SEMA
SEMA Challenges EPA’s Motorsports Regulations in Court
Association reiterates importance of RPM Act to stop EPA overreach
DIAMOND BAR, CA – SEMA filed an amicus brief in a lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. 
Inc. (GBZ) arguing against the EPA’s contention that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition. In the lawsuit, the EPA asserts that once a vehicle has been certified as a street vehicle, it cannot be converted into a racing vehicle even if that vehicle is trailered to the track and is never driven on public roads.
In its brief, SEMA asserts that the Clean Air Act does not apply to converted street vehicles used exclusively on the track. SEMA states that “the agency’s interpretation breaks from the plain language of the CAA, the legislative history, and EPA’s regulations and guidance.” The amicus brief notes that the EPA’s position contradicts its longstanding guidance and regulations and that the EPA previously stated that it “has no interest in vehicles that begin their existence as normal, EPA-certified production vehicles used on public roads and are then permanently converted to sanctioned competition-use only vehicles.”
2020 SEMA Show Canceled
DIAMOND BAR, CA – SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced today that due to Covid-19 and concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable, the SEMA Show will not be taking place in 2020.
While both event organizers and industry members have been working tirelessly to deliver an outstanding SEMA Show in November, mounting uncertainty has rendered continuing with the event inadvisable. SEMA expects the decision will bring much needed clarity to an uncertain picture and will help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan accordingly.
Recent SEMA Show survey results indicated interest in a possible virtual tradecshow with related live elements. SEMA will be working with industry members to determine interest levels on specific alternatives.
“The SEMA Show is committed to furthering businesses in the automotive specialty equipment market, and to providing manufacturers and buyers with the best opportunity to connect, promote new products and discover new trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We appreciate the spirit, hard work and innovation our industry puts into the SEMA Show each year. While we are disappointed circumstances prevent us from hosting the Show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event.”
SEMA EXPANDS YOUTH OUTREACH WITH NHRA
DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is expanding its youth outreach efforts 
by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) Program. This initiative enables SEMA to reach and introduce students to the excitement and opportunities in motorsports, whether as a spectator, career or an overall lifestyle.
Through the program, middle and high school students attend NHRA races, often for the first time in their lives. As a sponsor, SEMA is committed to supporting efforts to introduce youths to the unique environment found at race tracks and helping to grow the automotive aftermarket performance industry.
“We all remember our first time at a race track,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We never forget the adrenaline and rush watching Top Fuelers top 300 mph in a matter of seconds. It’s inspiring to see that same excitement in kids’ faces, and to watch as fascination takes hold of them.”
EPA Seeks to Prohibit Conversion of Vehicles into Racecars
SEMA To Oppose Action As Threat to Modified Racecars and Parts Suppliers
Washington, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to prohibit 
conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into racecars. The regulation would also make the sale of certain products for use on such vehicles illegal. The proposed regulation was contained within a non-related proposed regulation entitled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles—Phase 2.”
The regulation would impact all vehicle types, including the sports cars, sedans and hatch-backs commonly converted strictly for use at the track. While the Clean Air Act prohibits certain modifications to motor vehicles, it is clear that vehicles built or modified for racing, and not used on the streets, are not the “motor vehicles” that Congress intended to regulate.
New Dual Championship Format Will Involve More Teams and Increase Excitement for Engine Challenge
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade shows are two of the most 
anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. Wandering the seemingly endless aisles of displays ranges everyone from the regular shadetree mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and against each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.
Sponsor a SEMA Cares Pinewood Derby Car and Help a Child in Need!
Courtesy of SEMA
Pomona, CA – Nothing harkens back to the glory days of hot rodding like a good old fashioned pinewood derby, and SEMA Cares is pleased to announce that the season is now open! Each year hundreds of SEMA member companies step
up to generously sponsor pinewood derby cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to help kids in need. To learn more and register…simply click this link to help a child in need: http://www.sema.org/sema-cares/pinewood
Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races take place at 12:00 pm on Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona, CA, home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.
