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WEB RESERVES

Putting the “Network” in SEMA Action Network

Are you active on a social network such as Facebook or Twitter? Since 2009, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has used these properties to quickly disseminate and further expand the reach of legislative news as it happens. Discussions by fellow car enthusiasts often evolve as hot topics such as ethanol fuel, registration fees and license plate requirements are mentioned. In fact, each Action Alert is posted and linked at www.facebook.com/SEMAActionNetwork and www.twitter.com/semaSAN. This method allows the issues to be easily shared with fellow car enthusiasts and rally support quickly. If you or your friends are active online and have not yet followed either of these pages, please take a moment to look us up and connect.

An image gallery featuring shots of SAN members at the 2015 SEMA Ignited event (the SEMA Show’s official “after-party”) is live on the SAN Facebook page in a dedicated photo album. Attendees posed with automotive media personality and SAN member Courtney Hansen along with Vernon Slone’s beautiful Hemi-powered ’34 Ford Tudor Sedan at the SAN display. Shown above are two West Virginia lawmakers from the SAN-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus: Delegate Gary Howell (left), national Caucus Chairman, and Senator Mark Maynard (right).

Legislative Front Lines

Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.

SEMA SAN Strike Force

This clean ‘68 Chevy Camaro belongs to Trent Raley (pictured behind car) and his wife, Kari. Trent and his Camaro are shown here at Cruisin’ Grand, which takes place every Friday (April through September) in Escondido, California.

The Chevy Camaro has long played an important role in Trent Raley’s life. His first car was a Camaro similar to the one pictured above but, according to Trent, “in worse-looking condition.” The car piqued young Raley’s interest as it was a gift from his father. However, the engine was in great need of an overhaul. So Trent says he “spent a summer working with dad to tear it out, rework it and get that car running like a scalded cat. Unfortunately, it also looked like one—it wasn't the prettiest thing on the road, but it sure was fast and fun to drive.” Since then, Raley has had a lot of experience with first generation Camaros, although he enjoys working on just about anything from the muscle car era. His favorite project has been the recent ‘68 Camaro project with his wife Kari. It’s special because the couple met in high school, with his first car playing an important part in the relationship’s development. The new build has allowed them to relive their youth without the limitations of a shoestring budget. “She probably drives it to more shows than I do!”

Having met like-minded gearheads in high school, Trent has enjoyed the social aspect of our hobby. In addition to calling the Camaro Club of San Diego and the Over The Hill Gang of San Diego part of his automotive family, Raley is among the first to raise his hand in support of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) when legislative issues arise. “This hobby is part of our nation’s history and would likely be dying if not for advocacy efforts by the SAN,” he says. “By staying informed on upcoming laws, I know that my cars and trucks have a much better chance of being available to me now and in the future.” While he’d eventually love to acquire a '57 Chevy Nomad, Trent’s currently on the hunt for a ‘50-‘53 Willys pickup as a tribute to his upbringing. “My dad had one and I remember helping him when I was barely able to walk around in the garage by myself. Although he sold it before I reached age ten, I fondly recall bouncing along in the cab for rock crawling and off-roading trips in rural San Diego.”

Your close involvement with the SAN has been such a treat, Trent. Here’s to a New Year filled with four-wheeled fun!

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