Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08

JR Motorsports founder Everett Sather has announced that the company was sold to Brock and Kristin Rude. Brock Rude, a 28-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, is the company's new president and CEO, and he will oversee the day-to-day operation of the company's Ankeny and Boone, Iowa, locations. Kristin Rude will assist in those capacities.

Mitchell 1 recognizes one high school senior each year for outstanding achievement in automotive technology scholastics. This year's recipient was Crystal Rogers from Gray Court, South Carolina. She received the Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship at the 2010 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference and was presented with a check for $2,500 and a certificate from Mitchell 1.

For the first time in the events 24-year history, the Goodguys West Coast Nationals will feature musclecars through 1972. In addition to the arrival of musclecars, the Goodguys staff will scour the grounds searching for a finalist for the 2010 Muscle Car of the Year award and other accolades, such as the Mighty Muscle," Mighty Mustang" and "Slicks 60s." More information on the Goodguys West Coast Nationals, August 27–29, is available at www.ggwestcoastnats.com.

Autogeek was selected at the "Presents Sponsor" of Masters Entertainment Group's newest TV series, "Motorhead Garage," featuring Sam Memmolo and Dave Bowman, formerly of "Shadetree Mechanic" and "Two Guys Garage." In addition to its sponsorship, Autogeek will also provide several features for auto enthusiasts that offer step-by-step instructions on keeping vehicles looking their best.

Bosco International recently introduced new changes to its website, www.boscointernational.com. Upgrades to the site include easily accessible product descriptions, a sales sheet with product specifications and company contact information on each page. The newly reformatted site allows company interested in private labeling to view POP displays.

U.S. Auto Parts has signed a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Whitney Automotive Group for the purchase price of $27.5 million and assumption of approximately $11 million in trade-related and other payables. Whitney Automotive Group is expected to have $110–$120 million in revenues under U.S. Auto Parts ownership in 2010. The Whitney Automotive Group, best known for the JC Whitney brand, has a brand portfolio that includes Stylintrucks.com, Carparts.com, and Allbikesupershop.com which, along with JCWhitney.com, generate approximately three million monthly unique visitors. Whitney Automotive Group owns a $10 million state-of-the-art distribution center located in Illinois, which holds approximately $15 million of owned inventory and was custom-built for B2C distribution of auto parts. The acquisition would allow U.S. Auto Parts to complete a three-distribution center network. Closing of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions specified in the Stock Purchase Agreement and is anticipated to occur during August 2010. U.S. Auto Parts expects the integration of the companies to be completed in 2011.

The Atturo Tire Corp. has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with RC Comercio for Atturo's UHP brand. RC Comercio is now doing business as Atturo Pneus Brazil. According to Atturo, Brazil as a key market for the company and will serve as a regional indicator for the brand's potential in South and Central America.

Mobileye Inc. has signed a retail distribution agreement with Car Toys through which Mobileye’s aftermarket accident avoidance systems will be made available for purchase through the retailer’s fleet distribution channel, as well as its 51 locations in metropolitan areas across the western United States.

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:08
  Powersports Dealer Workshops
  Powersports Dealer Workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. on two days during the 2010 SEMA Show.

The following are updates to the Powersports Dealer Workshops schedule at the 2010 SEMA Show. Workshops will be held November 1–2 at the Renaissance Hotel, in Ballrooms 1–3. Agenda, presenter and course description details for the Powersports Dealer Update Workshops at the 2010 SEMA Show Schedule are now available.

Day 1 Workshops
9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.

  • Sales: Understanding Your Powersports Customer (BR 2)
  • Service: Increasing Service Sales at the Write-Up (BR 3)

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  • Finance & Insurance: 7 Key Questions plus Are You in Compliance? (BR 2)
  • Parts & Accessories: Take the Pain Out of P&A (BR 3)

12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.: Keynote Luncheon (BR 1)

1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Facility: How Visual Merchandising Affects Customers - Jim Rasmus (BR 2)
  • Finance & Insurance: Maximizing Profits With Menu Presentations (BR 3)

3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m.

  • Service: Make More Money With Menus (BR 2)
  • Sales: Increasing Unit Sales & Profitability (BR 3)


Day 2 Workshops
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

  • State-of-the-Industry Panel Discussion (BR 1)

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  • Management: Unswirling the Swirl (BR 2)
  • Finance & Insurance: Maximizing Profits With Menu Presentations (BR 3)

12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.: Keynote Luncheon (BR 1)

1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Facility: How Visual Merchandising Affects Customers - Jim Rasmus (BR 2)
  • Management: Improve Staffing - Recruit, Train and Retain (BR 3)

3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m.

  • Service: Make More Money With Menus (BR 2)
  • Sales: Increasing Unit Sales & Profitability (BR 3)

DEALER UPDATE WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO POWERSPORTS DEALERS ONLY


Advanced registration*: $99 by October 17, 2010

Onsite registration*: $149 after October 17, 2010

Don't wait—Register now!


Workshop Descriptions: **

Powersports Dealership Management
Unswirling the Swirl
Instructor: Tony Gonzalez
This course is designed for department managers, general managers and dealer principals.

The responsibilities you have as a manager often pull you in many directions at once. The demands of customers, staff, vendors and other departments can create an environment where managers are forced to be reactive and work in the business rather than on the business. This session will focus on ways to become more proactive in your department and finding the time to do it. Attendees will look at the fundamental responsibilities of their position, the processes needed to align each to drive department performance and how to delegate tasks to increase effective time management.

Improve Staffing - Recruit, Train and Retain
Instructors: Gart Sutton/Steve Jones
This course is designed for department managers, general managers and dealer principals.

When do you start looking for new employees? How often is it because they have quit or you had to fire them? Do you frequently settle for less than you want in a candidate because you are pressured to hire someone? Where do you look for quality employees? When you find them, how do you determine that they are the right person? This workshop will discuss some effective solutions for recruiting, training and retaining the best people.


Sales
Increasing Unit Sales & Profitability
Instructor: Tony Gonzalez
This course is designed for sales managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Are your sales presentations following the regulations regarding quoting of rates and payments? How do you negotiate a deal that drives profit margins while still building long-term customer relationships? Customer preference is a method designed both to help the sales manager establish control of the deal and also to present all the information with a focus on what’s most important to the customer. This will help you increase profitability and customer satisfaction while remaining in compliance with government standards. Attendees will receive our new Customer Preference Survey Worksheet along with guidelines and word tracks.

Does your sales department have goals for prospect calls and appointments? Where do you find prospects besides the showroom log? Attendees will learn the significance of applying consistent prospecting to increase floor traffic and sales.

Understanding the Powersports Customer
Instructor: Tony Gonzalez
This course is designed for department managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Does your staff take the time to properly greet and probe your sales customers to fully understand their wants and needs? Not doing these results in low closing ratios and poor customer satisfaction. Attendees will learn how to improve sales and customer satisfaction by spending the majority of their time in the initial stages of the sale. These techniques could be applied to any department in your store that has customer contact.


Finance & Insurance
The 7 Key F&I Questions/Is Your Dealership in Compliance?
Instructors: Gart Sutton/Steve Dodds
This course is designed for F&I managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Do you know what the current powersports industry benchmarks are for your F&I department? Attendees will receive pertinent data compiled from our 20 groups. This will allow dealers to compare their dealership’s performance and uncover opportunities for improvement. Do you ask the right questions in order to set-up your menu presentation and build acceptance in the mind of your customer? Attendees will receive the 7 key questions along with guidelines that will help them use this tool to increase sales and customer satisfaction.

Are you aware of the latest compliance requirements for your dealership? Could you be putting your dealership in jeopardy because of your current business practices? Are you struggling to find lender sources? Do you know how to prepare a packet to sell your financing business to them? Attendees will receive compliance information and guidance in seeking and maintaining lender relationships.

Maximizing Profits with Menu Presentations
Instructors: Gart Sutton/Steve Dodds
This course is designed for F&I managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Are you looking for more consistent profit from your finance office? Do you wonder how dealers achieve 30%, 40% or even 50% priority maintenance penetration? Are you compliant with the 300% rule? Sutton and Dodds will share proven menu presentation techniques that were developed by the most successful dealers in the nation. Attendees will receive effective word tracks and hear the how, when and why of finance and cash menu presentations. They will learn the psychology of using a menu—why it works or doesn't work—and how to sell by not selling.


Parts & Accessories
Take the Pain Out of P&A
Instructors: Steve Jones/Mike Brunken
This course is designed for P&A managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Do you know what the current powersports industry benchmarks are for your P&A department? Attendees will receive pertinent data compiled from our 20 groups. This will allow dealers to compare their dealership’s performance and uncover opportunities for improvement. If you counted your stock for 25 random P&A numbers, would your inventory be at least 97% accurate? Is your shrinkage out of control? Would you like to avoid the year-end physical inventory drill? Attendees will receive instruction on setting up categorical and geographical bin locations and implementing cycle-counting to help reduce shrinkage and maintain inventory accuracy.


Facilities
How Visual Merchandising Affects Customers
Instructor: Jim Rasmus
This course is designed for P&A managers, sales managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Do you know how to use merchandising psychology techniques to help you control the customer, increase their awareness of the products within your store and increase impulse purchases? Have you developed an effective customer traffic flow? Are you using the “right” fixture for the right merchandising job? This seminar focuses on developing the skills necessary to effectively merchandise the products you sell, including: motorcycles, apparel, parts and accessories. We will show you how to master the “seven basics” of effective product merchandising and product management. This proven seminar will reveal how you can begin immediately to increase your overall sales and profits by creating more “impulse” sales each and every day.


Service
Increasing Service Sales at the Write-Up
Instructors: Mike Brunken/Steve Jones
This course is designed for service managers, general managers and dealer principals.

Do you know what the current service advisor performance benchmarks are for your service department? Attendees will receive pertinent data compiled from our 20 groups. This will allow you to compare your dealership’s performance and uncover opportunities for improvement. Are your service advisors still making their sales pitch with the “you need… it costs… you want it” presentation? The "reception checklist" is a powerful tool that service advisors can utilize during the presentation that will drive revenue and build customer relationships. Attendees at this class will learn how to equip their service advisors with a simple non-confrontational “additional needs” presentation.

Make More Money With Menus
Instructors: Mike Brunken/Steve Jones
This course is designed for service managers, general managers and dealer principals.

What should you be measuring and tracking in your service department? Are you familiar with the current industry benchmarks? Since it can be a struggle to make a profit in this department, it is critical to track the numbers carefully. Attendees will be provided with the critical definitions, measurements and benchmarks they need to know to manage this department effectively. Are you still working off of the hourly rate per job system, or are you providing menu selections for your customers? Using menu selling in service can result in less hassle, better budgeting, higher profits and happier customers. Attendees will learn the benefits of utilizing this process as well as the newest procedures and techniques for developing and maintaining an effective menu system.

Don't wait—Register now!

*Registration includes lunch; does NOT include required SEMA Show registration of $25 by October 17 or $75 after October 17. **Speakers subject to change.

Mon, 08/02/2010 - 15:13

SEMA News - August 2010

  SEMA News-August 2010-Chris Kersting 
   

SEMA-member companies have continually appealed to consumers through the creation of new and interesting products—and not just to stay competitive within our own marketplace. Today more than ever, our members also vie for discretionary dollars against a host of different practical, entertainment and recreational uses. The success of your business depends not just on innovative products but on innovation in all aspects of business.

What does your business-wide innovation look like today? SEMA recently sponsored an educational seminar dubbed rather generically “Profit 101.” Behind that title was a workshop on tapping into the diverse knowledge and experience of company employees—everyone from marketing to engineering to financial—in order to generate innovative and profitable ideas for your business. Different individuals with different job functions bring a diversity of opinion, and one person’s spark can ignite a fire of productive dialog. (For more information about the workshop, contact Jamie Eriksen, SEMA’s education director, at jamiee@sema.org or 909/978-6737.)

The Profit 101 course presented one example of a new approach called “crowd sourcing.” The term is applied when using multiple people’s divergent thoughts to craft a single, saleable idea. This rather revolutionary model for innovation is highlighted in a feature article in this issue of the magazine titled, “Open Sourcing, Open Design.”  In a nutshell, it’s about how one new company is harvesting and combining the good ideas of many in order to come up with the next best idea for the future. This approach may lead to a new and better way to design cars and trucks as well as our industry’s specialty products.

Modern companies always seek more and different ways to stay on the cutting edge of not only technology and manufacturing but also marketing and sales. The web, social networking and information transfer through formal web presence, and informal processes such as blogs, are changing the way consumers are learning about products and making buying decisions. Our industry is generally lagging regarding this arena and is losing sales to other industries vying for discretionary dollars. It is necessary for the specialty-equipment industry to keep moving forward by adopting and implementing marketing and sales tools, which will keep us competitive and help expand our markets.

For progress to continue, each company must strive to understand what it means to be innovative in the contemporary sense, in a society where ideas and opportunities are moving at the speed of thought. SEMA continually provides seminars, workshops and webinars that serve to fuel your engines of innovative growth. Some of our recent webinar topics include “The Essentials of Online Marketing,” “Produce the Perfect Product Launch” and “10 Search-Engine Tips That Will Increase Your Online Business Now.” These and dozens of other webinars are available free to members, and they can be used to build the base of knowledge that serves as the future for every company. Another resource is the upcoming Business Technology Symposium to be held July 23, where industry leaders from the automotive specialty-equipment market and digital technology experts will convene for a day-long conference on a wide variety of topics—market research in the digital age, reaching customers on forums and blogs, social media and getting people to read your e-mail. For more information, visit here.

Our members get up every day with the challenge of developing and marketing products that are more appealing than those they are intended to replace or improve. A tremendous variety of innovations have been created by individual entrepreneurs to build our industry. Our goal is to provide tools that they can use in the process. Now is the time to make sure your company’s innovations are truly innovative today.  

- Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO 

Mon, 08/02/2010 - 15:13

SEMA News - August 2010

By Dan Sadowski

  SEMA News-August 2010-From the Hill    SEMA News-August 2010-From the Hill 
 

Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Rick Rollins.

 

SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans presents a hot-rod book to Representative Posey.

       

Bringing Industry Concerns to Capitol Hill

As the political climate continues to evolve in advance of the 2010 elections, SEMA members arrived in Washington, D.C., for the biennual SEMA Washington Rally. On May 12, Rally participants met with their senators and representatives to discuss critical issues facing their businesses and the industry. SEMA staff provided member-company executives with an overview of the current contentious political environment in Washington and a briefing on specific issues of concern.

The SEMA members and staff then visited 60 House and Senate offices to discuss a wide range of topics, including skyrocketing health care premiums, expiring tax credits and land-use policies.

“Our presence on Capitol Hill provides members of Congress with a better understanding of the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

  SEMA News-August 2010-From the Hill 
 

Senator Jon Tester presents the Collector Car Appreciation Day Resolution to SEMA Board of Directors Chair-Elect Scooter Brothers. Passed by the U.S. Senate, the resolution declares July 9, 2010, as a day to celebrate the nation’s automotive legacy and the industry it supports.   

   
“We are then able to convey our thoughts and industry-specific recommendations on how to tackle the tough issues facing the nation, our companies and our employees.”

The Rally included a special luncheon on Capitol Hill during which Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members addressed the group. Of note, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) presented a special copy of Senate Resolution 513, designating July 9 as Collector Car Appreciation Day, to SEMA Board of Directors Chair-Elect Scooter Brothers. At the encouragement of SEMA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Senator Tester sponsored this important resolution along with Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to celebrate America’s rich automotive technological achievements and cultural heritage. It also honors the enormous economic contributions generated through the business of car collection and restoration. Other caucus members who spoke at the luncheon included Representative Don Manzullo (R-IL) and Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA), who reaffirmed their support of pro-small-business issues and their understanding of SEMA-member companies’ role in the economy.

Later in the day, SEMA hosted a dinner that included keynote remarks from Representative Bill Posey (R-FL), an accomplished stock car racer and lawmaker. Representative Posey and his wife Katie arrived in a yellow ’30 Ford Coupe and a black ’55 Chevy courtesy of Tracy and Daryl Williams of the Bull Run Street Rods Club of northern Virginia. Before being elected to Congress in 2008, Representative Posey served 16 years in the Florida House and Senate. During that time, he was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored a SEMA-model bill to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles. He also introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

  SEMA News-August 2010-From the Hill    SEMA News-August 2010-From the Hill 
  Representative Don Manzullo (R-IL) speaks to SEMA executives at a Rally luncheon.    Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) engages the audience on the importance of political involvement

“While the Rally was only a one-day event, it is a keystone for maintaining ongoing relationships with our elected representatives and laying the foundation for new connections,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Rick Rollins. “It also supports our congressional visits program, since several attendees are now working with our Washington staff to invite lawmakers to visit facilities in their home district.”

The Rally also provides a prime venue to expand the motorsports caucus. Five lawmakers joined the caucus during the Rally, so it now includes 95 members who are car or motorcycle enthusiasts or have racing and performance manufacturers in their district.

The new members are:

  • Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA),
  • Representative Rodney Alexander (R-LA)
  • Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
  • Representative Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
  • Representative Todd Platts (R-PA).