By Amanda Gubbins

	Chuck Blum was honored with the ARMO Hall of Fame Award at the ARMO reception during last week's SEMA Show.

A council and network tradition at the SEMA Show is to recognize individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to their industry niche. This year, the councils and networks celebrated a wide range of achievements. Congratulations to each of the 2013 award recipients:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Business of the Year – Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
ARMO Hall of Fame – Chuck Blum, Chuck Blum and Associates
ARMO Person of the Year – Jim Pennekamp, TrimParts Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual – Rick Love, Vintage Air
Goodguys Trendsetter Award – Goolsby Customs
ISCA Legends in Hot Rodding – George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries
NSRA Achievement Award – International Car Show Association

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Best Product Under $500 – BedRug and BedTred for Jeep JK from BedRug and Advantage Truck Accessories
TORA Best Product Over $500 – Leer Locker from Truck Accessories Group Leer
TORA Chairman’s Award – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
TORA Industry Recognition – Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
TORA Retailer of the Year – Dy Ramirez and Mike Townsend, Pickup Outfitters

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hall of Fame – Earl Gaerte, World Motorsports Society
MPMC Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
MPMC Hall of Fame – Bob Ritzman, McLeod Racing

Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN)

MRN Hall of Fame – Steve Bolio, Seve Bolio and Associates
MRN Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award – Extang Corp.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement – Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
Nat Danas Person of the Year – Mike Stanifer, Innovative Creations Inc.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year – 3M
PRO Restyler of the Year – Rob Riley and Foster Lee, Car Stereo Plus

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champion Award – Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit Inc.
SBN Legacy Award – Martha Doyle
SBN Legacy Award – Amy Faulk
SBN Legacy Award – Terry Kohl
SBN Legacy Award – Zan Martin
SBN Legacy Award – Ellen McKoy
SBN Legacy Award – Bernice Sanders
SBN Legacy Award – Charlie Van Cleve-Schmidt
SBN Mentor of the Year – Lauren Fix, Automotive Aspects
SBN Rising Star – Raquel Rangel
SBN Woman of the Year – Marla Moore, Coker Tire

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Hall of Fame – Corky Coker, Coker Tire

Young Executive’s Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad Winner – Jonathan Mill, E-Stopp
SEMA Launch Pad Volunteer Recognition – Lindsay Hubley, Familyevents.com
Vanguard Award – Vic Wood, Aeromotive Inc.
Young Executive of the Year – Robert Wityczak, MagnaFlow

By Amanda Gubbins

	Chuck Blum was honored with the ARMO Hall of Fame Award at the ARMO reception during last week's SEMA Show.

A council and network tradition at the SEMA Show is to recognize individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to their industry niche. This year, the councils and networks celebrated a wide range of achievements. Congratulations to each of the 2013 award recipients:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Business of the Year – Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
ARMO Hall of Fame – Chuck Blum, Chuck Blum and Associates
ARMO Person of the Year – Jim Pennekamp, TrimParts Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual – Rick Love, Vintage Air
Goodguys Trendsetter Award – Goolsby Customs
ISCA Legends in Hot Rodding – George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries
NSRA Achievement Award – International Car Show Association

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Best Product Under $500 – BedRug and BedTred for Jeep JK from BedRug and Advantage Truck Accessories
TORA Best Product Over $500 – Leer Locker from Truck Accessories Group Leer
TORA Chairman’s Award – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
TORA Industry Recognition – Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
TORA Retailer of the Year – Dy Ramirez and Mike Townsend, Pickup Outfitters

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hall of Fame – Earl Gaerte, World Motorsports Society
MPMC Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
MPMC Hall of Fame – Bob Ritzman, McLeod Racing

Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN)

MRN Hall of Fame – Steve Bolio, Seve Bolio and Associates
MRN Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award – Extang Corp.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement – Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
Nat Danas Person of the Year – Mike Stanifer, Innovative Creations Inc.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year – 3M
PRO Restyler of the Year – Rob Riley and Foster Lee, Car Stereo Plus

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champion Award – Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit Inc.
SBN Legacy Award – Martha Doyle
SBN Legacy Award – Amy Faulk
SBN Legacy Award – Terry Kohl
SBN Legacy Award – Zan Martin
SBN Legacy Award – Ellen McKoy
SBN Legacy Award – Bernice Sanders
SBN Legacy Award – Charlie Van Cleve-Schmidt
SBN Mentor of the Year – Lauren Fix, Automotive Aspects
SBN Rising Star – Raquel Rangel
SBN Woman of the Year – Marla Moore, Coker Tire

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Hall of Fame – Corky Coker, Coker Tire

Young Executive’s Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad Winner – Jonathan Mill, E-Stopp
SEMA Launch Pad Volunteer Recognition – Lindsay Hubley, Familyevents.com
Vanguard Award – Vic Wood, Aeromotive Inc.
Young Executive of the Year – Robert Wityczak, MagnaFlow

By Amanda Gubbins

	Chuck Blum was honored with the ARMO Hall of Fame Award at the ARMO reception during last week's SEMA Show.

A council and network tradition at the SEMA Show is to recognize individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to their industry niche. This year, the councils and networks celebrated a wide range of achievements. Congratulations to each of the 2013 award recipients:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Business of the Year – Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
ARMO Hall of Fame – Chuck Blum, Chuck Blum and Associates
ARMO Person of the Year – Jim Pennekamp, TrimParts Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual – Rick Love, Vintage Air
Goodguys Trendsetter Award – Goolsby Customs
ISCA Legends in Hot Rodding – George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries
NSRA Achievement Award – International Car Show Association

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Best Product Under $500 – BedRug and BedTred for Jeep JK from BedRug and Advantage Truck Accessories
TORA Best Product Over $500 – Leer Locker from Truck Accessories Group Leer
TORA Chairman’s Award – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
TORA Industry Recognition – Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
TORA Retailer of the Year – Dy Ramirez and Mike Townsend, Pickup Outfitters

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hall of Fame – Earl Gaerte, World Motorsports Society
MPMC Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
MPMC Hall of Fame – Bob Ritzman, McLeod Racing

Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN)

MRN Hall of Fame – Steve Bolio, Seve Bolio and Associates
MRN Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award – Extang Corp.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement – Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
Nat Danas Person of the Year – Mike Stanifer, Innovative Creations Inc.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year – 3M
PRO Restyler of the Year – Rob Riley and Foster Lee, Car Stereo Plus

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champion Award – Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit Inc.
SBN Legacy Award – Martha Doyle
SBN Legacy Award – Amy Faulk
SBN Legacy Award – Terry Kohl
SBN Legacy Award – Zan Martin
SBN Legacy Award – Ellen McKoy
SBN Legacy Award – Bernice Sanders
SBN Legacy Award – Charlie Van Cleve-Schmidt
SBN Mentor of the Year – Lauren Fix, Automotive Aspects
SBN Rising Star – Raquel Rangel
SBN Woman of the Year – Marla Moore, Coker Tire

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Hall of Fame – Corky Coker, Coker Tire

Young Executive’s Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad Winner – Jonathan Mill, E-Stopp
SEMA Launch Pad Volunteer Recognition – Lindsay Hubley, Familyevents.com
Vanguard Award – Vic Wood, Aeromotive Inc.
Young Executive of the Year – Robert Wityczak, MagnaFlow

By Amanda Gubbins

	Chuck Blum was honored with the ARMO Hall of Fame Award at the ARMO reception during last week's SEMA Show.

A council and network tradition at the SEMA Show is to recognize individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to their industry niche. This year, the councils and networks celebrated a wide range of achievements. Congratulations to each of the 2013 award recipients:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Business of the Year – Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
ARMO Hall of Fame – Chuck Blum, Chuck Blum and Associates
ARMO Person of the Year – Jim Pennekamp, TrimParts Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual – Rick Love, Vintage Air
Goodguys Trendsetter Award – Goolsby Customs
ISCA Legends in Hot Rodding – George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries
NSRA Achievement Award – International Car Show Association

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Best Product Under $500 – BedRug and BedTred for Jeep JK from BedRug and Advantage Truck Accessories
TORA Best Product Over $500 – Leer Locker from Truck Accessories Group Leer
TORA Chairman’s Award – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
TORA Industry Recognition – Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
TORA Retailer of the Year – Dy Ramirez and Mike Townsend, Pickup Outfitters

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hall of Fame – Earl Gaerte, World Motorsports Society
MPMC Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
MPMC Hall of Fame – Bob Ritzman, McLeod Racing

Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN)

MRN Hall of Fame – Steve Bolio, Seve Bolio and Associates
MRN Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award – Extang Corp.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement – Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
Nat Danas Person of the Year – Mike Stanifer, Innovative Creations Inc.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year – 3M
PRO Restyler of the Year – Rob Riley and Foster Lee, Car Stereo Plus

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champion Award – Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit Inc.
SBN Legacy Award – Martha Doyle
SBN Legacy Award – Amy Faulk
SBN Legacy Award – Terry Kohl
SBN Legacy Award – Zan Martin
SBN Legacy Award – Ellen McKoy
SBN Legacy Award – Bernice Sanders
SBN Legacy Award – Charlie Van Cleve-Schmidt
SBN Mentor of the Year – Lauren Fix, Automotive Aspects
SBN Rising Star – Raquel Rangel
SBN Woman of the Year – Marla Moore, Coker Tire

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Hall of Fame – Corky Coker, Coker Tire

Young Executive’s Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad Winner – Jonathan Mill, E-Stopp
SEMA Launch Pad Volunteer Recognition – Lindsay Hubley, Familyevents.com
Vanguard Award – Vic Wood, Aeromotive Inc.
Young Executive of the Year – Robert Wityczak, MagnaFlow

By Amanda Gubbins

	Chuck Blum was honored with the ARMO Hall of Fame Award at the ARMO reception during last week's SEMA Show.

A council and network tradition at the SEMA Show is to recognize individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to their industry niche. This year, the councils and networks celebrated a wide range of achievements. Congratulations to each of the 2013 award recipients:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Business of the Year – Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
ARMO Hall of Fame – Chuck Blum, Chuck Blum and Associates
ARMO Person of the Year – Jim Pennekamp, TrimParts Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual – Rick Love, Vintage Air
Goodguys Trendsetter Award – Goolsby Customs
ISCA Legends in Hot Rodding – George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries
NSRA Achievement Award – International Car Show Association

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Best Product Under $500 – BedRug and BedTred for Jeep JK from BedRug and Advantage Truck Accessories
TORA Best Product Over $500 – Leer Locker from Truck Accessories Group Leer
TORA Chairman’s Award – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
TORA Industry Recognition – Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
TORA Retailer of the Year – Dy Ramirez and Mike Townsend, Pickup Outfitters

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hall of Fame – Earl Gaerte, World Motorsports Society
MPMC Hall of Fame – Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance Products
MPMC Hall of Fame – Bob Ritzman, McLeod Racing

Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN)

MRN Hall of Fame – Steve Bolio, Seve Bolio and Associates
MRN Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award – Extang Corp.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement – Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
Nat Danas Person of the Year – Mike Stanifer, Innovative Creations Inc.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year – 3M
PRO Restyler of the Year – Rob Riley and Foster Lee, Car Stereo Plus

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champion Award – Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit Inc.
SBN Legacy Award – Martha Doyle
SBN Legacy Award – Amy Faulk
SBN Legacy Award – Terry Kohl
SBN Legacy Award – Zan Martin
SBN Legacy Award – Ellen McKoy
SBN Legacy Award – Bernice Sanders
SBN Legacy Award – Charlie Van Cleve-Schmidt
SBN Mentor of the Year – Lauren Fix, Automotive Aspects
SBN Rising Star – Raquel Rangel
SBN Woman of the Year – Marla Moore, Coker Tire

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Hall of Fame – Corky Coker, Coker Tire

Young Executive’s Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad Winner – Jonathan Mill, E-Stopp
SEMA Launch Pad Volunteer Recognition – Lindsay Hubley, Familyevents.com
Vanguard Award – Vic Wood, Aeromotive Inc.
Young Executive of the Year – Robert Wityczak, MagnaFlow

By SEMA Editors

	The ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special," owned by George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, was built by Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, Illinois.

The 2013 Mothers Shine Award was presented to George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, for his ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special." Aftermarket industry veteran John Naderi hosted the ceremony this year, which was held last week at the Mothers Polish SEMA Show booth.

The Talladega was given a Holman Moody-inspired body treatment as it was widened by 5 in., with 3 in. removed from the front fenders and 1 in. taken from the wheelbase. The body was Coke-bottled—the rear quarters and front fenders are wider than stock and bulge out relative to the rocker panels. The grille, taillight bezels and other trim parts were CNC'd from large chunks of billet aluminum. The engine is a Boss 429 complete with a rare Ford experimental mechanical fuel-injection intake converted to EFI by Rad Rides by Troy. The chassis is a converted Art Morrison unit with a C5 Corvette front suspension and a Detroit Speed four-link in the rear with a Watts link and a Mark Williams 9-in. axle. The body was treated to more than 1,000 man hours of paint prep and finished in a BASF Glasurit 90-Line Tennessee Whiskey Gold gloss and Daytona Sand satin paint.

The 13th annual edition of the Shine Award was selected from hundreds of the world's premier cars on display at the SEMA Show. An international panel that includes seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists and previous Shine Award recipients are tasked with selecting a winner. Judging is based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.

By SEMA Editors

	The ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special," owned by George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, was built by Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, Illinois.

The 2013 Mothers Shine Award was presented to George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, for his ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special." Aftermarket industry veteran John Naderi hosted the ceremony this year, which was held last week at the Mothers Polish SEMA Show booth.

The Talladega was given a Holman Moody-inspired body treatment as it was widened by 5 in., with 3 in. removed from the front fenders and 1 in. taken from the wheelbase. The body was Coke-bottled—the rear quarters and front fenders are wider than stock and bulge out relative to the rocker panels. The grille, taillight bezels and other trim parts were CNC'd from large chunks of billet aluminum. The engine is a Boss 429 complete with a rare Ford experimental mechanical fuel-injection intake converted to EFI by Rad Rides by Troy. The chassis is a converted Art Morrison unit with a C5 Corvette front suspension and a Detroit Speed four-link in the rear with a Watts link and a Mark Williams 9-in. axle. The body was treated to more than 1,000 man hours of paint prep and finished in a BASF Glasurit 90-Line Tennessee Whiskey Gold gloss and Daytona Sand satin paint.

The 13th annual edition of the Shine Award was selected from hundreds of the world's premier cars on display at the SEMA Show. An international panel that includes seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists and previous Shine Award recipients are tasked with selecting a winner. Judging is based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.

By SEMA Editors

	The ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special," owned by George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, was built by Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, Illinois.

The 2013 Mothers Shine Award was presented to George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, for his ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special." Aftermarket industry veteran John Naderi hosted the ceremony this year, which was held last week at the Mothers Polish SEMA Show booth.

The Talladega was given a Holman Moody-inspired body treatment as it was widened by 5 in., with 3 in. removed from the front fenders and 1 in. taken from the wheelbase. The body was Coke-bottled—the rear quarters and front fenders are wider than stock and bulge out relative to the rocker panels. The grille, taillight bezels and other trim parts were CNC'd from large chunks of billet aluminum. The engine is a Boss 429 complete with a rare Ford experimental mechanical fuel-injection intake converted to EFI by Rad Rides by Troy. The chassis is a converted Art Morrison unit with a C5 Corvette front suspension and a Detroit Speed four-link in the rear with a Watts link and a Mark Williams 9-in. axle. The body was treated to more than 1,000 man hours of paint prep and finished in a BASF Glasurit 90-Line Tennessee Whiskey Gold gloss and Daytona Sand satin paint.

The 13th annual edition of the Shine Award was selected from hundreds of the world's premier cars on display at the SEMA Show. An international panel that includes seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists and previous Shine Award recipients are tasked with selecting a winner. Judging is based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.


Supported by SEMA, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 600 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers have sought to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in his state hobby-friendly when he joined the caucus in 2011 upon his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars, and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.
 
“I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner,” Howell said. “I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline.”   
 
Howell sits on the West Virginia House of Delegate’s Roads and Transportation Committee in order to further help protect the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, his current advocacy efforts are sensitive to the needs of small businesses—the catalyst for the U.S. economic engine. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Howell still finds time to fit in personal "car stuff" and enjoys driving his Dodge SRT-4, which won Car and Driver's 2005 SuperFour Challenge in the front-wheel-drive class. His dream car is a black ’71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
 
“Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills,” Howell remarked. “That is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and I welcome this chance to serve as chairman. As its past leader, Assemblyman Reilich has set the bar very high and established a solid foundation to build upon. Together, the Caucus will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard nationwide.”

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.


Supported by SEMA, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 600 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers have sought to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in his state hobby-friendly when he joined the caucus in 2011 upon his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars, and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.
 
“I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner,” Howell said. “I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline.”   
 
Howell sits on the West Virginia House of Delegate’s Roads and Transportation Committee in order to further help protect the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, his current advocacy efforts are sensitive to the needs of small businesses—the catalyst for the U.S. economic engine. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Howell still finds time to fit in personal "car stuff" and enjoys driving his Dodge SRT-4, which won Car and Driver's 2005 SuperFour Challenge in the front-wheel-drive class. His dream car is a black ’71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
 
“Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills,” Howell remarked. “That is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and I welcome this chance to serve as chairman. As its past leader, Assemblyman Reilich has set the bar very high and established a solid foundation to build upon. Together, the Caucus will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard nationwide.”