SEMA News—October 2015

EDUCATION

Recognizing and Supporting The Future of The Industry

Scholarship winners, students and faculty attended a welcome luncheon during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $150,000 to 58 individuals this year. This includes 45 SEMA scholarships presented to current students, and 13 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of SEMA-member companies. On behalf of the industry, we offer congratulations and continued success to the following award winners.

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

2015 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

• Tyler Bagby, University of Central Missouri
• Steven Baltzell, Western Technical College (Jim A. Borré Award)
• Charles Becker III, University of Northwestern Ohio (Motorsports Parts Manufactures Council (MPMC)–Dan Borré Award)
• Jordan Belcher, Appalachian State University
• Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College (Top Student Award)
• Courtney Bisnee, Lake Superior College
• Skyler Brungardt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Brenden Bungert, University of Minnesota-Duluth
• Erik Cahill, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)—John Menzler Memorial Award)
• Cody Casale, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Trevor Chaney, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Brain Choe, University of Washington-Seattle Campus
• Joel Cosby, Western Governors University
• Elijah DeWitt, Iowa Central Community College
• Nicholas D’Orazio, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Ellis, Colorado School of Mines
• Elizabeth Ellis, Texas A&M University
• Almon Evans, University of Northwestern Ohio (Joe Hrudka Award)
• Logan Farmer, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Lael Gobble, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Hiebert, McPherson College (Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)–Jeff Moses Award)
• Cynthia Jones, Tyler Junior College
• Jeffery Kesterson, Oregon Institute of Technology (Thurston Warn Award)
• Carl Klamn, Western Governors University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Daniel Konzelman, Northwest University (Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) Award)
• Bryan Kuhn, Walsh University (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Anna Layer, Western Michigan University
• Kevin Letterman, Stanford University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Lillian Macaruso, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Alison Queener, Kettering University
• Garrett Rider, University of Missouri-Columbia, (Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)–Michael Kunzman Award)
• Bobby Robertson Jr., McPherson College
• Robert Rose, University of Northwestern Ohio (Dick Dixon Award)
• Michael Shinkarenko, Spokane Community College (Steve Woomer Award)
• Kaylynn Simmons, University of Northwestern Ohio (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Award)
• Allen-Michael Skowron, Kettering University
• Sarah Spoto, University of Rochester
• James Stray, School of Automotive Machinists
• Patrick Stroupe, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Ryan Talaga, Northwood University (Nat Danas Award)
• Stephen Toth Jr., Ohio University (Harlan Felder Award)
• Byron Walker, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Travis Walters, University of Northwest Ohio
• Thomas Wee, Rosedale Technical Institute (Joseph B. Amato, Sr. Award)
• Christopher Zendejas, California State University Northridge (K&N Engineering Award)

2015 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

• Robert Baldwin, Motor State Distributing (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Benjamin Bosworth, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Eric Burnett, Holley Performance Products
• Andrew Clutter, A.R.E. Accessories, LLC (Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Award)
• Calen Cussimanio, Nissan North America
• Collin Gentry, Meyer Distributing
• Robert Martin, Motor State Distributing/Lane Automotive (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Gregory Masterson, Smart Inc., Chemical Guys (Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Award)
• Bryan Newman, Coker Tire (Young Executives Network (YEN) Award)
• Steven Reini, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Michael Robins, Ford Racing/Ford Performance
• Jessica Smith-Tarry, Summit Racing Equipment
• Jordan Sneathen, SEMO Classic Mustang Inc. (Wally Parks Award)

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

SEMA News—October 2015

EDUCATION

Recognizing and Supporting The Future of The Industry

Scholarship winners, students and faculty attended a welcome luncheon during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $150,000 to 58 individuals this year. This includes 45 SEMA scholarships presented to current students, and 13 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of SEMA-member companies. On behalf of the industry, we offer congratulations and continued success to the following award winners.

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

2015 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

• Tyler Bagby, University of Central Missouri
• Steven Baltzell, Western Technical College (Jim A. Borré Award)
• Charles Becker III, University of Northwestern Ohio (Motorsports Parts Manufactures Council (MPMC)–Dan Borré Award)
• Jordan Belcher, Appalachian State University
• Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College (Top Student Award)
• Courtney Bisnee, Lake Superior College
• Skyler Brungardt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Brenden Bungert, University of Minnesota-Duluth
• Erik Cahill, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)—John Menzler Memorial Award)
• Cody Casale, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Trevor Chaney, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Brain Choe, University of Washington-Seattle Campus
• Joel Cosby, Western Governors University
• Elijah DeWitt, Iowa Central Community College
• Nicholas D’Orazio, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Ellis, Colorado School of Mines
• Elizabeth Ellis, Texas A&M University
• Almon Evans, University of Northwestern Ohio (Joe Hrudka Award)
• Logan Farmer, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Lael Gobble, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Hiebert, McPherson College (Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)–Jeff Moses Award)
• Cynthia Jones, Tyler Junior College
• Jeffery Kesterson, Oregon Institute of Technology (Thurston Warn Award)
• Carl Klamn, Western Governors University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Daniel Konzelman, Northwest University (Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) Award)
• Bryan Kuhn, Walsh University (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Anna Layer, Western Michigan University
• Kevin Letterman, Stanford University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Lillian Macaruso, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Alison Queener, Kettering University
• Garrett Rider, University of Missouri-Columbia, (Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)–Michael Kunzman Award)
• Bobby Robertson Jr., McPherson College
• Robert Rose, University of Northwestern Ohio (Dick Dixon Award)
• Michael Shinkarenko, Spokane Community College (Steve Woomer Award)
• Kaylynn Simmons, University of Northwestern Ohio (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Award)
• Allen-Michael Skowron, Kettering University
• Sarah Spoto, University of Rochester
• James Stray, School of Automotive Machinists
• Patrick Stroupe, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Ryan Talaga, Northwood University (Nat Danas Award)
• Stephen Toth Jr., Ohio University (Harlan Felder Award)
• Byron Walker, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Travis Walters, University of Northwest Ohio
• Thomas Wee, Rosedale Technical Institute (Joseph B. Amato, Sr. Award)
• Christopher Zendejas, California State University Northridge (K&N Engineering Award)

2015 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

• Robert Baldwin, Motor State Distributing (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Benjamin Bosworth, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Eric Burnett, Holley Performance Products
• Andrew Clutter, A.R.E. Accessories, LLC (Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Award)
• Calen Cussimanio, Nissan North America
• Collin Gentry, Meyer Distributing
• Robert Martin, Motor State Distributing/Lane Automotive (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Gregory Masterson, Smart Inc., Chemical Guys (Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Award)
• Bryan Newman, Coker Tire (Young Executives Network (YEN) Award)
• Steven Reini, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Michael Robins, Ford Racing/Ford Performance
• Jessica Smith-Tarry, Summit Racing Equipment
• Jordan Sneathen, SEMO Classic Mustang Inc. (Wally Parks Award)

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

SEMA News—October 2015

EDUCATION

Recognizing and Supporting The Future of The Industry

Scholarship winners, students and faculty attended a welcome luncheon during the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $150,000 to 58 individuals this year. This includes 45 SEMA scholarships presented to current students, and 13 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of SEMA-member companies. On behalf of the industry, we offer congratulations and continued success to the following award winners.

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

2015 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

• Tyler Bagby, University of Central Missouri
• Steven Baltzell, Western Technical College (Jim A. Borré Award)
• Charles Becker III, University of Northwestern Ohio (Motorsports Parts Manufactures Council (MPMC)–Dan Borré Award)
• Jordan Belcher, Appalachian State University
• Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College (Top Student Award)
• Courtney Bisnee, Lake Superior College
• Skyler Brungardt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Brenden Bungert, University of Minnesota-Duluth
• Erik Cahill, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)—John Menzler Memorial Award)
• Cody Casale, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Trevor Chaney, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Brain Choe, University of Washington-Seattle Campus
• Joel Cosby, Western Governors University
• Elijah DeWitt, Iowa Central Community College
• Nicholas D’Orazio, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Ellis, Colorado School of Mines
• Elizabeth Ellis, Texas A&M University
• Almon Evans, University of Northwestern Ohio (Joe Hrudka Award)
• Logan Farmer, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Lael Gobble, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
• Austin Hiebert, McPherson College (Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)–Jeff Moses Award)
• Cynthia Jones, Tyler Junior College
• Jeffery Kesterson, Oregon Institute of Technology (Thurston Warn Award)
• Carl Klamn, Western Governors University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Daniel Konzelman, Northwest University (Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) Award)
• Bryan Kuhn, Walsh University (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Anna Layer, Western Michigan University
• Kevin Letterman, Stanford University (Louis L. Borick Award)
• Lillian Macaruso, University of Northwestern Ohio (Leo Kagan Award)
• Alison Queener, Kettering University
• Garrett Rider, University of Missouri-Columbia, (Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)–Michael Kunzman Award)
• Bobby Robertson Jr., McPherson College
• Robert Rose, University of Northwestern Ohio (Dick Dixon Award)
• Michael Shinkarenko, Spokane Community College (Steve Woomer Award)
• Kaylynn Simmons, University of Northwestern Ohio (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Award)
• Allen-Michael Skowron, Kettering University
• Sarah Spoto, University of Rochester
• James Stray, School of Automotive Machinists
• Patrick Stroupe, Art Center College of Design (Phil Weiand Award)
• Ryan Talaga, Northwood University (Nat Danas Award)
• Stephen Toth Jr., Ohio University (Harlan Felder Award)
• Byron Walker, University of Northwestern Ohio
• Travis Walters, University of Northwest Ohio
• Thomas Wee, Rosedale Technical Institute (Joseph B. Amato, Sr. Award)
• Christopher Zendejas, California State University Northridge (K&N Engineering Award)

2015 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

• Robert Baldwin, Motor State Distributing (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Benjamin Bosworth, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Eric Burnett, Holley Performance Products
• Andrew Clutter, A.R.E. Accessories, LLC (Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Award)
• Calen Cussimanio, Nissan North America
• Collin Gentry, Meyer Distributing
• Robert Martin, Motor State Distributing/Lane Automotive (Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Award)
• Gregory Masterson, Smart Inc., Chemical Guys (Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Award)
• Bryan Newman, Coker Tire (Young Executives Network (YEN) Award)
• Steven Reini, Pratt & Miller Engineering
• Michael Robins, Ford Racing/Ford Performance
• Jessica Smith-Tarry, Summit Racing Equipment
• Jordan Sneathen, SEMO Classic Mustang Inc. (Wally Parks Award)

The online application for the 2016 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will accepted now through April 1, 2016.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/scholarship.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—October 2015

FROM THE HILL

By Eric Snyder

“Speed Week” at Bonneville Salt Flats Cancelled Due to Deteriorating Conditions, Lack of Salt

	Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the Bonneville Salt Flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area.

Deteriorating conditions and wet weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) forced the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. to cancel Speed Week. The event organizers were unable to identify more than 2¼ miles of salt suitable for a safe course. Speed Week began in 1949 and is the largest annual racing event held at the BSF, with hundreds of teams racing every type of vehicle, from hot rods, roadsters and belly tankers to motorcycles, lakesters and streamliners. The event was also cancelled in 2014 due to rain, which marked the first cancellation since the ’90s.

Despite a rich history of racing for more than a century, the salt flats have significantly decreased in size, strength and thickness over a number of decades as salt brine has been channeled away from the area. The BSF’s international track once measured 131/2 miles long but has been reduced to eight miles or less. This means that the world’s fastest cars—jet-powered machines—can no longer compete at
the BSF.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has managed the land since 1946. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

SEMA and other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition have been working for years to help save the BSF. The racing community began raising concerns about salt deterioration as early as the ’60s. The coalition contends that the BLM has done little to address the problem aside from conducting numerous geological studies. SEMA and the coalition worked with an adjoining potash mine owner to begin pumping salt brine onto the BSF in 1997. While the program was made permanent in 2012, the amount of brine pumped in recent years has not replaced the millions of tons of salt removed in previous decades.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has managed Bonneville since 1946. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Management Area.

Last summer, the coalition deposited about 2,000 tons of dry salt at the end of the access road to the BSF. Although modest in scope, it demonstrated that it was possible to return dry salt along with the wet brine.

In response to the current deteriorated conditions at the BSF, the BLM intends to launch a detailed study of the salt crust later this year. The government has conducted multiple studies since the ’60s. “Bonneville has been studied to death,” said Stuart Gosswein, SEMA’s senior director of federal government affairs. “It’s time for the BLM to do something.”

The coalition is now approaching federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pressure the BLM to implement an advanced reclamation program. Elements could include more wet and dry salt returns, replenishing the shallow brine aquifer that supports the BSF and construction of surface and subsurface barriers around the racing area to prevent the pumped salt brine from migrating away and to block mud and other contaminants from entering the vicinity.

“It took decades for the BSF to deteriorate, and it will take decades to undue the damage,” said Gosswein. “The coalition is setting goals for measurable progress. The ultimate objective is to restore the international track to its 13½-mile length. The coalition is now engaged with lawmakers, regulators and the public to establish the framework for achieving this goal.”

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Rob Fisher

	Rob Fisher (left) with automotive media personality Courtney Hansen at the SEMA Washington Rally.

Rob Fisher is the general manager of Circle Track, which is part of TEN: The Enthusiast Network. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Fisher is a five-year member of the SEMA PAC President’s Club.

“As a motorsports journalist for more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our sport and the auto aftermarket have changed,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not always been positive. Government regulation and legislative missteps threaten our industry and livelihood on a daily basis. The results can be devastating. I joined the President’s Club to help ensure that SEMA continues to have the resources necessary to fight for our industry’s health and our rights as car guys well into the future.”

For more information, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at 202-783-6007
x20 or christianr@sema.org.