Here is a brief look at some of the recent news and updates happening in the specialty-equipment industry.

The Chip Foose/WD-40 ’53 F-100 was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson last week for $170,000.

Amalie Oil Co. has agreed to a multi-year title-rights sponsorship of the NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. The Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals is scheduled for March 14–17, and is the third event in the 24-race 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Brenda Priddy delivered these latest shots of the ’14 Acura MDX looking very similar to the concept that was unveiled a few weeks ago during the North American International Auto Show.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on draft risk assessments for five chemicals found in common household products.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a simplified option for deducting the costs associated with having a home business office. The new optional approach is based on the amount of square feet being used for business purposes by the taxpayer.

A bill to ban motor vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level has been reintroduced in Vermont. Under the bill, violators would not pass the state’s required inspection and would be subject to fines.

A version of SEMA-model legislation has been reintroduced in the Washington State Senate to prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation or administrative practice that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby.

Legislation has been introduced in the Maine State Senate to remove a provision in the law that requires that the overall diameter of motor vehicle tires be within 2 in. of the sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Some say Jay Rogers is a modern-day Henry Ford who will dramatically change the landscape of the car industry. His cars are designed by an open-source community that works together to develop vehicles and build them locally—with customer participation.