Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

Navigating the Legislative Terrain
Sat, 07/26/2014 - 12:14
SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Navigating the Legislative Terrain

How Laws and Regulations Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) allows individuals and families to enjoy all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. With increasing frequency, however, enthusiasts are encountering “road closed” signs on public lands. This is often the result of the U.S. Congress passing legislation establishing “wilderness” areas.

 

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.
In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails.

 
A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management, since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed. Motorized recreation is not permitted on these lands.

While wilderness designations do serve an important environmental purpose, the issue is the amount of land that needs such restrictions and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres.

However, there are some OHV-friendly compromises that can be pursued. For example, reasonable limits should be placed on the amount of acreage to be designated. Existing roads and trails should be “cherry stemmed” so that they do not receive the wilderness stamp.

In recent years, anti-OHV activists have pushed dozens of wilderness bills in an organized effort to lock up as much land as possible. When these bills are rushed through Congress, there is little opportunity to cherry stem existing roads and trails. In fact, the wilderness designation may be an intentional means to force responsible OHV enthusiasts off public land. This hurts local economies that depend on off-road activities and deprives enthusiasts of legitimate recreational opportunities.

In 2009, Congress combined more than 160 separate wilderness measures into one larger bill called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The law created nearly 2.2 million acres of new wilderness in nine states, including areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Zion National Park in Utah, Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Many roads and trails were swept up in the closures, including Mt. Canaan Trail in Utah and Dickshooter Ridge Road in Idaho. Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.
Congress continues to consider dozens more wilderness measures that could encompass additional millions of acres of land across the country. Scores of popular OHV trails could be closed.

  
“National Monument” designations are also problematic. Currently, the president has the unilateral authority to apply the designation to any parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest.” To date, President Obama has established 11 National Monuments, including two in New Mexico totaling nearly 750,000 acres. Such designations frequently lead to road closures for motorized recreation and prevent the creation of new trails. SEMA supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to place limits on that authority. The president could declare a monument of less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require an environmental study, thereby insuring public input.

So why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts. Importantly, the same equipment is used to improve and individualize the performance of their vehicles. The enthusiasm for these products is dependent in part on the availability of public lands for off-road use.

Consequently, SEMA supports land-use decisions that are reasonable and enjoy local community support but opposes unnecessarily restrictive land-use policies. Since federal laws and regulations that govern land use are complex, it is sometimes difficult to relate how “No Trails” translates into “No Sales” for SEMA members that cater to the off-road industry.

SEMA Activities in Support of Racing

SEMA’s roots are firmly planted in the racing sector. When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues. Now, more than 50 years later, the industry has blossomed and the renamed Specialty Equipment Market Association embraces the entire distribution chain, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, specialty stores, sales agents and media companies.

When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.
When formed in 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association represented companies producing performance equipment for many of the early trailblazers who set land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and other racing venues.

 

Speed equipment remains the brick and mortar of SEMA. In fact, Bonneville and other dry lakes played a crucial role in SEMA’s formation, since they were primary venues for industry pioneers to race their cars in the ’30s and ’40s.

These pioneers would adjust their equipment on the salt flats or lake beds and then go back to the garage to create the next generation of speed equipment. Many started companies and founded the sport of drag racing. In turn, these companies understood the importance of having an industry trade association and created SEMA.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been a key factor in helping SEMA-member companies succeed and prosper. In the ’50s, the industry operated largely free of regulatory constraints. Following the introduction of California regulations in the ’60s to curb mobile-source air pollution, federal and state governments proposed a variety of restrictive measures. Without SEMA’s advocacy efforts, the laws and regulations could have been overly restrictive, with unnecessarily detrimental effects on businesses and consumers.

Although the current legislative/regulatory arena places a focus of attention on street vehicles, SEMA and its government affairs staff continue to advocate on racing issues. Some recent examples include the following:

 
 Endangered Species Act Reform

Despite agreeing that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is flawed, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are generally deadlocked on how to comprehensively update the law. Millions of acres of land have been set aside to protect threatened or endangered animals and plants, with few tangible results beyond lawsuits and attorney fees. Scores of OHV roads and trails have been unnecessarily closed as a consequence. SEMA supports an alternative approach that focuses on establishing and managing smaller recovery zones.

The Greater Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chicken are examples of current battles over ESA policies. Bird population declines in recent years have been associated with reduced habitat in 11 western states, among other concerns. However, the OHV community does not want a repeat of the 1990 decision to list the Northern Spotted Owl as threatened and shut down timber operations across 24 million acres of land. The OHV community has joined with hunters, ranchers, energy producers and other groups to work with lawmakers and regulators on cooperative ways to protect the birds while providing public access to the managed land.

In the U.S. Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee has approved four bills to reform aspects of the ESA. The bills would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release data used to make listings of threatened or endangered animals and plants, report how much money is spent on ESA-related lawsuits and place a cap on plaintiff attorney reimbursement fees. The bills have been sent to the House floor. There has been little action in the U.S. Senate. 

  
Off-Street Racing
  • Racers Against Street Racing (RASR): SEMA re-launched RASR to promote safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing. Through the SEMA Action Network, RASR provides resources to help enthusiasts take their racing activities to the track. SEMA has partnered with the National Speedway Directory in order to identify racing venues.

Off-Highway Racing

  • Bonneville Salt Flats: SEMA is a partner in the “Save the Salt Coalition,” which fosters and supports a comprehensive salt-replenishment campaign by the racing community, government regulators and mine operators.
  • Johnson Valley, CA: SEMA worked with a number of other OHV groups and lawmakers to help resolve a six-year dispute over access to 189,000 acres of Southern California desert. The U.S. Congress passed a law in 2013 to create a 96,000-acre “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” The area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations, and it hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” race. Twice a year, the U.S. Marine Corps will have limited access to part of the OHV area for military training exercises.

State Legislation

  • Noise Laws: SEMA continues to advocate for the reasonable application of noise laws. In many instances, a long-established racing facility can become the target of noise restrictions when new housing developments are constructed nearby.

Federal Legislation

  • Depreciation: SEMA has partnered with NASCAR to support efforts to continue the seven-year race track depreciation exemption. The legislation allows “motorsports entertainment complexes” to depreciate the cost of capital improvements over a shorter, seven-year period than other facilities.
  • Sponsorships: SEMA worked with NASCAR to support and protect military sponsorships of race teams (U.S. Army, Air Force, National Guard). Amendments to federal funding bills have been introduced to eliminate military expenditures on these sponsorships and were defeated by narrow votes.

Federal Regulations

  • CAA Racing Exemption: SEMA continues to advocate for clear and practical application of the Clean Air Act’s exemption for emissions-related equipment used solely for competition use.

Racing Fuel

  • Canada: In 2010, as requested by SEMA, Environment Canada issued a final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles.
  • United States: SEMA monitors for any attempt to modify the Clean Air Act exemption permitting leaded fuel for competition vehicles.

Regulating Motorized Recreation on Federal Lands

Over the years, SEMA has supported managed care of the nation’s public lands in a manner that balances responsible recreational opportunities with a need to maintain the health and beauty of our federal lands and the safety of patrons. The following are the broad principles that guide the association’s advocacy efforts.
  • SEMA supports OHV policies that recognize the importance of vehicle-oriented recreation: Increased OHV use in recent years has provided the American public with the ability to enjoy public lands in record numbers.
  • SEMA supports broad national guidelines combined with local management decision-making: It is important that local officials have the authority to work with the public and state, federal and tribal government leaders to make appropriate decisions on OHV access.
  • SEMA supports strong public involvement in decision-making: SEMA recommends that government agencies be required to seek the active participation of the public in the process of designating OHV access.
  • SEMA supports flexible timetables for designations: The designation process is complex and may vary from forest to forest or other federal land areas. While there may be a uniform approach, the specifics must be dealt with at the local level according to the unique circumstances of each land area.

  • Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.
    Why are these government closures important to you? Many SEMA members market equipment that is used by off-road enthusiasts.

    SEMA supports certain “user-created” routes: By default, the designation process places the onus on the OHV recreational community to identify routes that were created in recent years but have not yet been inventoried (“user-created” routes). Many of these routes came into existence during “open” management, serve a legitimate need and purpose and do not pose an environmental threat. In some cases, these uninventoried routes may even be more environmentally friendly and provide a better overall access solution than their inventoried counterparts.
  • SEMA supports reasonable application of “Emergency Powers”: There are times when emergency closures are necessary to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety. Nevertheless, the public should be included in the decision-making process when such closures last beyond 12 months.
  • SEMA supports defined vehicle classes and use authorizations: Vehicle classes need to be defined at the federal level so that there is uniform application across the country when it comes to planning, mapping of roads/trails, etc.

 

NHRA: Johnson Continues Dominance of Denver; Todd, Hight and Hines Also Win
Thu, 07/24/2014 - 16:48

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

  mopar
  

JOHNSON CONTINUES DOMINANCE OF DENVER; TODD, HIGHT AND HINES ALSO WIN: Allen Johnson in his Team Mopar Dodge Dart continued his dominance of Bandimere Speedway when he recordered his sixth win at the track in his eighth consecutive final-round appearance. J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also took home wins at the event. Johnson defeated his teammate Jeg Coughlin in the finals to win at his sponsor’s event.

"This team just continues to find a way to do it," said Johnson. "We want to win here for Mopar. My guys step up, I step up when I need to. It is just a confidence thing, it’s a want-to thing; it is deep in our gut, and we just keep doing it."

mopar 
  

MOPAR EXTENDS TITLE RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP OF DENVER EVENT: MOPAR has agreed to a three-year extension of its title rights sponsorship of the NHRA Mile-High Nationals at scenic Bandimere Speedway near Denver. Mopar’s title sponsorship of this tradition-rich event began in 1989 and is the longest-running NHRA event sponsorship in history. The event, which presents unique challenges to NHRA teams due to its high altitude and warm summer temperatures, has long been the traditional kick-off of the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing.

"The MOPAR Mile-High NHRA Nationals is the flagship event for our brand, our fans and our customers, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to our ‘home track,’ Bandimere Speedway, and to NHRA drag racing," said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of MOPAR, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. "Together, we have made the annual visit to Thunder Mountain an iconic stop on the NHRA schedule."

  sonoma
  

MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES RETURNS TO SONOMA WINE COUNTRY: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will battle in the luscious Wine Country region of Northern California, as they head to the second stop of the Western Swing, for the 15th race of the 2014 season at the 27th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all compete for Wally trophies at the world-renowned track located just north of San Francisco. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN2. Langdon grew up racing at the track and turned in a brilliant performance a year ago when he knocked off Morgan Lucas in the final round. Those good memories have Langdon excited to return.

"Some tracks you just feel better going to," Langdon said. "But once you’re in the car it doesn’t matter where you’re at. I’m automatically in race mode, so it’s more about the excitement leading up to the event. There’s a lot of excitement for me and, of course, you’ll have lots of friends and family there."

He Said, She Said

  todd
  

"These things are so hard to come by. That’s why I’m so happy to have the opportunity to drive for the Kalitta team. I figured it was the best opportunity I’d have to win again. I’m pretty hard on myself and I felt like there were a few races lately that got away from us. The only thing that was missing here is Conrad [Kalitta, team owner]. He only stays home from one race and it’s this one because the heat and the altitude is hard on him. It was just nice to get a win for these guys so hopefully they feel like they made the right decision by hiring me. I’m kind of a small guy so I’m glad I wasn’t a part of that big pile on the starting line. If I was there, I probably would have just jumped on top. I’m pretty solid now, but I want a cushion. I want to make the Countdown because after that, anything can happen."

—Top Fuel racer J.R. Todd on winning his first Top Fuel race since Dallas in the 2008 season and escaping the ensuing Kalitta Racing mosh pit at the starting line. With the win, he moved to eighth in points with four races remaining to earn points for the Countdown to the Championship.

Inside the Numbers

7: The number of racers that have clinched a berth into the Countdown to the Championship—the six-race playoffs that decides the season-long championships in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown were the first two racers to secure their positions in the Countdown. Robert Hight in Funny Car and Erica Enders-Stevens in Pro Stock have also punched their tickets into the playoffs. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec and Hector Arana Jr. were the first three racers in the two-wheel category to gain a spot in the Countdown. There are four races remaining for racers to earn points into the Countdown to the Championship, which will kick off at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, September 12–14.

Did You Know

  enders
  

ENDERS-STEVENS TO SKIP SONOMA, SEATTLE RACES: Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens will skip the NHRA national events in Sonoma, California, and Seattle in order to better prepare for the rapidly approaching NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman announced last Sunday at Bandimere Speedway. Enders-Stevens has led the points since March, making her the most prolific racer in the pro classes this season. She has already secured a spot in the Countdown playoffs.

"The guys will have this Camaro ready to win Brainerd and Indy and all six races in the Countdown. I don't believe this will affect our plan of attack at all. It's a team decision and obviously every decision Richard (Freeman) has made this year has worked out perfectly, so we'll go home and prepare for Brainerd."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA: Johnson Continues Dominance of Denver; Todd, Hight and Hines Also Win
Thu, 07/24/2014 - 16:48

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

  mopar
  

JOHNSON CONTINUES DOMINANCE OF DENVER; TODD, HIGHT AND HINES ALSO WIN: Allen Johnson in his Team Mopar Dodge Dart continued his dominance of Bandimere Speedway when he recordered his sixth win at the track in his eighth consecutive final-round appearance. J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also took home wins at the event. Johnson defeated his teammate Jeg Coughlin in the finals to win at his sponsor’s event.

"This team just continues to find a way to do it," said Johnson. "We want to win here for Mopar. My guys step up, I step up when I need to. It is just a confidence thing, it’s a want-to thing; it is deep in our gut, and we just keep doing it."

mopar 
  

MOPAR EXTENDS TITLE RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP OF DENVER EVENT: MOPAR has agreed to a three-year extension of its title rights sponsorship of the NHRA Mile-High Nationals at scenic Bandimere Speedway near Denver. Mopar’s title sponsorship of this tradition-rich event began in 1989 and is the longest-running NHRA event sponsorship in history. The event, which presents unique challenges to NHRA teams due to its high altitude and warm summer temperatures, has long been the traditional kick-off of the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing.

"The MOPAR Mile-High NHRA Nationals is the flagship event for our brand, our fans and our customers, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to our ‘home track,’ Bandimere Speedway, and to NHRA drag racing," said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of MOPAR, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. "Together, we have made the annual visit to Thunder Mountain an iconic stop on the NHRA schedule."

  sonoma
  

MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES RETURNS TO SONOMA WINE COUNTRY: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will battle in the luscious Wine Country region of Northern California, as they head to the second stop of the Western Swing, for the 15th race of the 2014 season at the 27th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all compete for Wally trophies at the world-renowned track located just north of San Francisco. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN2. Langdon grew up racing at the track and turned in a brilliant performance a year ago when he knocked off Morgan Lucas in the final round. Those good memories have Langdon excited to return.

"Some tracks you just feel better going to," Langdon said. "But once you’re in the car it doesn’t matter where you’re at. I’m automatically in race mode, so it’s more about the excitement leading up to the event. There’s a lot of excitement for me and, of course, you’ll have lots of friends and family there."

He Said, She Said

  todd
  

"These things are so hard to come by. That’s why I’m so happy to have the opportunity to drive for the Kalitta team. I figured it was the best opportunity I’d have to win again. I’m pretty hard on myself and I felt like there were a few races lately that got away from us. The only thing that was missing here is Conrad [Kalitta, team owner]. He only stays home from one race and it’s this one because the heat and the altitude is hard on him. It was just nice to get a win for these guys so hopefully they feel like they made the right decision by hiring me. I’m kind of a small guy so I’m glad I wasn’t a part of that big pile on the starting line. If I was there, I probably would have just jumped on top. I’m pretty solid now, but I want a cushion. I want to make the Countdown because after that, anything can happen."

—Top Fuel racer J.R. Todd on winning his first Top Fuel race since Dallas in the 2008 season and escaping the ensuing Kalitta Racing mosh pit at the starting line. With the win, he moved to eighth in points with four races remaining to earn points for the Countdown to the Championship.

Inside the Numbers

7: The number of racers that have clinched a berth into the Countdown to the Championship—the six-race playoffs that decides the season-long championships in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown were the first two racers to secure their positions in the Countdown. Robert Hight in Funny Car and Erica Enders-Stevens in Pro Stock have also punched their tickets into the playoffs. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec and Hector Arana Jr. were the first three racers in the two-wheel category to gain a spot in the Countdown. There are four races remaining for racers to earn points into the Countdown to the Championship, which will kick off at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, September 12–14.

Did You Know

  enders
  

ENDERS-STEVENS TO SKIP SONOMA, SEATTLE RACES: Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens will skip the NHRA national events in Sonoma, California, and Seattle in order to better prepare for the rapidly approaching NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman announced last Sunday at Bandimere Speedway. Enders-Stevens has led the points since March, making her the most prolific racer in the pro classes this season. She has already secured a spot in the Countdown playoffs.

"The guys will have this Camaro ready to win Brainerd and Indy and all six races in the Countdown. I don't believe this will affect our plan of attack at all. It's a team decision and obviously every decision Richard (Freeman) has made this year has worked out perfectly, so we'll go home and prepare for Brainerd."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA: Johnson Continues Dominance of Denver; Todd, Hight and Hines Also Win
Thu, 07/24/2014 - 16:48

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

  mopar
  

JOHNSON CONTINUES DOMINANCE OF DENVER; TODD, HIGHT AND HINES ALSO WIN: Allen Johnson in his Team Mopar Dodge Dart continued his dominance of Bandimere Speedway when he recordered his sixth win at the track in his eighth consecutive final-round appearance. J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also took home wins at the event. Johnson defeated his teammate Jeg Coughlin in the finals to win at his sponsor’s event.

"This team just continues to find a way to do it," said Johnson. "We want to win here for Mopar. My guys step up, I step up when I need to. It is just a confidence thing, it’s a want-to thing; it is deep in our gut, and we just keep doing it."

mopar 
  

MOPAR EXTENDS TITLE RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP OF DENVER EVENT: MOPAR has agreed to a three-year extension of its title rights sponsorship of the NHRA Mile-High Nationals at scenic Bandimere Speedway near Denver. Mopar’s title sponsorship of this tradition-rich event began in 1989 and is the longest-running NHRA event sponsorship in history. The event, which presents unique challenges to NHRA teams due to its high altitude and warm summer temperatures, has long been the traditional kick-off of the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing.

"The MOPAR Mile-High NHRA Nationals is the flagship event for our brand, our fans and our customers, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to our ‘home track,’ Bandimere Speedway, and to NHRA drag racing," said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of MOPAR, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. "Together, we have made the annual visit to Thunder Mountain an iconic stop on the NHRA schedule."

  sonoma
  

MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES RETURNS TO SONOMA WINE COUNTRY: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will battle in the luscious Wine Country region of Northern California, as they head to the second stop of the Western Swing, for the 15th race of the 2014 season at the 27th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all compete for Wally trophies at the world-renowned track located just north of San Francisco. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN2. Langdon grew up racing at the track and turned in a brilliant performance a year ago when he knocked off Morgan Lucas in the final round. Those good memories have Langdon excited to return.

"Some tracks you just feel better going to," Langdon said. "But once you’re in the car it doesn’t matter where you’re at. I’m automatically in race mode, so it’s more about the excitement leading up to the event. There’s a lot of excitement for me and, of course, you’ll have lots of friends and family there."

He Said, She Said

  todd
  

"These things are so hard to come by. That’s why I’m so happy to have the opportunity to drive for the Kalitta team. I figured it was the best opportunity I’d have to win again. I’m pretty hard on myself and I felt like there were a few races lately that got away from us. The only thing that was missing here is Conrad [Kalitta, team owner]. He only stays home from one race and it’s this one because the heat and the altitude is hard on him. It was just nice to get a win for these guys so hopefully they feel like they made the right decision by hiring me. I’m kind of a small guy so I’m glad I wasn’t a part of that big pile on the starting line. If I was there, I probably would have just jumped on top. I’m pretty solid now, but I want a cushion. I want to make the Countdown because after that, anything can happen."

—Top Fuel racer J.R. Todd on winning his first Top Fuel race since Dallas in the 2008 season and escaping the ensuing Kalitta Racing mosh pit at the starting line. With the win, he moved to eighth in points with four races remaining to earn points for the Countdown to the Championship.

Inside the Numbers

7: The number of racers that have clinched a berth into the Countdown to the Championship—the six-race playoffs that decides the season-long championships in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown were the first two racers to secure their positions in the Countdown. Robert Hight in Funny Car and Erica Enders-Stevens in Pro Stock have also punched their tickets into the playoffs. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec and Hector Arana Jr. were the first three racers in the two-wheel category to gain a spot in the Countdown. There are four races remaining for racers to earn points into the Countdown to the Championship, which will kick off at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, September 12–14.

Did You Know

  enders
  

ENDERS-STEVENS TO SKIP SONOMA, SEATTLE RACES: Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens will skip the NHRA national events in Sonoma, California, and Seattle in order to better prepare for the rapidly approaching NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman announced last Sunday at Bandimere Speedway. Enders-Stevens has led the points since March, making her the most prolific racer in the pro classes this season. She has already secured a spot in the Countdown playoffs.

"The guys will have this Camaro ready to win Brainerd and Indy and all six races in the Countdown. I don't believe this will affect our plan of attack at all. It's a team decision and obviously every decision Richard (Freeman) has made this year has worked out perfectly, so we'll go home and prepare for Brainerd."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Racing News: McNamara Takes Victory in Formula DRIFT Round 5: Throwdown
Thu, 07/24/2014 - 14:38

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  formulad
Darren McNamara took his first victory of the season in Round 5: Throwdown last weekend.
  

Formula DRIFT Announces Contract Extensions for Venues; McNamara Takes Victory in Round 5: Throwdown
Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro has extended contracts with Road Atlanta and Evergreen Speedway through the 2016 season. The Streets of Long Beach venue partnership will continue in 2015. In an effort to plan for the future of the Series with established long-running relationships with venues, Formula DRIFT has committed to the following tracks for the 2015–2016 season, Road Atlanta, Evergreen Speedway and the Streets of Long Beach for 2015. More venues are expected to sign contracts soon.

Formula DRIFT returned to Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, last weekend for Round 5: Throwdown, where Darren McNamara in the Falken Tire Nissan S14 took his first victory of the season. Rounding out the podium in second place was Dean Kearney in the Oracle Lighting SRT Viper. In third place was current point leader Chris Forsberg in the Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z for his fifth consecutive podium of the season. The 2014 Formula DRIFT Championship season continues to Round 6: Showdown at Texas Motor Speedway, September 12–13.

Ford has supported drivers in Formula DRIFT since 2005, when the sport triggered a successful Ford Racing Performance Parts engine development program for a supercharged 4.6L V8 crate engine. Ford is giving fans the opportunity to enter to win an EcoBoost-powered Fiesta ST. Anyone can enter the contest online while watching the hot action each weekend at www.formuladrift.com.

  garlits
Don Garlits will be honored by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame as a member of the 2014 class of inductees.
  

Don Garlits to Be Inducted Into British Drag Racing Hall of Fame
In mid-November, Don Garlits will be honored by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame as a member of the 2014 class of inductees. Garlits will be joined by his daughters Donna and GayLyn, and the grandchildren (Sarah, Rodney and Anna) at the Gala Awards Dinner at the famed Savill Court Hotel at Windsor Great Park, near Windsor, Surrey, and west of London, November 22.

The occasion marks the 50th Anniversary of the first “British International Drag Racing Festival” (often referred to as the “DragFests”) organized by the late Sydney Allard—the British industrialist/automaker who built the first dragster in Britain. Garlits and the “Swamp Rat 6B” participated in that first series of races held at several Royal Air Force airfields across Britain in September and October 1964. He raced his friend and rival Tommy (“TV Tommy”) Ivo in the series of match races and won the “People’s Challenge Trophy” for the best aggregate performance, with a string of low-eight-second passes at 190+ mph.

Garlits' participation in that first series of events encouraged other established U.S. drag racers to follow behind him, and helped launch the sport all over Europe. He returned to Britain to race in 1976 and 1977, driving the “Swamp Rat 21” at the now-famed Santa Pod Raceway—Britain’s first, special-built drag strip. He set the British track record at 232+ mph in 1977.

In addition to Garlits' contributions to the growth of drag racing in Great Britain, he is also being honored for his overall performance record, and his significant contributions to the sport’s technological and safety advances. The selection committee noted Garlits’ passion for protecting the history of the sport through The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, his own International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and his continued passion for pushing on the performance envelope with the electric-powered Swamp Rat 37, which he is seeking to break the 200 mph barrier in 2014—the 50th anniversary of his record-breaking 201-mph pass in August 1964 with Swamp Rat 6-B.

  foust
Tanner Foust finished first in the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship in New York last weekend.
  

Tanner Foust First to Checkered Flag at Volkswagen Rallycross New York
The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team is coming home with a first-place trophy. Tanner Foust and Scott Speed were two of the fastest cars on the track throughout the fourth round of the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship in New York, battling their way to a 1–2 finish. However, Speed’s second-place finish was later penalized due to an unapproved adjustment done under the first red flag of the race. Under the championship’s supplemental regulations, he was penalized from that point forward, resulting in a ninth-place finish.

The Olsbergs MSE Ford duo of Patrik Sandell and Joni Wiman are in the top five heading into the Charlotte round next weekend. Red Bull driver Wiman scored a fourth-place result in Long Island last Sunday.

The next round of the Red Bull Rallycross Championship will be held at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, July 25–26. NBC will air the race live on Sunday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).

RSR Racing Announces Jack Hawksworth to Team With Chris Cumming at the Brickyard Grand Prix
RSR Racing has announced the addition of Star Mazda Champion and Indycar Series driver Jack Hawksworth to the driver lineup in the #08 car for the IMSA TUDOR United Sports Car Championship Brickyard Grand Prix. Coming from a successful sixth-place finish in a wild Indycar event on the streets of Toronto, Hawksworth will have his first sportscar racing experience on the 2.43-mile road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, July 24, at 10:45 a.m. when the series takes to the track for the opening practice session. Hawksworth will be paired with Chris Cumming, who normally drives with Alex Tagliani. Round 6 of the IMSA TUDOR United Sports Car Championship takes place Friday evening, July 25.

Bully Dog's Dog Days of Summer 2014 Results

Grand Bracket (trucks that earned more than 1000 hp in the dyno event)
 Dirt Drags
Work Stock Diesel
Joe Harrell: 306.04 ft.
 Work Stock
1st Place: Justin Tyler
2nd Place: Kalen Johnson
2.6 Diesel
Weylin Richards: 381 ft.
 Single
1st Place: Lucas Steicklein
2nd Place: Lyle Richmond
3.0 Diesel
Bob Millican: 353.07 ft.
 Twin
1st Place: Dan Madden
2nd Place: Dmitri Millard
Pro Mod 4x4
Katie Neibaur: 266.04 ft.
 Open
1st Place: Dmitri Millard
2nd Place: Verlon Southwick
Smoker Tractor
Josh Scott: 272.07 ft.
  
3.2 Diesel
Ryan Thain: 340.04 ft.
  
Pro Mod Diesel
Ken Jones: 325.02 ft.