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Tarheel Triumph
Street Rod and Replica Bill Becomes Law in North Carolina
The roller coaster ride through North Carolina’s legislative process came to a full stop when a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, replicas and custom vehicles was approved by the legislature and signed into law by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. The new law is the product of more than two years of negotiations between SEMA, the extensive hobbyist network in North Carolina and hobby-friendly state legislators.
The law is slated to take effect on Oct. 1, 2009.
In the end, the law retains the key components of the SEMA-model bill while relieving vehicle owners of unfair title branding and inspection concerns. Among other things, the measure:
- Provides specific registration and titling classes for street rods, customs and replicas
- Allows for the use of non-original materials
- Creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns replica vehicles the same model year designation as the production vehicle intended to be replicated
- Requires that the title of a replica vehicle clearly indicates that the vehicle is a replica and not an original
- Requires that street rods, customs and replicas be designated as “specially constructed vehicles.”
In addition, for out-of-state vehicles that are 35 model years old or older and specially constructed vehicles, the law calls for a vehicle verification conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles. For these out-of-state vehicles, the inspection will only consist of verifying the vehicle identification number to ensure that it matches the vehicle and ownership documents.
“Street rods, custom cars and replicas are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “This new North Carolina law recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive hobbyists invest in their cars. For many vehicle enthusiasts in North Carolina and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This legislation represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations.”
North Carolina joins Washington State, California, Illinois, Missouri, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Colorado, Arkansas, Virginia, Nevada, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee, Wyoming and Utah as states that have enacted legislation based on the SEMA model.
The SAN is especially indebted to North Carolina Senators Hartsell and Berger, and Representatives Goodwin, Barnhart, Crawford and Frye for sponsoring the legislation and shepherding it through the legislature. The SAN also acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Jim Lore, local chapters of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the National Corvette Restorers Society among other vehicle enthusiasts and enthusiast groups who actively engaged legislators in pursuing this bill.
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here are its newest members:
California Assemblymember Bill Emmerson
California Assemblymember Ted Gaines
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Indiana Antiques: SAN is working with the Indiana Department
of Environmental Management (IDEM) and state hobbyist groups
on a compromise to an agency proposal that would redefine the term
“antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the
emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is
defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25-years old.”
Under the regulation,the definition would be revised to require that
the vehicle must be at least 25-years old, registered and plated as a
historic motor vehicle, driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendaryear,
and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and
model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced
into a vehicle emission test site to verify that these requirements have
been met. IDEM indicated that it will issue a revised version of its
proposal that will contain less burdensome requirements.
Cash for Clunkers Program: The $1 billion vehicle scrappage program
authorized under the “Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save
Act” (CARS) began in late July and almost immediately ran out of
cash. Lawmakers quickly authorized another $2 billion in spending.
Preliminary data indicated that consumers were replacing SUVs and
pick-ups with smaller passenger cars. However, future data may reveal
whether the scrapped cars were actually rarely driven second or third
vehicles. SEMA convinced lawmakers to exclude pre-1984 vehicles
from the program to safeguard vehicles that may possess unique historic
or aesthetic value and are irreplaceable to hobbyists as a source of
restoration parts. The program allows all parts to be recycled except the
engine. During the scrappage debate, SEMA maintained that a better
environmental approach would have been to support vehicle repairs,
installation of specialty equipment to reduce emissions and increase
fuel economy, and engine recycling.
Ethanol-15: SAN submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) opposing a request to allow the ethanol
content of gasoline to increase to 15 percent (from 10 percent). SAN
cited concern that the additional content could harm automobile parts
of all ages, including special interest collector and historic vehicles. A
number of other organizations expressed similar concerns. Tests using
ethanol concentrations of up to 20% have shown a notable increase in
wear on vehicle fuel systems produced up through model year 1995,
and especially for pre-1990 vehicles. Fuel pumps, tanks, seals, hoses
and other rubber components are particularly subject to failures. The
EPA has until Dec. 1 to decide whether to grant or deny the request.
It's been a good run...
It is with sadness as well as a sense of excitement for
future challenges that I share with you that I will be stepping down
as director of the SEMA Action Network. Over the last five years, it
has been an honor and a privilege to work with such a dedicated and passionate
group.
Rest assured I won’t be going far as I will be working in another department
within the SEMA organization. In this new role I will be helping to
support our industry in these tough economic times.
While there are far too many people to thank, including the SEMA
Government Affairs team and the SEMA staff who worked to produce
a quality newsletter each month, I am grateful for the support demonstrated
by so many SAN members during my tenure as director. I truly
value the friendships that I have made with so many of you.
I frequently commented that while I was fortunate to be behind the
wheel of the organization, it was and always will be the commitment of
enthusiasts to protect this hobby that truly drives the SAN. Countless
phone calls and e-mails to lawmakers demonstrated the true power and
effectiveness of our collective voices. I take comfort in knowing that every
day there are more individuals and car clubs joining the SAN to help
carry on that fight.
I pass the torch now to Ethan Landesman, who has been brought in
to lead our hobbyist crusade in the years ahead. I leave the SAN in good
hands. Please give Ethan the same support you’ve shown me over the past
five years.
Again, I share my deepest and sincere thanks for your support. As my contact
information will remain the same, please feel free to e-mail me at jasont@sema.org
if I can be of any assistance in the future.
if I can be of any assistance in the future.
--Jason Tolleson
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
The car is a “true barn find.”
1960 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Garry Yoder
Boynton Beach, FL
I saw a small ad in the local weekly newspaper in 1982 for this car and found it was located in a barn less than a mile from my home in rural Cincinnati. I purchased it for $5,000 and towed it home. The original owner raced the car for 10 years and then sold it to his 17 year old neighbor for $1,200.00. The kid wrecked it in one week! It then sat for 10 years in his mother’s barn as he was never able or motivated to repair it.
I bought it in that condition. I did a 20 week frame-off with the help of a friend. This was in the summer of 1983. Then I put the car away in my shop where it sat for another 17 years! I was into other Corvettes over those years with my two sons. Finishing this one was not on the prioritylist. When I retired to Florida, I paid a highly recommended restorer in the area to re-assemble the car from the boxes of parts I had accumulated over the years.
The car had 1949 technology, was not real dependable, or fun to drive, but it sure looked nice! I drove it approximately 500 miles before deciding to do the resto-mod after seeing huge prices paid for resto-mod C1 vettes at auctions such as Barrett-Jackson. I shopped several builders and due to none of them meeting my strict standards, or being able to take the job in less than a couple of years, I decided to do the job myself.
Since restomoding the car,I have had it in 10 shows, won 10 trophies, and driven the car about 1,100 miles. The craftsmanship and finish are top notch.
Sharing the Podium
Driving Force Receives Multiple Automotive Press Awards
Recently, the SEMA Action Network received a series of awards from its colleagues in the automotive publishing industry. First off, Driving Force received Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals from the International Automotive Media Awards for multiple editions and cover designs in 2008. The newsletter was also recognized by Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace with their ‘Golden Quill’award for “outstanding efforts in the communications field of the old car hobby.”
While extremely honored and grateful for the recognition, the SEMA staff that produce Driving Force in return thank the numerous car clubs and individuals who have submitted stories and profiles for each issue. By allowing us to share your story we are able to provide great examples of the positive impact this hobby has on our communities. Most of all we have fun doing it.
A big “Thank you” to all of you for making the SAN and Driving Force what it is today.
EVENTS
Arkansas
September 11-13, Little Rock
21st Annual Fall Street Machine Nationals
Information: http://www.streetmachinenationals.net/event/90 or 317/236-6515
California
September 11-12, Eureka
Cruz ‘N’ Eureka
Information: http://www.cruzneureka.org/ or 707/839-1192
September 12, Alhambra
Labor of Love Car Show
Sponsor: Undertakers So. Cal Car Club
Information: 626/483-9522
September 13, Long Beach
Belmont Shore Car Show
Sponsor: Bay City Rodders
Information: http://www.baycityrodders.com/ or 714/894-8411
September 20, Coronado
16th Annual Fall Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Camaro Club of San Diego
Information: http://www.camaroclubofsandiego.org/fc15.html or 619/670-1394
Colorado
September 19-20, Arvada
26th Annual Colorado English Motoring Conclave
Information: http://www.thecoloradoconclave.com/pages/welcome.htm or 303/755-1926
September 19, Aurora
3rd Annual Colfax Ave Cruise
Sponsor: Old Car Council of Colorado
Information: http://www.oldcarcouncil.org/Cruise-ins.html or 303/699-4819
Connecticut
September 13, Manchester
30th Annual Mustang Power Show
Sponsor: Mustang Car Club of New England
Information: http://www.mccne.com/ or 508/584-8848
Delaware
September 12, Delaware City
2009 Annual Car Show
Sponsor: British Car Club of Delaware
Information: http://www.bccdelaware.com/
Georgia
September 6, Atlanta
10th Annual Dixie Fried Car Show
Sponsor: Road Kings
Information: http://theroadkings.com/##
September 12, Augusta
6th Annual Augusta Vintage Nationals
Information: http://augustavintagenationals.com/ or 706/790-6607
September 25-27, Hiaqassee
Southeastern MG Fall Gathering of the Faithful
Sponsor: Southeastern MGT Register
Information: http://www.semgtr.org/ or 770/457-4561
Illinois
September 10-12, Cordova
2009 AMC Nationals
Sponsor: National American Motors Drivers & Racers Association
Information: 262/843-4326
September 12-13, St. Charles
14th Annual Fierorama
Sponsor: Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts
Information: http://www.fierofocus.com/ or 630/983-6434
September 18-20, Joliet
Chicagoland Nationals
Information: http://www.chicagolandnats.com/# or 925/838-9876
September 20, Lemont
14th Annual Fall All Pontiac/GMC Car Show
Sponsor: Illinois Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International
Information: 815/245-2308
September 25-27, Springfield
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Information: http://www.familyevents.com/event/87 or 317/236-6515
Indiana
September 18-20, Indianapolis
28th Annual Fall 4Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: http://www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/12 or 317/236-6515
Iowa
September 12, Roseburg
Wine, Wheels and Art
Information: http://www.uvwineartandmusic.com/ or 541/440-2697
Kansas
September 4-6, Kansas City
8th Mid-Western Nationals
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-624 or 925/838-9876
Kentucky
September 11-13, Carrollton
12th Annual September in the Park
Sponsor: Derby City Mustang Club
Information: http://derbycitymustangclub.com/ or 502/254-2606
Maryland
September 12, Columbia
21st Annual All Chevy Show
Sponsor: Maryland Camaro Club
Information: http://mdcamaroclub.com/2006allChevy/default.htm or 410/877-0380
Massachusetts
September 5-6, Falmouth
Dream Cruise by the Sea
Sponsor: Falmouth Classic Car Club
Information: www.falmouthdreamcruise.com/ or 508/540-7426
September 13, Dedham
16th Annual Vintage Era Days & 1st Annual Chrome, Color & Fins
Sponsor: Bay State Antique Auto Club
Information: http://bsaac.com/ or 781/459-8800
September 26, Weston
Weston & Wayland Rotary Club Antique and Classic Car Show
Information: http://www.westoncarshow.com/ or
Michigan
September 11-13, Kalamazoo
Street Rod Nationals North
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/141 or 901/452-4030
Minnesota
September 7, Hugo
9th Annual Labor Day Car Show
Sponsor: North Star Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club
Information: http://www.northstarwheel.com/ or 763/560-9191
Mississippi
September 18-20, Tunica
9th Annual Delta River Cruise
Sponsor: Memphis Street Rods
Information: http://www.memphisstreetrods.com/ or 901/360-8600
Missouri
September 19, Earth City
11th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: American Roadhouse Car Club
Information: http://www.americanroadhouse.org/2009showflyer.pdf or 636/462-1775
Nebraska
September 6, Bennington
2nd Annual All Car-Truck-Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Midwest Early Corvettes
Information: http://www.midwestearlycorvetteclub.com/
New Hampshire
September 19, Manchester
Cars for a Cause Car Show
Information: 603/836-2247
New Jersey
September 19, Ocean Grove
12th Annual Brits on the Beach
Sponsor: Positive Earth Drivers Club
Information: http://www.pedc.org/ or
New Mexico
September 13, Albuquerque
17th Annual Make-A-Wish Benefit Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Rio Grande Corvette Club
Information: http://www.rgcc.us/Events.html or 505/440-5675
New York
September 11-13, Lake George
21st Annual Adirondack Nationals
Information: http://www.adirondacknationals.com/ or 518/821-6237
September 13, Wampsville
49th Annual Antique Car Show & Flea Market
Sponsor: The Mohican Model A Ford Club
Information: http://www.mohicanmodela.org/index.php or 315/736-1928
Ohio
September11-13, Springfield
20th Annual IH Scout & Light Truck Nationals
Sponsor:
Information: http://www.midnitestar.org/ or 937/525-9781
Pennsylvania
September 13, New Alexandria
Pittsburgh Classic All Volkswagen Car Show
Sponsor: South Eastern Volkswagen Association
Information: http://www.sevwa.com/pittsburghclassic.htm or 919/616-2183
September 19, York
York on Wheels
Information: http://www.yorkheritage.org/specialevents.asp?id=6 or 717/848-1587
September 25-27, Long Pond
5th Annual Great American Nationals
Information: http://www.greatamericannats.com/ or 925/838-9876
Tennessee
September 11-12, Pigeon Forge
Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup
Information: http://www.shadesofthepast.com/ or 865/995-9097
September 18-20, Nashville
30th Annual Music City Convention
Sponsor: Mid-Tenn Classic Chevy Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/mtccc/ or 615/824-8256
September 24-26, Sevierville
The Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest
Information: http://www.smokymtnautofest.com/ or 865/680-4193
September 26, Pulaski
26th Annual Antique Car Show
Sponsor: Pulaski Area Car Enthusiasts Car Club
Information: http://www.pacecarclub.com/ or 931/424-6559
Texas
September 5, Big Spring
Early Cars
Sponsor: http://www.earlycar.com/ or 432/263-0693
September 19, Seguin
9th Annual Classic Car Show
Sponsor: South Central Texas Chapter of POCI
Information: http://www.classicpontiac.org/CarShow.asp or 830/386-0338
Vermont
September 17-19, Burlington
17th Annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/142 or 901/452-4030
September 18-20, Stowe
The British Invasion
Information: http://www.britishinvasion.com/index.html
Washington
September 12, Olympia
25th Annual Corvette & High Performance Open House
Information: http://www.corvhp.com/openhouse.htm or 360/754-7890
Wisconsin
September 6, Sheboygan
24th Annual Riverfront Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Kettle Moraine Corvette Club
Information: http://www.oopcd.com/kmcc/BH.09flyer.pdf or 920/565-3224
September 13, Ixonia
The President’s Cup
Sponsor: Wisconsin Region of Antique Automobile Club of America
Information: http://local.aaca.org/wisconsin/ or 414/236-9961
September 18, Wisconsin Dells
2009 Quadstate Oldsmobile Show
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/ocw/Quad2009.htm or 920/232-9031
September 26-27, Madison
Fall Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet
Information: http://www.madisonclassics.com/car-shows/fall-jefferson.php or 608/244-8416
British Columbia, Canada
September 18-19, Radium Hot Springs
Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine
Sponsor: Columbia Valley Classics Car Club
Information: http://radiumcarshow.com/ or 250/347-9331
Early October Events
California
October 4, Anaheim
40th Annual All Ford Picnic & Car Show
Sponsor: Early Ford V-8 Club of American – Southern California Region
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/socalearlyfordv-8/ or 714/538-3957
October 2-4, Sacramento
Golden State Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/143 or 901/452-4030
October 11, Burbank
Throttlers 2009 Car Show
Sponsor: San Fernando Valley Model T Club
Information: 818/648-6982
Georgia
October 10, Ellijay
21st Annual Apple Classic Autoshow
Sponsor: Apple Country Auto Club
Information: 706/273-2582 or 706/635-2221
New Jersey
October 4, North Brunswick
22nd Annual Meet
Sponsor: NY/NJ Slant-Six Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nynjslant6 or 732/549-0188
North Carolina
October 9-10, Myrtle Beach
Pow Wow at the Beach
Sponsor: Palmetto Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club
Information: http://www.palmettopontiacs.org/palmettoevents.html or 864/923-3668
Pennsylvania
October 11, Houston
14th All Pontiac Car Show
Sponsor: Western PA. Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club
Information: 412/922-0616 or 412/833-1441
South Carolina
October 10, Ladson
22nd Annual Show & Shine
Sponsor: Lowcountry Mopars
Information: http://www.geocities.com/scmopar/#show or 843/797-3246
Texas
October 2-4, Ft. Worth
17th Lone Star Nationals
Information: http://www.lonestarnats.com/ or 925/838-9876
Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!
Put SAN on Your Mailing List!
We’d like to know what’s going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you’re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.
One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what’s going on and what’s important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: SEMA Action Network, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail to san@sema.org.