SEMA-model legislation that would create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives by an overwhelming 107–1 bipartisan vote. The bill must now be considered...

The Tennessee State Senate has approved a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for custom vehicles. The House version of the bill is still currently pending in the House Transportation Committee and needs to be considered quickly in order to...

Twelve years ago, American open-wheel racing splintered into two camps: the existing Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series, founded on road course racing, and the upstart, oval-focused Indy Racing League (IRL). Drivers and teams chose one or the other, and with NASCAR’s by-then dominance of...

CANCELLED: Few were surprised when the Grand Prix of Houston, scheduled April 25–27 was officially canceled. The event was on the Champ Car World Series schedule but was not picked up when Champ Car was dissolved into the Indy Racing League. Promoters of the street race around Reliant Park hope the...

NEWS NUGGETS

Speedway Motors founder and owner “Speedy” Bill Smith was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum. He joins pioneers such as Robert Petersen and George Barris in receiving the award.

Filler for eNews

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

Despite ever-decreasing new light-truck sales, the specialty-equipment industry continues to put out a growing number of new products for these vehicles each year. Over the past three years, for example, there were 29% more products entered in the “Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product” category...