By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agreed to create a “Restore Bonneville” program in April 2020, which will dramatically increase the amount of salt being pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats. The U.S. Congress appropriated more than $2 million in the BLM’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget to start the program, although the Interior Department has not yet released the funds. SEMA is calling on the land-speed racing community to contact the Interior Department and request that it allocate funding for Bonneville before the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2020). To submit a letter to the Interior Department, click here.

Over the past several years, SEMA and the Save the Salt Coalition have worked with BLM, UDNR, Intrepid Potash and U.S. Congress to help create and begin funding the 10-year “Restore Bonneville” program. It is modeled after a 1997–2002 pilot program that pumped an average of 1.25 million tons of salt—dramatically more than the current 300,000 tons or less each year. The program strengthened the salt crust, and the salt flats began to expand before the program ended. Bonneville's existence is endangered under the current pumping levels. The Utah State Legislature funded the first year of the “Restore Bonneville” program at $1 million, although the agency is waiting to release the “Restore Bonneville” funds until the federal government allocates matching funds.  

The 2020 race season at Bonneville will commence with Speed Week (August 8-14, 2020) organized by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI). The organizations have conducted the event since 1949. More than 250 teams, ranging from streamliners topping more than 500 mph to vintage 50cc motorcycles, are entered in this year’s event. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, SCTA/BNI have been working with local, state and federal government agencies to ensure the health and safety of participants of the event, which is set for one of the most socially-distanced racing venues in the world.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agreed to create a “Restore Bonneville” program in April 2020, which will dramatically increase the amount of salt being pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats. The U.S. Congress appropriated more than $2 million in the BLM’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget to start the program, although the Interior Department has not yet released the funds. SEMA is calling on the land-speed racing community to contact the Interior Department and request that it allocate funding for Bonneville before the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2020). To submit a letter to the Interior Department, click here.

Over the past several years, SEMA and the Save the Salt Coalition have worked with BLM, UDNR, Intrepid Potash and U.S. Congress to help create and begin funding the 10-year “Restore Bonneville” program. It is modeled after a 1997–2002 pilot program that pumped an average of 1.25 million tons of salt—dramatically more than the current 300,000 tons or less each year. The program strengthened the salt crust, and the salt flats began to expand before the program ended. Bonneville's existence is endangered under the current pumping levels. The Utah State Legislature funded the first year of the “Restore Bonneville” program at $1 million, although the agency is waiting to release the “Restore Bonneville” funds until the federal government allocates matching funds.  

The 2020 race season at Bonneville will commence with Speed Week (August 8-14, 2020) organized by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI). The organizations have conducted the event since 1949. More than 250 teams, ranging from streamliners topping more than 500 mph to vintage 50cc motorcycles, are entered in this year’s event. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, SCTA/BNI have been working with local, state and federal government agencies to ensure the health and safety of participants of the event, which is set for one of the most socially-distanced racing venues in the world.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Juan Torres

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President Dr. Jamie Meyer sent a letter to the racing industry on Monday, August 3, informing them of the status of the 2020 PRI Trade Show, scheduled for December 10-12, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The letter, written personally by Dr. Meyer, is straight-forward and candid. In it, Dr. Meyer writes “I know you have a lot of questions and concerns right now, and I want to help answer those.” He makes clear that the 2020 PRI Trade Show is set to take place as scheduled, but that approval from the Marion County Health Department is required and pending.

Since joining PRI as President, Dr. Meyer has focused on doing “what is right for the industry,” and he vowed that PRI will continue to do so as it pushes to host the 2020 PRI Trade Show.

In the letter, Dr. Meyer points out that:

• More than 940 exhibitors have registered for the 2020 PRI Show and are ready to display their racing products.
• PRI is working closely with the Visit Indy team, the Indiana Convention Center staff and other Indianapolis officials, including the Office of the Mayor of Indianapolis, to ensure a safe and productive trade show. 
• While the city of Indianapolis is currently at a Stage 4.5 through August 27, the Visit Indy team has had great success gaining approval for events at the Indianapolis Convention Center, and the entire city of Indianapolis is preparing for this year's PRI Trade Show.
• PRI is putting together a safety plan to obtain approval from the Marion County Health Department. The PRI safety plan includes the use of masks, hand sanitizer, health screening and social distancing throughout the event.  

To read the entire letter, click here.

Performance Racing Industry is committed to helping the racing community get through the challenges it currently faces due the Coronavirus pandemic. Providing the racing industry with a venue where they can conduct business safely, efficiently and productively is PRI's top priority.

Visit www.performanceracing.com to learn more about PRI, as well as resources available to the racing community, legislative advocacy and representation information, updated information on guidelines and federal aid, a list of tracks that have reopened and information on the PRI Track Promoter Helpline.

For more information, contact PRI at mail@performanceracing.com.

By Juan Torres

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President Dr. Jamie Meyer sent a letter to the racing industry on Monday, August 3, informing them of the status of the 2020 PRI Trade Show, scheduled for December 10-12, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The letter, written personally by Dr. Meyer, is straight-forward and candid. In it, Dr. Meyer writes “I know you have a lot of questions and concerns right now, and I want to help answer those.” He makes clear that the 2020 PRI Trade Show is set to take place as scheduled, but that approval from the Marion County Health Department is required and pending.

Since joining PRI as President, Dr. Meyer has focused on doing “what is right for the industry,” and he vowed that PRI will continue to do so as it pushes to host the 2020 PRI Trade Show.

In the letter, Dr. Meyer points out that:

• More than 940 exhibitors have registered for the 2020 PRI Show and are ready to display their racing products.
• PRI is working closely with the Visit Indy team, the Indiana Convention Center staff and other Indianapolis officials, including the Office of the Mayor of Indianapolis, to ensure a safe and productive trade show. 
• While the city of Indianapolis is currently at a Stage 4.5 through August 27, the Visit Indy team has had great success gaining approval for events at the Indianapolis Convention Center, and the entire city of Indianapolis is preparing for this year's PRI Trade Show.
• PRI is putting together a safety plan to obtain approval from the Marion County Health Department. The PRI safety plan includes the use of masks, hand sanitizer, health screening and social distancing throughout the event.  

To read the entire letter, click here.

Performance Racing Industry is committed to helping the racing community get through the challenges it currently faces due the Coronavirus pandemic. Providing the racing industry with a venue where they can conduct business safely, efficiently and productively is PRI's top priority.

Visit www.performanceracing.com to learn more about PRI, as well as resources available to the racing community, legislative advocacy and representation information, updated information on guidelines and federal aid, a list of tracks that have reopened and information on the PRI Track Promoter Helpline.

For more information, contact PRI at mail@performanceracing.com.

By Juan Torres

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President Dr. Jamie Meyer sent a letter to the racing industry on Monday, August 3, informing them of the status of the 2020 PRI Trade Show, scheduled for December 10-12, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The letter, written personally by Dr. Meyer, is straight-forward and candid. In it, Dr. Meyer writes “I know you have a lot of questions and concerns right now, and I want to help answer those.” He makes clear that the 2020 PRI Trade Show is set to take place as scheduled, but that approval from the Marion County Health Department is required and pending.

Since joining PRI as President, Dr. Meyer has focused on doing “what is right for the industry,” and he vowed that PRI will continue to do so as it pushes to host the 2020 PRI Trade Show.

In the letter, Dr. Meyer points out that:

• More than 940 exhibitors have registered for the 2020 PRI Show and are ready to display their racing products.
• PRI is working closely with the Visit Indy team, the Indiana Convention Center staff and other Indianapolis officials, including the Office of the Mayor of Indianapolis, to ensure a safe and productive trade show. 
• While the city of Indianapolis is currently at a Stage 4.5 through August 27, the Visit Indy team has had great success gaining approval for events at the Indianapolis Convention Center, and the entire city of Indianapolis is preparing for this year's PRI Trade Show.
• PRI is putting together a safety plan to obtain approval from the Marion County Health Department. The PRI safety plan includes the use of masks, hand sanitizer, health screening and social distancing throughout the event.  

To read the entire letter, click here.

Performance Racing Industry is committed to helping the racing community get through the challenges it currently faces due the Coronavirus pandemic. Providing the racing industry with a venue where they can conduct business safely, efficiently and productively is PRI's top priority.

Visit www.performanceracing.com to learn more about PRI, as well as resources available to the racing community, legislative advocacy and representation information, updated information on guidelines and federal aid, a list of tracks that have reopened and information on the PRI Track Promoter Helpline.

For more information, contact PRI at mail@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), H.R. 1957, which is critically important to revitalizing America’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. The GAOA provides $9.5 billion over the next five years to address the maintenance backlog on federally owned lands by creating a national parks and public land legacy restoration fund. The law also appropriates $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which funds projects that protect natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage sites and to provide recreation opportunities. The SEMA-supported law will help address the infrastructure needs facing our public lands and waters, such as improving trails, roads, docks, campgrounds and more.

The GAOA will benefit many SEMA members in the off-road market (four-wheel, ATVs and UTVs) in addition to companies producing and selling wheels/tires, suspension, power and other equipment to help tow RVs and boats to the nation’s parks and recreation areas. SEMA and 30 other national associations that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) advocated for Congress to pass the GAOA and commend members of Congress and President Trump for working together to protect the future of outdoor recreation. The new law addresses infrastructure needs of our public lands, creates jobs and will provide Americans with access to open spaces.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), H.R. 1957, which is critically important to revitalizing America’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. The GAOA provides $9.5 billion over the next five years to address the maintenance backlog on federally owned lands by creating a national parks and public land legacy restoration fund. The law also appropriates $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which funds projects that protect natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage sites and to provide recreation opportunities. The SEMA-supported law will help address the infrastructure needs facing our public lands and waters, such as improving trails, roads, docks, campgrounds and more.

The GAOA will benefit many SEMA members in the off-road market (four-wheel, ATVs and UTVs) in addition to companies producing and selling wheels/tires, suspension, power and other equipment to help tow RVs and boats to the nation’s parks and recreation areas. SEMA and 30 other national associations that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) advocated for Congress to pass the GAOA and commend members of Congress and President Trump for working together to protect the future of outdoor recreation. The new law addresses infrastructure needs of our public lands, creates jobs and will provide Americans with access to open spaces.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), H.R. 1957, which is critically important to revitalizing America’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. The GAOA provides $9.5 billion over the next five years to address the maintenance backlog on federally owned lands by creating a national parks and public land legacy restoration fund. The law also appropriates $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which funds projects that protect natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage sites and to provide recreation opportunities. The SEMA-supported law will help address the infrastructure needs facing our public lands and waters, such as improving trails, roads, docks, campgrounds and more.

The GAOA will benefit many SEMA members in the off-road market (four-wheel, ATVs and UTVs) in addition to companies producing and selling wheels/tires, suspension, power and other equipment to help tow RVs and boats to the nation’s parks and recreation areas. SEMA and 30 other national associations that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) advocated for Congress to pass the GAOA and commend members of Congress and President Trump for working together to protect the future of outdoor recreation. The new law addresses infrastructure needs of our public lands, creates jobs and will provide Americans with access to open spaces.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Throughout the year, SEMA councils and networks offer a variety of niche-specific educational and networking opportunities to help members promote their particular market segment. Among the benefits, general membership meetings are a great way for members to connect with their council or network leadership and learn how to make the most out of their SEMA membership.   

If you are a member of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), make sure to register for the following events:   
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
August 14, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

The TORA Select Committee will discuss essential updates on the council’s latest programs and resources, regional networking events, volunteer opportunities, information on member recruitment and retention, education and technology and communications. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
August 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

HRIA members will discover the latest updates on the council and hot-rod industry at large, and get their questions answered on HRIA Awards, Education Days, communications and more.

A SEMA “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion hosted by HRIA will immediately follow the online meeting. Additional details to be announced soon. Register now.

SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has postponed their general membership meeting, which was previously scheduled for August 11. Questions can be directed to PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.  

By Ashley Reyes

Throughout the year, SEMA councils and networks offer a variety of niche-specific educational and networking opportunities to help members promote their particular market segment. Among the benefits, general membership meetings are a great way for members to connect with their council or network leadership and learn how to make the most out of their SEMA membership.   

If you are a member of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), make sure to register for the following events:   
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
August 14, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

The TORA Select Committee will discuss essential updates on the council’s latest programs and resources, regional networking events, volunteer opportunities, information on member recruitment and retention, education and technology and communications. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
August 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

HRIA members will discover the latest updates on the council and hot-rod industry at large, and get their questions answered on HRIA Awards, Education Days, communications and more.

A SEMA “Industry Talks: Back to Business” virtual panel discussion hosted by HRIA will immediately follow the online meeting. Additional details to be announced soon. Register now.

SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has postponed their general membership meeting, which was previously scheduled for August 11. Questions can be directed to PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.