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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating sales of “MIL eliminator devices” which can turn off the check engine light when O2 sensor readings are not operating properly.   Both the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have been more aggressive in recent years in removing such products from the marketplace since they can easily be used on the highway but are usually advertised for “off-road use” or “racing-use only.”  These items are commonly referred to as “defeat devices” since they can render inoperative a portion of the emissions control system.   Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of MIL eliminator devices could face charges of violating the Clean Air Act.   The agency has authority to seize and destroy these products and issue fines.

Subsection (B) of 42 USC Sec. 7522 (1990 Clean Air Act Amendments) makes it illegal:
           
“(B) for any person to manufacture or sell, or offer to sell, or install, any part or component intended for use with, or as part of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, where a principal effect of the part or component is to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine in compliance with regulations under this subchapter, and where the person knows or should know that such part or component is being offered for sale or installed for such use or put to such use;”

To pursue a claim that there is a legitimate need for a device covered by this law in off-road racing, one would have to demonstrate what purpose it would serve and how it would be restricted to racing activities only.  For additional information on this topic, see “Off Road Use Only - Basics of the Motorsports Exemption:”  http://www.sema.org/images/pdf/32405.pdf. Questions about the EPA investigation may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Senate Commerce Committee approved legislation (S. 357) to dramatically raise the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. If enacted into law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would be required to increase the combined CAFE standards for passenger cars and light trucks by 4% a year. The current standard is 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and 21.6 miles per gallon for light trucks. The combined average would jump from 25 mpg to 35 mpg by 2019. NHTSA would retain authority to restructure the CAFE program in a manner which achieves maximum fuel savings while still ensuring the safety and stability of the automotive industry. The full Senate is expected to take up the bill this summer. The House of Representatives has not yet tackled CAFE legislation.

Prior to the Committee vote, SEMA sent a letter to members of the Senate Commerce Committee urging Congress to let NHTSA determine achievable CAFE standards. SEMA believes the NHTSA, rather than Congress, has better expertise in establishing the CAFE standards that take into account the impact on jobs, safety, consumer choice and technological feasibility. 

The Senate legislation also contains several unrelated safety measures. One would require the NHTSA to issue a vehicle compatibility standard to restrict the height differences between light trucks/SUVs and passenger cars. SEMA argued that this is unnecessary since the auto industry is already redesigning vehicles to address the issue. 

Lawmakers also included a requirement that the NHTSA establish a tire fuel-efficiency program. It would be a point-of-sale initiative which provides buyers with information about a tire’s fuel efficiency based on a rating system. Information provided to the potential customer would also stress the importance of maintaining proper tire inflation pressure. The legislation is similar to a law passed in California three years ago that includes a SEMA provision exempting limited-production tires (15,000 or less annually) and other specialized tires from the program. (California officials are expected to begin implementing regulations later this year.)  Although SEMA has been reluctant to focus consumer attention on tire fuel efficiency since it may distract motorists from more important safety issues such as tire pressure, performance and handling, the legislation is preferable to other Congressional proposals that would mandate onerous tire testing and labeling rules without providing any meaningful consumer benefits. The federal legislation would also have the benefit of establishing a national consumer education program on tire fuel efficiency rather than state-by-state rules. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

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NEWS NUGGETS

O’REILLY NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS RESCHEDULED: NHRA and Bristol Dragway officials announced on Sunday that the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q has been rescheduled for July 6–8, 2007. The concrete launch pad of the quarter-mile dragstrip surface was recently replaced and track officials along with NHRA officials have been working to prepare the track for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event, originally scheduled for May 18–20. Track officials contacted NHRA officials last week to advise them that the process of getting the racetrack race-ready was taking longer than expected. After a week-long process of trying to correct the situation, both organizations decided that the track’s new concrete surface was still not setting properly and would not be ready for this week’s event.  “We sent in our people to work with the team at Bristol Dragway to try and bring the surface around, but unfortunately it is not going to be raceable for this weekend,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA. “In the interest of the safety and quality of the show, we weren’t left with a lot of options but to reschedule the event.”  The O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q, July 6–8, 2007, will be run under the same schedule as originally planned beginning with qualifying on Friday night, followed by racing on Saturday and Sunday.  

JUNIOR DRAGSTER UP FOR AN AWARD: Gunnar Boelman, a 13-year-old from Diamond Bar, California, is one of 16 finalists for the Cartoon Network Props awards. The awards recognize kids who demonstrate an exceptional talent, commitment and accomplishment in a single area of expertise. Boelman began driving in the NHRA O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League just over a year ago. In the short time he has been driving his junior dragster, he has been a runner-up in an event and had a seventh-place finish in the year-end standings. His home track is Auto Club Dragway at California Speedway in Fontana, California. Boelman and his stepfather Dave Osborne are anxiously waiting for September 1 when the six lucky winners are named. For more information and to vote  visit http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/promos/props.
 
INDY SHOPS TO BE OPEN DURING INDY 500 WEEKEND: Fans attending the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will have the opportunity to visit some of the top NHRA POWERade Racing Series team shops that are located in the Indianapolis area. Many auto-racing shops in the Northfield Drive-South Point Circle area of Brownsburg, Indiana, will open their doors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. Local businessman Mike Green is organizing the event and expects a great turnout from race fans and the local community. “Brownsburg has always had a rich history in racing, and recently we have added to the types of racing and racing entities in our town,” Green said. “This event is to showcase to the citizens of Brownsburg and race fans everywhere in the racing industry that we are home to.” The Brownsburg Motorsports Network includes teams from the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, United States Auto Club (USAC), World of Outlaws and the ARCA Stock Car series. Many manufacturers and suppliers also find themselves along the Northfield Drive-South Point corridor.  Shops expected to participate in the Open House tours are, but not limited to, Don Prudhomme Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Gotham City Racing, Indy Speed & Custom, Impact! Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and Tuttle Motorsports. Fans are encouraged to begin their tours at Indy Speed & Custom, 1500 E. Main Street (Rt. 136), Brownsburg, where maps highlighting the participating shops that will be available.
 
CAPPS TO DRIVE ON DIRT: Ron Capps, the driver of the Brut Revolution Funny Car, will be testing his dirt-racing skills against some of the best NASCAR drivers on June 6 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. He will be participating in the Nextel Prelude to the Dream charity race which raises money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Tony Stewart Foundation. “I know our NHRA POWERade Drag Racing fans are all going to be tuning in to see how well we do,” Capps said. “It’s exciting for me to know that NHRA drag racing has the best fans and that they will be tuning in to see how a drag racer will hold up.”  This is the third time that Capps will be participating in the race which will be telecast by HBO for Pay-Per-View. In the previous two events, he finished ninth and fourth while driving the dirt late-model stock cars for 30 laps.

MILLICAN NEEDED TO BE SERIOUS FOR TV SHOW: The always happy and smiling Top Fuel driver Clay Millican had to be serious during the filming of the SPEED TV program “Blow It Up.” Millican, who drives his Knoll Gas dragster in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series on weekends, is the host of a show where he devises a number of ways to blow up engines in cars. He would tell the drivers of the various cars, from Volkswagens to Top Sportsman cars, what he wanted done. Some of the things Millican had them try were 30-second burnouts, launches and hot-lapping until the engine blows up. The hardest thing for him during the filming was to remain serious. “Every 30 seconds it was like, ‘Cut, cut, cut, Clay, quit smiling,’” Millican said. “Man, that's hard for me.”
 
RECORDS FELL DURING NHRA SPORT COMPACT SPRINGNATIONALS: The NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series saw a weekend of unbelievable action May 5–6. Six national records in four of the five categories were set at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. The most impressive records were set by Marty Ladwig in his Pro FWD Lucas Oil Chevy Cobalt.  He set the time record at 7.27 seconds and the speed record at 201.55. He still remains the only Pro FWD racer to surpass the 200-mph barrier, and he has accomplished this four times this year for a total of five times in his career with the NHRA. Others driving to records were Brad Personett in Pro RWD (6.64 seconds), Brent Rau in Modified (7.06 seconds), Paul Efantis in Modified (192.36 mph) and Jeremy Lookofsky in Honda Tuning magazine All Motor (146.31 mph).
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS
 
O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER  NATIONALS (AND NHRA SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS), TOPEKA, KANSAS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, JUNE 1–3: The ninth race of the NHRA POWERade season, this marks the beginning of the turn for home in the 17-event “regular season” portion of the NHRA POWERade Countdown to the Championship. Drivers will begin jockeying for one of the top eight spots that will guarantee them a place in the second stage, the Countdown to 4.
 
NORTHEAST NHRA SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS, ATCO, NEW JERSEY, ATCO RACEWAY, JUNE 9–10: Defending champions at the popular stop on the Sport Compact circuit are: Brad Personett (Pro RWD), Bryan Jimenez (Pro FWD), Jorge Lazcano (Modified), Ron Lummus (Hot Rod) and Norris Prayoonto (Honda Tuning magazine All Motor).
 
TORCO RACING FUELS NHRA ROUTE 66 NATIONALS, JOLIET, ILLINOIS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 7–10: NHRA legend John Force holds the track record here (4.665 seconds) and he has won three of his NHRA-record 122 races at the spectacular raceway, which hosted its first NHRA POWERade Series race in 1998.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: With the re-scheduling of the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q to July 6–8, this is the number of weeks in a row that drivers will be crossing the country to race, beginning with the NHRA Supernationals, June 21–24 at Englishtown, New Jersey and finishing with the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals, July 27–29 at Sonoma, California. The other four races in that six week span will be: Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 28–July 1 at Norwalk, Ohio; Mopar Mile-High Nationals, July 13–15 at Denver; and the Schuck’s Auto Supply NHRA Nationals, July 20–22 at Seattle.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

WHAT MOTHERS DO FOR THEIR RACING CHILDREN: In his NHRA blog Tommy Johnson Jr., the Funny Car driver of the Skoal Racing Chevy Impala SS, explained what it is like to have a mother who helped him recognize his dream of driving in the POWERade Drag Racing Series. “I want to wish my mom Happy Mother's Day. She has been so good to me, and I want to let her know much I appreciate it. My parents made so many sacrifices for me to be able to race, but especially my mom. She stayed home and worked while my dad and I were out racing. She gave up a lot of things for me to have a racing career, so I just want to tell her thanks. Love you Mom!”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Fleet Equipment magazine announced that Tim Barton has joined its staff as senior editor. Barton has more than 20 years experience in the trucking industry working as a journalist and a driver. Barton brings to the job a wealth of knowledge about truck equipment and a well-developed set of journalistic skills. Fleet Equipment magazine is published monthly by Babcox Publications.

McCourt Marketing, a tool company based in Akron, Ohio, hired Mike Getso as sales representative. Based out of Springfield, Missouri, Getso will be responsible for western Missouri and Kansas. He comes to McCourt with a strong automotive aftermarket tool and equipment background, most recently serving as central U.S. sales manager for Skye International Holdings.

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) hired Randy Anderson, John Edlund and Ralph Herrold as district sales managers for the company. Anderson will be responsible for the sales efforts for NGK in Florida and Georgia. Edlund will oversee the sales for NGK in upstate New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Herrold will oversee the sales efforts for NGK in Washington and Alaska.

ASA Tire Systems promoted Erik Croswell to manager of communications and marketing. Croswell began his career with ASA Tire Systems in 1998 as the web developer and graphic designer, and eventually began planning and creating the company’s advertising and marketing campaigns. In his new role, Croswell will be responsible for the planning, managing and control of ASA Tire Systems’ advertising, direct mail and promotional campaigns.

Eaton Corp. named Scott King senior vice president and president of the Automotive Group. King succeeds Stephen Buente, who announced his retirement, effective July 1, after more than 30 years with Eaton. King has been vice president and president of the Powertrain and Specialty Controls Operations for the global automotive business since 2005. He was vice president of sales and marketing from 2001 to 2005 and previously held a number of senior sales and marketing positions within business units in the Automotive Group.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

The following council members are the candidates for the ARMO Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org. 

ARMO Select-Committee Candidates

• Melvin Benzaquen, Classic Restoration Enterprises, Inc.
• Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited, Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Ken DeVries, Trader National Publishing 
• Steven Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc.
• Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Sandy Patterson, Primedia (Incumbent)
• Curt Patterson, AMAA (Incumbent) 
• Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions, Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER
  

• Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine (Incumbent)
• Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom (Incumbent) 
• Dick Dixon – Automotive Education Alliance, Inc. 
• Mike Kinney – Las Vegas Rod & Custom 
• Rick Love – Vintage Air Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows 
• Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. – (Incumbent) 
• Brian Reese – Comp Performance Group 
• Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products 
• Janeen Webb - Primedia
  

• The DVD: “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary.??The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Perricone at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacip@sema.org.
  

• 2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

• PRO members: Join your colleagues at the 15th annual PRO Project-Planning Meeting, Thursday–Friday, June 7–8, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Hotel. This is your opportunity to take a stake in your council's future by taking advantage of an agenda that includes group brainstorming sessions, breakout group discussions and action planning for future council projects. The event also includes and exclusive reception at the Henry Ford Estate, complete with a private tour of the automaker's elegant mansion. To RSVP, e-mail to Summer Wright at summerw@sema.org by May 18. For hotel and airline reservations, contact Manya at Manya.P@travelstoreusa.com or 949/930-9268.

• You are invited to attend SEMA’s Sport Compact Council Youth Focus Panel during the NHRA Sport Compact Springnationals and D1 Grand Prix USA. The discussion will feature dozens of young consumers speaking candidly about their hobby. This is one of the best opportunities to discover what younger enthusiasts really think about and want from the automotive specialty-equipment market.
  
  Youth Focus Panel Details
  When: Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m.
  Where: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 230 Pension Rd., Englishtown, NJ 07726
  RSVP Required: The location of Youth Focus Panel is in a restricted area, and a special pass is needed for access.
  
  For more information on the event or how to participate, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.
  
  
• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes over as SCC chairman.
  

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.

• Did you know that the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the SEMA Young Executives Network, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006? If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Becoming involved in SEMA at an early age will help you work your way to the top. Did you know that current SEMA Chairman of the Board, Mitch Williams, was once a member of YEN? If you are interested in becoming a YEN member, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes over as YEN chairman on July 1.
  
  
• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  

The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD shows will take place in Indianapolis, February 8–9, 2008. Show information and rental agreements will be mailed in June.

The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD deliver the SEMA Show experience to the doorstep of the specialty-equipment industry in the Midwest. Sponsored by the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the trade-only events highlight a variety of products and services covering accessories, restyling, wheels and tires and mobile electronics.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:??

>> Sacramento Legislative Rally, May, 23, Sacramento
>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.