By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 52) has been introduced in Maryland to exempt vehicles driven under 5,000 miles annually from inspection and testing requirements.

Legislation (H.B. 52) has been introduced in Maryland to exempt vehicles driven under 5,000 miles annually from inspection and testing requirements. Under current law, low-mileage vehicle exemptions are only available to those with disabilities and to persons 70 years old or older. The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Assembly Environment and Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. 

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

4WP and Off-Road Champion Sara Price Join Forces for 2019

4 Wheel Parts is the 2019 title sponsor of off-road champion Sara Price, who will kick off her race season with the King of The Hammers on February 3.

4 Wheel Parts (4WP) announced its 2019 title sponsorship of off-road champion Sara Price. The versatile competitor was a decorated motocross racer before successfully crossing over to become a championship-caliber UTV and Stadium Trophy Truck driver.

Price will kick off her 2019 race season at the King of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, February 3. Along with co-driver Erica Sacks, Price will tackle the UTV class with her Polaris RZR Turbo-S for the fourth year in a row. The race combines the speed of desert racing with technical rock crawling challenges and draws competitors from around the world.

Price will follow that up with a full 2019 Southern California Off-Road Enthusiasts (SCORE) International season piloting #204 TTS. After a personal-best second-place finish at last year's SCORE Tijuana Desert Challenge as a rookie, Price is ready to take on her sophomore season as a championship contender.

VP Racing Fuels Lubricant Line Goes Global With Blancpain GT World Challenge America; Partners With “The Torque Show”

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that VP Racing Lubricants is now the official lubricant of the Blancpain GT Challenge America, Pirelli GT4 America and TC America racing series. VP Racing Fuels views the three GT World Challenge series as an ideal avenue to promote and expand the VP brand and its product line. In addition, VP has announced its partnership with “The Torque Show” live on Motor Trend’s Facebook Live page, also available on Motor Trend’s YouTube Channel. The show is hosted by GT2 LeMans and world champion Justin Bell and five-time IMSA champion Tommy Kendall.

2019 SCCA Ventures Board Appointments

A few changes have been made to the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Ventures Board of Directors. Peter Jankovskis is now chairman of the board, and Sydney Davis Yagel, the new general manager of SCCA Pro Racing, has been added to the board. Dan Helman has stepped down as Ventures chairman to better focus on his role as SCCA Pro Racing’s interim president. Other Ventures board members for 2019 include former SCCA Chairman John Walsh, SCCA’s senior finance employee Mindi Pfannenstiel, SCCA Enterprises President Robey Clark and secretary KJ Christopher.

Baldwin Filters Named Official Filter of John Force Racing

Baldwin Filters will be the official filter of John Force Racing beginning in the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season. Since 1936, Baldwin has been a leader in the heavy-duty mobile filtration industry.

“It’s always exciting when we get to bring on a new sponsor who is at the top of their industry,” said John Force, CEO and owner of John Force Racing and driver of the PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevy Camaro. “Baldwin is all about creating the best product and they are constantly looking for new ways to improve. We can relate and we’re happy to have another partner with that mindset join our racing family.”

Baldwin’s logo will be featured on each of the John Force Racing hot rods beginning at the 2019 season-opening Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, California, February 7-9.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers are encouraged to start making hotel plans now for the 2019 SEMA Show by taking advantage of the discounted rates available through SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show management has secured discounted rates with nearly 40 hotels in Las Vegas for the 2019 SEMA Show. Through the SEMA Show's official housing partner, OnPeak, Showgoers will benefit from convenient and affordable options for their stay in Las Vegas.

OnPeak is the only hotel provider endorsed by SEMA. Showgoers are encouraged to book through OnPeak early for the best selection and price. Check out the latest rates available at www.SEMAShow.com.

10 Benefits of Booking Your Hotel Through SEMAShow.com

• Deep Discounts – Buy-in-bulk rates available, with the savings passed on to you.
• Best Rate Pledge – We comparison shop to ensure that our rates remain the lowest.
• Easy Booking – Intuitive software makes booking fast, simple and secure.
• Resort Fees – Hotel rates listed on SEMAShow.com already include resort fees.
• Flexibility – Make adjustments without penalty in case your plans change.
• Reservation Protection – Get peace of mind with support before, during and after your stay.
• Pay Delay – Ease your commitment—book now and pay later.
• Hotel Reward Points – Get credit for your hotel loyalty program.
• Group Bookings – Fully manage your group booking, large or small, with robust tools.
• Support the Show – Commissions normally paid to travel sites go to the association, lowering all costs.

To check the latest rates and to book hotel rooms, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel-and-lodging.

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8. For complete information about the 2019 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers are encouraged to start making hotel plans now for the 2019 SEMA Show by taking advantage of the discounted rates available through SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show management has secured discounted rates with nearly 40 hotels in Las Vegas for the 2019 SEMA Show. Through the SEMA Show's official housing partner, OnPeak, Showgoers will benefit from convenient and affordable options for their stay in Las Vegas.

OnPeak is the only hotel provider endorsed by SEMA. Showgoers are encouraged to book through OnPeak early for the best selection and price. Check out the latest rates available at www.SEMAShow.com.

10 Benefits of Booking Your Hotel Through SEMAShow.com

• Deep Discounts – Buy-in-bulk rates available, with the savings passed on to you.
• Best Rate Pledge – We comparison shop to ensure that our rates remain the lowest.
• Easy Booking – Intuitive software makes booking fast, simple and secure.
• Resort Fees – Hotel rates listed on SEMAShow.com already include resort fees.
• Flexibility – Make adjustments without penalty in case your plans change.
• Reservation Protection – Get peace of mind with support before, during and after your stay.
• Pay Delay – Ease your commitment—book now and pay later.
• Hotel Reward Points – Get credit for your hotel loyalty program.
• Group Bookings – Fully manage your group booking, large or small, with robust tools.
• Support the Show – Commissions normally paid to travel sites go to the association, lowering all costs.

To check the latest rates and to book hotel rooms, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel-and-lodging.

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8. For complete information about the 2019 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Showgoers are encouraged to start making hotel plans now for the 2019 SEMA Show by taking advantage of the discounted rates available through SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show management has secured discounted rates with nearly 40 hotels in Las Vegas for the 2019 SEMA Show. Through the SEMA Show's official housing partner, OnPeak, Showgoers will benefit from convenient and affordable options for their stay in Las Vegas.

OnPeak is the only hotel provider endorsed by SEMA. Showgoers are encouraged to book through OnPeak early for the best selection and price. Check out the latest rates available at www.SEMAShow.com.

10 Benefits of Booking Your Hotel Through SEMAShow.com

• Deep Discounts – Buy-in-bulk rates available, with the savings passed on to you.
• Best Rate Pledge – We comparison shop to ensure that our rates remain the lowest.
• Easy Booking – Intuitive software makes booking fast, simple and secure.
• Resort Fees – Hotel rates listed on SEMAShow.com already include resort fees.
• Flexibility – Make adjustments without penalty in case your plans change.
• Reservation Protection – Get peace of mind with support before, during and after your stay.
• Pay Delay – Ease your commitment—book now and pay later.
• Hotel Reward Points – Get credit for your hotel loyalty program.
• Group Bookings – Fully manage your group booking, large or small, with robust tools.
• Support the Show – Commissions normally paid to travel sites go to the association, lowering all costs.

To check the latest rates and to book hotel rooms, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel-and-lodging.

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8. For complete information about the 2019 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Connecticut Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Connecticut Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

Legislation (H.B. 5666) has been introduced in Connecticut to allow for vehicles with hitches or towing equipment to be exempt from displaying an unobstructed license plate.

The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Connecticut Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Stacey David (left) recently appeared on Governor Mike Huckabee’s TV show.

Stacey David Teams Up With Governor Mike Huckabee

Stacey David, host of “Stacey David’s GearZ” TV show, teamed up with Governor Mike Huckabee to talk about the importance of veterans, hot rods and rock and roll on a recent episode of “Huckabee.” For a special Veterans Day show, David rolled in the Sgt. Rock truck, a highly modified ’41 Power Wagon that he built on “GearZ” and  debuted at the SEMA Show two years ago in the Painless Performance booth. This one-of-a-kind rolling military tribute set the tone for a sold-out crowd of veterans and their families, where they got a chance to hear Governor Huckabee and David talk about the importance of honoring U.S. veterans, the value of teaching young people hot-rod skills and why music really is the universal language. Catch the show on the Huckabee website. Governor Huckabee will also make an appearance on “GearZ.”

Air Lift Company Named One of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation

Air Lift Company has announced it has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for 2018. This award recognizes companies that excel at employee relations, use innovation to motivate employees, implement creative compensation programs and more. An independent research firm collected nominations from 2,400 companies across the United States and, out of those nominations, named the top 512 companies as national winners. The 101 highest-scoring companies of those 512 winners were also named, with Air Lift Company among them. The winning companies will receive additional recognition as a national winner at the National Best and Brightest Summit – Illuminate 2019 awards symposium and gala this September at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel in Chicago.

Hypertherm is expanding its Spark Something Great educational grant program to 12 schools in the United States and Canada.

Hypertherm Expands Spark Something Great Grant Program to 12 North American Schools

Hypertherm is now accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program. This year, in response to demand and school need, Hypertherm is expanding the program to 12 schools in the United States and Canada. Winning schools will receive a Hypertherm Powermax45 XP plasma system, the full AWS SENSE approved Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice curriculum kit and in-person training from a Hypertherm plasma expert. The program, now in its fifth year, is meant to support the next generation of welders and metal fabricators by making the newest generation of plasma-cutting equipment and standardized instruction available to schools. To date, the company has awarded systems to 40 schools. This year, applications are due on or before April 1 with grant decisions communicated by May 1. More information, including instructions for applying, are available at www.hypertherm.com/grant.

Rugged Ridge has unveiled a new logo.

Rugged Ridge Announces New Design Philosophy and Unveils Updated Branding

Rugged Ridge has shared its new design philosophy, accompanied by an updated logo and branding design for the Rugged Ridge line of Jeep accessories and floor liners. Rugged Ridge was established in 2005 by parent company Omix-ADA to function as its aftermarket Jeep accessories brand. In 2017, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge was purchased by Truck Hero Inc. According to the company, this change in ownership, along with the launch of the new Jeep JL Wrangler, inspired a renewed philosophy in product design: to engineer the most innovative products available for today’s discerning Jeep owner, and a commitment to deliver materials of exceptional quality, precise fitments and the finest premium finishes available in the industry today.

Andy May	Dennis Wells

Draco Springs Hires Andy May and Dennis Wells

Draco Springs, in conjunction with SRI Performance, has announced it has expanded its technical sales and service departments by hiring two engineers: Andy May and Dennis Wells of Zeta Performance Vehicle Technologies (PVT). Going forward, the duo of May and Wells are expected to become the primary points of contact for all technical questions relating to Draco’s full line of racing springs. May’s background includes multiple tenures as a car chief and engineer with championship-caliber NASCAR teams. Wells spent the last decade as a shock and spring specialist for both NASCAR teams and other major spring companies. Together, May and Wells formed Zeta PVT—a full-service automotive engineering company specializing in vehicle testing and development.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (H.B. 231) has been introduced in New Mexico to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles.

Legislation (H.B. 231) has been introduced in New Mexico to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles. Under current law, all motor vehicles in the state are only issued a single plate.

The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the House Transportation, Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee.

For more information, visit SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.