an original cosponsor of the bill. To learn more about why Sen. Capito served as an original cosponsor of the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
A longtime motorcyclist, Sen. Gary Peters is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus. When Congress is out of session in August, Sen. Peters is known for spending a week traveling across Michigan by motorcycle to meet with his constituents. He has been a strong supporter of the RPM Act during his first term in the Senate. To learn more about Sen. Peters and his visit to a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Hailing from a state with a rich racing heritage, Sen. Thom Tillis understands the importance of motorsports to North Carolina, and is a passionate advocate for racers and the race parts industry. Sen. Tillis is an original sponsor of the RPM Act and has worked closely with North Carolina’s Senior Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to support the bill.  

*SEMA would also like to recognize U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Joe Manchin (D-WV), who are among the strongest allies of the racing industry. It is important to highlight each of these senators while noting that they are not up for re-election in 2020. Senators Burr and Manchin serve as RPM Act lead sponsors, and Senators Braun and Tester have been tireless advocates for the bill. Additionally, Senators Burr and Tester serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff

The 2020 campaign season is nearing a close, and it is important that the men and women who make up the specialty automotive aftermarket make their voices heard on election day. The stakes couldn’t be higher on November 3. Before you head into the voting booth, please take time to learn about the members of Congress and state lawmakers who support the automotive aftermarket. The sections below highlight members of the congressional and state automotive enthusiast caucuses in addition to the members of Congress who are the aftermarket’s biggest champions.  

The race for the presidency between incumbent President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, has consumed the national media’s attention, although voters will also elect all 435 members of the U.S. House, 35 U.S. senators, 13 governors and thousands of state and local leaders in 44 states holding legislative elections. With the finish line so close, there is no better time to prepare for and fulfill our civic duty as Americans. The Voter Information tool on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website provides you with information on your state’s voting dates and deadlines. In advance, find out if your state and federal representatives are affiliated with the automotive hobby-friendly, SEMA-supported federal and states caucuses at www.semaSAN.com/FederalCaucus (includes 71 members of Congress) and www.semaSAN.com/StateCaucus (comprised of more than 700 state lawmakers). You can also locate your elected officials under the “Legislators” tab at www.semaSAN.com.  

Many of the racing and performance industry’s closest allies are up for re-election. It is imperative that these lawmakers are re-elected and back in office next year to fight for the industry and the hobbyists that make it possible. Please note the members of Congress profiled in this article and take time to research the people running to represent you in Washington and in your state capitol.

Why wait? Act today by planning to vote! If you won’t be able to make it to the polls on November 3, don’t forget to make plans to vote early or by absentee ballot. On behalf of our industry, take part in our democracy and make your voice heard on election day.

KEY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Congressman Sanford Bishop proudly serves as co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Bishop is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and has been serving in Congress since 1992. He’s been a longtime supporter of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which clarifies that it is legal for companies to manufacture, sell, distribute, and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a car, truck, or motorcycle that is being converted for race use only. He was also a cosponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which created a streamlined regulatory process for small automotive businesses looking to produce classically styled replica vehicles. To learn more about Rep. Bishop’s support for the industry, click here.

U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
A first-term member of Congress, Rep. Anthony Brindisi has proven himself to be a strong supporter of motorsports. He enthusiastically agreed to support the RPM Act shortly after becoming a member of Congress and has since worked with senior lawmakers to advance the bill. Rep. Brindisi has also fought to reopen New York racetracks to spectators. He is co-chair of the moderate Blue Dog Caucus and is a member of both the Bipartisan Working Group and the Career and Technical Education Caucus.

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC)
During his time in Congress, Rep. Richard Hudson has proven himself to be a defender of motorsports. As a passionate racing fan and the hometown congressman for Charlotte Motor Speedway and much of the race parts industry, Rep. Hudson is the only member of Congress who prominently displays the hood of a race car in his Washington, D.C., office. He is the leading Republican voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the RPM Act and has even questioned the two past U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrators during public hearings about their position on the conversion of motor vehicles for racing. To learn more about Rep. Hudson’s stalwart support for the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
While there are more than a few gearheads in Congress, the zeal Congressman Doug LaMalfa has for the hobby and collection of classic vehicles puts him in a class of his own. Rep. LaMalfa started wrenching on cars during his formative years, and his passion for buying and personalizing vehicles continued to grow in the decades since. His fleet includes Ford trucks from ’34 and ’50, Mustangs (’65, ’68, ’03 and ’13), a ’69 Torino Talladega, a ’72 Pantera and ’55 and ’56 Thunderbirds that he maintains for his parents. Rep. LaMalfa is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, and is a strong advocate for the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. LaMalfa’s passion for everything automotive, click here.

U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Elected to Congress at the age of 29, Rep. Patrick McHenry quickly rose through the ranks and distinguished himself as a leader in the House. A longstanding member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Rep. McHenry contacted SEMA upon hearing about the EPA’s efforts to regulate race parts and prohibit motor vehicles from being converted for racing. Within a matter of days he had introduced the RPM Act, and he’s been a leading advocate for the bill ever since. To learn more about Rep. McHenry through a Q&A with the Congressman, click here.

U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, Congressman Markwayne Mullin has been a strong ally of automotive enthusiasts on the powerful Energy & Commerce Committee. He was the lead sponsor of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act and has advocated for the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the law. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Mullin grew his family’s plumbing company from a small business to one of the largest service companies in eastern Oklahoma. Rep. Mullin is an automotive enthusiast whose hobbies include rock crawling, working cattle, and mixed martial arts. To learn more about Rep. Mullin, here’s an interview and video about the Congressman.  

U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL)
A longtime racer, Rep. Bill Posey is also co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. Growing up near Los Angeles, Rep. Posey spent his early days attending races with his father. Rep. Posey started racing midgets at age 5 and raced for many years afterward before running for Congress. He is the proud owner of a ’66 Chevelle Malibu and has been a champion for both the RPM Act and all things racing. To learn more about Rep. Posey, click here.

U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Before he was elected to Congress, Rep. Raul Ruiz spent his formative years working on the pit crew of his father’s Southern California midget team. The four-term congressman is the lead Democrat sponsor of the RPM Act and has been a prominent voice on the Energy & Commerce Committee for the bill. Prior to running for Congress in 2012, Rep. Ruiz was an emergency physician at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, and founded the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative, which brought together stakeholders from across the region to address local healthcare needs.

U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
As the proud owner of a midnight-blue ’14 Ford Shelby Cobra Mustang that’s equipped with a 662-hp engine and racing tires, Congressman Kurt Schrader has a passion for speed. He is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and is a leading voice for racing on the Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the RPM Act. To learn more about Rep. Schrader and his visit to Warn Industries, a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)
As the longtime congressman representing Sonoma Raceway (and the surrounding communities), it is no coincidence that Rep. Mike Thompson is a champion of all things racing. Rep. Thompson is co-chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and a co-sponsor of the RPM Act. He was the lead sponsor of the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, a bill that made permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Having become the first female U.S. Senator in West Virginia’s history in 2014, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has proven herself a strong advocate for the state. Sen. Capito chaired the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air during the 2017–2018 session of Congress, marshalling the RPM Act through a hearing on the bill. She has been a strong supporter of racing and is an original cosponsor of the bill. To learn more about why Sen. Capito served as an original cosponsor of the RPM Act, click here.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
A longtime motorcyclist, Sen. Gary Peters is a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus. When Congress is out of session in August, Sen. Peters is known for spending a week traveling across Michigan by motorcycle to meet with his constituents. He has been a strong supporter of the RPM Act during his first term in the Senate. To learn more about Sen. Peters and his visit to a SEMA member company, click here.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Hailing from a state with a rich racing heritage, Sen. Thom Tillis understands the importance of motorsports to North Carolina, and is a passionate advocate for racers and the race parts industry. Sen. Tillis is an original sponsor of the RPM Act and has worked closely with North Carolina’s Senior Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to support the bill.  

*SEMA would also like to recognize U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Joe Manchin (D-WV), who are among the strongest allies of the racing industry. It is important to highlight each of these senators while noting that they are not up for re-election in 2020. Senators Burr and Manchin serve as RPM Act lead sponsors, and Senators Braun and Tester have been tireless advocates for the bill. Additionally, Senators Burr and Tester serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.