A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow companies to market collision-repair parts without infringing a design patent after a vehicle has been marketed for two-and-a-half years. Under current law, a design patent covers the ornamental design for an object...

Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates.

Irwindale Speedway Cancels Season Irwindale Speedway, which opened in 1999, has canceled the 2012 season and appears to be closing, according to the Los Angeles Daily News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Irwindale was considered among the best short track and drifting facilities in the nation...

The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any...

A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote by all members. The bill has already been approved by the...

SEMA-model legislation that would allow Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was introduced in the Iowa State Senate.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by...

WC Vision, SCCA Pro Racing Announce Leadership Changes for Pirelli World Challenge Championships WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing announced leadership changes for the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Director of Operations Scott Bove moves to president and chief executive officer, and...

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market.

NEWS NUGGETS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES RETURNS TO FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY FOR SECOND STOP OF 2012: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Firebird International Raceway for the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 17–19, with a ticket special the whole family can enjoy...