SAN Secures U.S. Senate Resolution Designating July 13th As "Collector Car Appreciation Day"

The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res. 452) at the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) designating July 13, 2012 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day." The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

A growing list of scheduled events, like car shows, cruise-ins and parades, will be held in support of this annual celebration. The SAN is maintaining the event list to commemorate the day at www.semasan.com. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events can submit the details here: http://fs23.formsite.com/andreac/form5/index.html. If you are unable to celebrate on July 13th, SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July. Event organizers will be sent a copy of the official Senate Resolution for display at each event.

States, cities and two Canadian provinces joined the U.S. Senate last year by passing their own proclamations and resolutions. This year, the Hawaii State Legislature has already passed two resolutions and several other states are pursuing similar initiatives.

Modern Driveline's New Hydraulic Clutch Retrofit Kits

For a small company, Modern Driveline is doing some great work. Owner Bruce Couture has been developing a bunch of new parts and recently sent us some information about new hydraulic clutch retrofit kits he's done. The one in the pictures if for a '55 - '57 Chevy, but they've got many more in the works. Among the benefits of the Tri-Five kit is that the reservoir is located in a spot convenient for filling, and out of the way of big engines. The clutch master cylinder feeds hydraulic throwout bearing, but Modern Driveline also has kits that will work with an external slave cylinder, too. 

Much more information can be found on Modern Driveline's website, or you can call and talk to Bruce or Paul. These guys know manual transmissions. 

Racer's Edge Tuning Bullit Mustang goes 8's!

 Remember the Horsepower! spread in the January 2012 issue. If not, here's a reminder:

When we interviewed him, RET owner Greg Monroe told us the enigne in his Bullitt Mustang made about 550 hp. Of course we didn't believe him. Now we know just how far off the mark he was. Last Saturday, he made an 8 second pass at Auto Club Dragway Famoso in Bakersfield, CA. 

Here's a link to the video.

 Anti Tour 2012- Official Route Posted

 OK, everyone, Anti Tour (May 4th- 6th) is quickly approaching. <Here> is a link to the official route. This year, we will meet on Friday morning (May 4th) at Wilwood Engineering for food and shop tours . 

Wilwood Engineering

4700 Calle Bolero

Camarillo, CA 93012

Please arrive sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 with your car filled up (there's a gas station between US-101 and Wilwood). 

We will leave Wilwood between 9:00 and 9:30 so we can get to Morro Bay in time for their cruise night, which starts at 6:00.

Check out the Google map of the route. Like last year, we'll driving to Morro Bay via CA33 and CA166, and there is a stretch of about 150 miles between fuel stops. Destinations B and E on the map are gas stations. Destination D is last year's big hit- lunch at the Burger Barn in New Cuyama. Bring your appetite; the food is better than you'd expect. The remaining destinations on the route are stops to regroup and take pictures. 

Cruisin Morro Bay starts with a cruise Friday evening. The show itself is Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th, and they're expecting a record crowd this year. If it's anything like last year's show, expect a really good mix of muscle cars, street machines, and street rods. The show organizers will have a special area for us to park together, and they've waived the registration fee for everyone in our group. 

We hope you can join us for as much of the trip as your schedules permit. Morro Bay is a fun place to visit, and everyone liked the drive last year. 

PS: You can hear the Harbor Seals barking from the hotel rooms at night! Culver says: "They sound like dogs, but what are they doing way out there??"

What plans does the new owner of the Performance Racing Industry trade show have for 2012 and beyond? We talk to Scooter Brothers, the chairman of the board of SEMA and the COO of the Comp Performance Group to find out.

There has been a lot of attention around the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) buying the Performance Racing Industry trade show. We posed 10 questions to Scooter Brothers, SEMA's chairman of the board, to find out.

By Jim Campisano and Robert Fisher
Photos by Calin Head and Patrick Hill

1.  Why would SEMA buy PRI?

SEMA has a responsibility to its members to work for the betterment of the industry and help its members remain healthy. The PRI and the PRI Show takes a little different message to a little different customer, so it seemed a logical place for SEMA members to tell their story to a potentially new and exciting market.

2.  Will the PRI show stay in Orlando?

SEMA has no immediate plans to move the Show from Orlando.  Further out, PRI will listen to the needs of the exhibitors and the attendees and we will hold the show wherever they are best served. Further out, PRI will listen to the exhibitors and attendees and their best interests will help make the decision as to where the show is held.  The PRI Show is there for its customers, and that is what will dictate where the show is held.

3.  What's the first priority for SEMA with regard to the PRI show?

Really the only thing SEMA needs to do for PRI is to give it some resources to do what it does well even better. SEMA has a network to deliver messages, and with that we should help a good Show become great and help it grow during a time when most shows are shrinking.

4.  How will this change of ownership impact the "little guy" sportsman racer? Or will it not?

There’s no change to the message or the customer of PRI. The “little guy” sportsman is the heart of the PRI Show and the main reason the show exists. PRI does everything possible to deliver more value and help all racers. With the additional resources SEMA can bring, it should make it even better for the “little guy” sportsman racers. In fact, SEMA may help PRI with some things to make it even better for that very important segment of the market.

5.  Will there be any integration of SEMA and PRI?

SEMA has been intent on keeping the PRI team intact and letting them deliver the goods.  John Kilroy will remain the “face of PRI” and will lead the PRI team into the future. The same people, in the same building, with the same passion and dedication to both PRI and its customers will continue to operate just as it always has. If there’s something SEMA can help with as an added resource to PRI they will, but for all purposes PRI will remain as folks have known it the past couple of years.

6.  Now that SEMA has purchased PRI, is it going to stay primarily a racing-focused show or will it become more of a glitzy SEMA-type event with more emphasis on street performance?

The PRI Show will remain the racing-focused show the industry knows and values. PRI has always been a great organization even before the change in ownership. There will be no change in the message or the delivery of that message and the last thing SEMA wants to do is make it a “SEMA East.”  PRI is the best racing show on the planet, and it will only grow and be better with SEMA’s backing. SEMA bought the company because it has always been successful as is, and that’s the way SEMA intends for it to be.

7.  In the last few years, PRI has seen more influence of international series, such as Brazilian drifting. Is SEMA going to continue this focus?
 
The world is getting smaller every day, and the passion for racing and “loving your car” is universal.  The PRI Show has become the preferred international racing show because of the quality of the message it delivers and the fact that the PRI people deliver that message worldwide. There is a huge market for the racing products made by the exhibitors at the PRI Show, and expanding into the international market only delivers more value to the exhibitors at the Show. SEMA will support PRI as it strengthens its international racing participation.

8.  What are the plans for PRI in the years to come?

SEMA will listen to the PRI team and its customers to understand how to continue providing great value over the coming years. We’ll have to keep giving great return on investment. Other than that, there are no specific plans. SEMA’s role is to give more resources to the PRI Staff to allow them to grow the Show, grow the magazine, and help the exhibitors and the racers grow accordingly.

9.  How do you see the purchase affecting IMIS?

PRI is the largest racing show in the world. PRI will continue to do what it has done for the last 25 years. However, if there is some way to better collaborate and work with IMIS to help the racers and the exhibitors in the future it only makes sense to do so. Due to scheduling, things are pretty well set for the next couple of years but we will have to see what the future brings.

10. What does this purchase mean to the overall aftermarket?

SEMA bought PRI with the intent of helping the industry grow and prosper. This purchase will help ensure that the racing industry is around for a long time. And as long as racing flourishes, so will the SEMA members in that segment of the market. There’s one more thing worth mentioning. There are plenty of people, including our friends in Washington, who would love nothing more than to see racing go away. Racetracks all over the country are being closed down for various reasons. SEMA has a very active presence in DC and in the state governments, and works hard for the preservation of racing. SEMA’s efforts will help insure the racers have a place to race and the racing industry a place to sell parts. There’s not a better way I can think of to utilize SEMA’s resources for the performance aftermarket.

This just in: The Drag Strip at Irwindale Re-Opens

 After a brief closure, we got the official word today: Irwindale Dragstrip will re-open for Street Legal Drags Thursday April 26th. The track opens at 4:00 pm, and racing will continue until 10:00 pm.

Rumors circulated wildly after the track closed, seemingly for good, a couple of months ago. Within the wake of that news, we received word that the quarter mile track at California Speedway was closed indefinitely, leaving with a sum total of ZERO dragstrips here in Los Angeles county. 

As of next Thursday, at least 1/8th mile racing will be back. Their old website is gone, and we haven't seen a new one up yet, but keep checking online and on Facebook for the latest information. 

Nationally Recognized Event Producers to work with the Dream Machines Motor Club

For the first time in 10 years, Carlisle Events is expanding within the Keystone State, adding the Bloomsburg Nationals powered by Carlisle Events to its schedule.  The event, formerly known as the Bloomsburg Annual Rod and Custom Cruise-In, will take place Friday through Sunday, August 10-12 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.  The fairgrounds, located at 620 West Third St. in Bloomsburg - Columbia County, less than five miles from exit 232 and Interstate 80 is comprised of 227 acres of land.  On-site amenities include 24-hour security, camping, exhibit buildings and in 2011, saw nearly 7,500 attendees come to town for the event.

Carlisle Events will work with the Dream Machines Motor Club and the Bloomsburg Fair Association for its second such business partnership in the past 14 months, having previously joined forces with Auctions America by RM in January of 2011.  At Bloomsburg, Carlisle will collaborate with an organization that has been hosting automotive events in northern Pennsylvania since 1986.  

Enthusiasts who attend can expect to see many features that they have grown accustomed to as well as some new additions, with a Carlisle twist.  Confirmed for the 2012 event are bull riding on Friday evening and a Saturday concert.  It is expected that the concert will feature a mainstream country act.  Additional activities associated with the car show itself, as well as the on-grounds entertainment, are currently under development and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Spectator admission will be $8 per day and kids 8 and under are free.  Those wishing to participate in the weekend as a vendor or in a showfield capacity should contact Carlisle Events at 717-243-7855 or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for registration information.  Prices begin at $29.75 (showfield registration), $60 (vending) and $50 (car coral).  Additional costs will apply depending on registration date or desired vending location.  

"The Bloomsburg Fair Association is very excited to be working with Carlisle Events, the premier collector car organization in the country," noted Paul Reichart, Fair Association President.  "With nearly 40 years experience promoting and producing events that are known worldwide, the opportunity to work with a company that has such rich history was a no-brainer," added Reichart.  "I'm confident that between the Fair Association, the Dream Machines Car Club and Carlisle Events, the second weekend in August will be unlike any other before it."

"This opportunity fell into our lap and it just felt right," noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller.  "The more we researched the event and its rich history, the more comfortable we felt moving forward.  In meeting with Paul (Reichart) and long-time event supporter Randy Lawton we really felt a synergy."  Miller continued by saying that "we did our due diligence in researching the event and decided that this event fits well into our lineup.  The Bloomsburg Fairgrounds has endless potential for concerts, live entertainment and more given their on-site stage and footprint within the community.  We're late in the game planning wise for 2012, but we're eager to get our feet wet and learn from this first show.  The future is bright and we're anxious to grow the event and make all the participants smile from ear to ear."

"Past participants always tell me that this show is the best kept secret of shows to attend," noted Lawton.  "With Carlisle Events promoting the show, this will become a MUST attend automotive event in the northeast.  I encourage everyone who is interested in attending to pre-register early!"

The Fastest Coyote-Powered Mustang

The above statement is true. For now, at least. One of the few things you can count on in motorsports is that records fall quickly as competition grows more intense. Still, Ken Bjonnes, Jon Lund, and Jake Long have the first Coyote-powered Mustang to break the 200 mph barrier in the standing mile. In fact, Bjonnes himself piloted this 2011 Mustang GT to 206.2 mph at last month's Texas Mile event. Less than a month before that, he knocked down a 9.42 second, 150 mph pass at the dragstrip in Bradenten. 

Impressive numbers, for sure, but the real wow factor comes when you realize how little was done to the car to achieve these goals. The car has a full interior, production body panels, and real glass in the windows. Bjonnes, Lund, and Long are able to coax nearly 1,000 hp out of this Coyote with a new twin turbo kit they are developing to go on sale later this year. The engine in this car was rebuilt with 11:1 pistons, Boss 302 heads and custom-ground cams from L&M Engines, and the factory 6-speed automatic is all stock save for a Circle D torque converter. For its record-setting run, boost was set at just 17 psi. For ultimate dragstrip domination, they can crank the boost up to 21 psi.

If the engine rebuild sounds too expensive, know that these guys were able to run low 10's in early testing using this car’s stock engine, transmission, and cat-back exhaust system. That should provide a glimpse into the potential of the kit as well as the enormous potential lurking within the new Coyote engine. As they continue to improve this car, Bjonnes, Lund, and Long are simultaneously developing products for manual transmission cars and Boss 302's. Keep an eye on their progress at their website. Be sure to watch the videos, too!

CRC Industries Kicks Off Sweepstakes to Win VIP Trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 3 Days of NASCAR® and GRAND-AM Auto Racing

CRC Industries, Inc., leading automotive aftermarket chemical manufacturer, will send one very lucky Facebook fan and a guest to Indy in July for an action-packed weekend of NASCAR and GRAND-AM racing for the inaugural 'Super Weekend at the Brickyard.'  The event will be held from July 27-29 and includes 4 epic races from the NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Series and the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series.

CRC will provide airfare, admission to all 4 races, reserved seating, pre-race pit passes and a VIP package that includes admission to the Brickyard Club for climate-controlled comfort, catered food and open bar.  The winner and a guest will stay for 3 nights at the upscale JW Marriott just minutes away in downtown Indy and enjoy privileged parking at the track.

“This is an historic race,” says Julie Williams, marketing manager for CRC.  “It’s the first time for Indianapolis Motor Speedway that the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series along with GRAND-AM will be racing in the same weekend and at the same track.  We are very excited to be able to send one of our Facebook fans to join the BimmerWorld team and the #82 CRC BRAKLEEN® car to be a part of this incredible event.  Many CRC Facebook fans are also hard-core auto racing fans.  IMS is certainly a premier venue, and our sweepstakes winner will get the chance to experience racing history!”

CRC-sponsored BimmerWorld Racing will be competing in the GRAND-AM ST class with 3 BMW 328i models including the #82 CRC BRAKLEEN car driven by Seth Thomas and Dan Rogers.  CRC has been a sponsor of the BimmerWorld team since early in their pro racing days.  According to team owner, James Clay, "It is important to our team to have sponsors like CRC who believe in what we are doing and support us for a Championship effort.  And it is important to me to have top-tier sponsors whose products we trust and use on a regular basis.  CRC BRAKLEEN is the industry leading brake parts cleaner and I think it is a natural fit for our fans and customers who are accustomed to expecting the best."

For more information on the CRC Race to Indy sweepstakes, visit the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crcauto.  The sweepstakes ends June 30, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 years of age and “Like” CRC on Facebook to be eligible to win.

Beat Tax Day Blues- Go to a car show!

This should be a good time: plan to attend Chaffey College's 4th Annual Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show on Sunday April 15th, at the college’s Rancho Cucamonga, CA, campus. Head to facebook.com/chaffeycollegecarclub for info. The majority of proceeds will help fund Chaffey College student book grants and scholarships.

Car Craft's Anti Tour 2012

Yup, it's that time of year again. Due to the overwhelmingly favorable responses we got from last year's trip, It's been requested that we do the same trip this year, so get your cars tuned up and set your calendars to join us for another trip to Morro Bay on the weekend of May 4-6 2012. 

This year, we will meet at Wilwood's headquarters in Camarillo for coffee, donuts, and shop tours before hitting the back roads of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties following the same route as last year- US101, CA-33, and CA-166- with stops in the Los Padres National Forest and lunch at the Burger Barn in New Cuyama. 

We will be attending the Cruisin' Morro Bay car show, and like last year, the show's organizers will have a section of the street saved for us to park as a group. 

We will keep you posted as all the specific details get worked out- stuff like meeting times, a detailed map of our route, and decent places to stay in Morro Bay. We hope you can join us.

Here's some info on the show.

PLEASE NOTE-- You do not need to pre-register for the show, nor will you have to pay. If you roll in with us, you get free admission to the show. Please go to the Anti Tour 2012 thread in our message board to RSVP, so we can give the guys at Morro Bay a pretty accurate car count.

-John McGann

Connecticut Committee on Planning and Development Approves Bill to Limit Access to Antique/Rare/Special Interest Motor Vehicle Registration, Increase Property Taxes

Legislation (H.B. 5405) to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as "antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles" was approved by the Connecticut Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10-9 vote.  Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old.  Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates.  For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,000.  The bill will now be sent to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a vote by all members.   
 
We Urge You to Contact All Members of the Connecticut House of Representatives (List Attached Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to H.B. 5405

• H.B. 5405 makes it more difficult to register legitimate antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles, which are defined under the bill as thirty years old or older and being preserved because of historic interest and not altered or modified from the original manufacturer's specifications.

• H.B. 5405 seeks to narrow property tax benefits for antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles by assessing their value at a higher rate.

• H.B. 5405 will require antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles that no longer qualify for special plates to have them replaced with standard plates and taxed using the same calculations used to assess taxes on regular, daily driver vehicles.

• H.B. 5405 makes no provision for "grandfathering" existing antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles 20-30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status.

• H.B. 5405 ignores the fact that existing antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are well-maintained, infrequently operated and deserving of continued property tax benefits.

Chattanooga, Tennessee Businesses Hold Major Car Event April 21st, from 4-9pm.

Chattanooga, TN - As the recognized leader in tires and wheels for collector vehicles of all shapes and sizes, Coker Tire Company is a well-known company in the automotive aftermarket world. The tire company has grown significantly in the past decade and has taken in several other companies under its umbrella. One particular company, Honest Charley Speed Shop, holds a special place in car guy's hearts, because it was the world's first mail order speed shop, allowing car guys to order parts for their hot rods dating back to 1948. The two companies reside next door to each other in the historic Southside district of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and plan hold a major car event on April 21st.

The event will be a cruise in held on the streets surrounding the Coker headquarters, and will be held from 4-9pm EST, allowing cars, trucks and motorcycles to come and go as they please and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Coker and all of its companies will hold an open house, encouraging participants to tour the facilities and check out everything the Coker Group has to offer. Coker Tire, including its museum of collector cars and motorcycles, will be open to the public Along with a few hundred classic vehicles, there will be live entertainment, several food vendors and a drawing for a Monster Cruiser--a 36-inch bicycle, built by Coker!

Most of the streets surrounding Coker Tire will be blocked off to provide adequate space for the cruise in participants, and the entrance to the cruise in will be at the intersection of Main and Chestnut Streets. Coker has invited several car clubs, as well as other local car-related businesses to join in on the fun, so it should be a packed house! Coker's marketing staff will be promoting the event heavily, with the potential for local news media coverage, as well as magazine event coverage.

If it's your first time joining us and you need directions, Coker Tire's headquarters is located at 1317 Chestnut Street in historic downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee You can also reach the office by calling toll free 1-800-251-6336 or visit Coker Tire's website at www.cokertire.com. Questions regarding the cruise in can be sent to Tommy Lee Byrd by calling 423-648-8526 or emailing tommyleeb@coker.com.

A bill introduced in the California Senate aims to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the 1981 model year from the emissions inspection requirement

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. This year, a bill has been introduced in the California Senate (S.B. 1224) by Senator Doug LaMalfa (Senator.LaMalfa@senate.ca.gov ) to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the 1981 model year from the emissions inspection requirement.  The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on March 27, 2012.

We Urge You to Contact All Members of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee (Contact Info Below) Immediately To Request Their Support for S.B. 1224

S.B. 1224 recognizes the minimal impact of pre-1981vehicles on emissions and air quality.
S.B. 1224 acknowledges that pre-1981 vehicles still constitute a minuscule portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
S.B. 1224 endorses the fact that pre-1981 vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven (a fraction of the miles each year as a new vehicle).
For years, legislators, regulators and stationary source polluters have felt the heat from failed efforts to meet air quality goals and have looked to older cars as a convenient scapegoat, using false data and inflated annual mileage assumptions to further their case.  S.B. 1224 helps validate the truth.  The old car hobby should not continue to carry the burden of past mistakes!
DON’T DELAY!  Please contact members of the California Senate Transportation and Housing Committee immediately to request their support of S.B. 1224.  Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.  Also, please forward this Alert to your fellow car enthusiasts.  Urge them to join the SAN and help defend the hobby!  Thank you for your assistance.

Senate Transportation and Housing Committee

To e-mail all members of the Committee, copy and paste the email address block below:

senator.desaulnier@sen.ca.gov; senator.gaines@senate.ca.gov; senator.harman@sen.ca.gov; Senator.Kehoe@sen.ca.gov; Senator.Lowenthal@sen.ca.gov; senator.pavley@sen.ca.gov; michael.rubio@sen.ca.gov; senator.simitian@sen.ca.gov; Senator.Wyland@senate.ca.gov

Senator Mark DeSaulnier (Chair)
Phone: (916) 651-4007
Email: senator.desaulnier@sen.ca.gov

Senator Ted Gaines (Vice Chair)
Phone: (916) 651-4001
Email: senator.gaines@senate.ca.gov

Senator Tom Harman
Phone: (916) 651-4035
Email: senator.harman@sen.ca.gov

Senator Christine Kehoe
Phone: (916) 651-4039
Email: Senator.Kehoe@sen.ca.gov

Senator Alan Lowenthal
Phone: (916) 651-4027
Email: Senator.Lowenthal@sen.ca.gov

Senator Fran Pavley
Phone: (916) 651-4023
Email: senator.pavley@sen.ca.gov

Senator Michael Rubio
Phone: (916) 651-4016
Email: michael.rubio@sen.ca.gov

Senator Joe Simitian
Phone: (916) 651-4011
Email: senator.simitian@sen.ca.gov

Senator Mark Wyland
Phone: (916) 651-4038
Email: Senator.Wyland@senate.ca.gov
 

California Finalizes Program to Provide Amnesty to Owners of Illegally Titled/Registered Specially Constructed Vehicles

For the past several years, SEMA has been working with the California legislature and state agencies to provide protection for owners of improperly or illegally titled and registered specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS).  Under a looming threat of prosecution, this program was pursued to help vehicle owners and builders avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated cars and felony law enforcement actions.  Beginning July 1, 2011, an amnesty program to allow proper registration of previously-registered SPCNS went into effect.  The program is slated to conclude on June 30, 2012 - roughly 16 weeks remain (as of March 12, 2012).  For owners that may have misrepresented the value of the vehicle or its model year at initial registration, this law provides a method to obtain legal title/registration.  Eight months of the amnesty period have passed, during which time administrative issues arose involving the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Working with these agencies, SEMA has finally resolved these implementation problems on behalf of California SPCNS owners seeking amnesty.

These solutions permit these vehicles to demonstrate compliance with current BAR smog-check tailpipe emissions requirements, in addition to providing amnesty for owners that have knowingly made false statements regarding the value of these vehicles, the year of manufacture or knowingly falsified any other facts in documents filed with the DMV or Highway Patrol.  Owners of vehicles that are subject to the smog laws and choose to pursue compliance may install one of several OEM engines and related powertrain components that are intended to meet state emissions compliance requirements.  Depending on the application, owners can also choose to install a "retrofit kit" of parts which may allow smog check tailpipe compliance.  Major components in the kit include an aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, EFI controller, exhaust headers, camshaft, mufflers and catalytic converters.

It's important to remember that amnesty applicants cannot apply for an available SB 100 exemption certificate at the same time the applicant applies for amnesty.  The vehicle must be correctly registered before applying for an SB 100 certificate.  An amnesty applicant whose vehicle failed the smog test must return all application documents to the DMV, including the failed smog test result, a soon as possible so the pending application can be completed and the vehicle correctly registered.  Currently, 370 SB 100 certificates remain available for 2012.  See dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm for additional information.

As finalized by the DMV, to follow are the methods to achieve compliance:

The owner of a previously registered specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle with a prior SB 100 smog exemption applies for amnesty, submits all required documentation, and pays all fees due.  The vehicle will be assigned a 2012 model-year and referred to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).  If the vehicle fails the smog test, the vehicle is disqualified under the amnesty program.  The amnesty applicant will need to return to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the application documents including the failed smog test result so DMV can close the pending application as an application to correct an under-reported value only and correctly register the vehicle.  The SB 100 exemption will be retained and the 2012 model-year assigned as part of the amnesty application will be removed.  The owner would not need to reapply for a SB 100 certificate.

The owner of a previously registered SPCNS vehicle without a prior SB 100 smog exemption applies for amnesty, submits all required documentation, and pays all fees due.  The vehicle will be assigned a 2012 model-year and referred to BAR.  If the vehicle fails the smog test, the vehicle is disqualified under the amnesty program.  The amnesty applicant will need to return to DMV with the application documents including the failed smog test result so DMV can close the pending application as an application to correct an under-reported value only and correctly register the vehicle.   The owner may apply for an available SB 100 certificate of sequence once the vehicle has been correctly registered provided the vehicle meets the definition of a SPCNS vehicle.

The owner of a previously registered SPCNS vehicle that was misrepresented as the make and year-model of the vehicle it resembles (i.e. SPCNS vehicle misrepresented as a 1965 Cobra), applies for amnesty, submits all required documentation, and pays all fees due.  The make will be corrected to SPCNS.  The vehicle will be assigned a 2012 model-year, and referred to BAR.  If the vehicle fails the smog test, the vehicle is disqualified under the amnesty program.  The amnesty applicant will need to return to the DMV with the application documents including the failed smog test result so DMV can close the pending application as an application to correct the make, year-model, and under-reported value only and correctly register the vehicle.   The vehicle will be subject to applicable smog requirements.  The owner may apply for an available SB 100 certificate of sequence once the vehicle has been correctly registered provided the vehicle meets the definition of a SPCNS vehicle.

The owner of a previously registered vehicle that is not a SPCNS vehicle, with the correct make and year model (i.e. a real 1965 Cobra), for which the value was misrepresented (under-reported) when the vehicle was registered and titled applies for amnesty and pays all fees due.  This vehicle will not be referred to BAR since it is exempt from smog requirements based on the year-model.  The vehicle qualifies for amnesty and the application will be cleared as an application for under-reported value correction.

Finalizing these options has required years of effort and separate pieces of legislation.  Discussions with state agencies to ensure fair implementation of the program have absorbed additional time.  Unfortunately, these delays have resulted in only 16 weeks remaining in the amnesty program provided for in the law.  After the amnesty program concludes, these vehicle owners will again be subject to prosecution at the discretion of law enforcement agencies.

 Track Days at the Bondurant School

 Bondurant Track Days

Here's an idea that falls squarely into the "Why didn't I think of it?" category. Track days sponsored by organizations like Speedventures, Open Track Racing, NASA, and the SCCA have become very popular for enthusiasts because they offer drivers the chance to explore the limits of their cars on a race track. Speaking from personal experience, these are fun events, but they can also be intimidating for the beginner; you quickly discover you're no Mario Andretti, Travis Pastrana, or Lewis Hamilton as you dive into the first corner.

Open track days usually have instructors available to ride along with noobs, but sometimes there aren't enough instructors for each driver in the novice run group, and you're can be left flailing around the track trying to figure out how to brake and corner on you own. In the process, you're quickly burning through your brake pads and tires.

Racing schools offer a better learning experience than track days. You get personalized instruction from a pro, the skills are broken down to individual exercises designed to build on one another, and you're driving the school's cars- wearing out their brakes and tires, not your own. The one thing you're not getting is to experience the limits of your car, which may be vastly different from the school's cars.

Bondurant's track days combine the learning environment of a dedicated high performance driving school with personal car experience of a track day. It's a new program for them, and as best as we can tell, it's unique to any of the well-known racing schools. Bondurant's track day class happens on two half-days over one weekend. Exercises include autocross, accident avoidance, and lead-and-follow sessions on the school's awesome, 1.6-mile road course all done under the supervision of Bondurant's highly-qualified instructors. They won’t always be riding shotgun, but with a smaller field than your typical track day, you won’t get lost in the shuffle.

 The cost for all this is $299.00, and the first offering is the weekend of May 12-13, 2012. For more information go to www.bondurant.com/pit-row/news/open-track-days-bondurant, or call Chris Loftus at 480 403-7660.

News Flash: Chris at Bondurant just offered a $50 dollar discount to this class to anyone who signs up and tells him they saw it on Car Craft’s website or Facebook page. Sign up now, and get to Phoenix in May for a unique learning experience.

In the U.S. that is.

Polk punched the numbers and discovered the average age of cars and light trucks in operation right now in the U.S. has jumped to 10.8 years. Cars have increased in age a bit since 2010, from 11 years to 11.1 years at the end of last June. Pickups and SUVs went from 10.1 to 10.4 years in that same window of time. This just in: You just aged from 35.2 to 35.3. Photography: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

"Hello, my name is..."

The '13 Dart is already getting its fair share of attention--what's in a name?--and Mopar is jumping on that by announcing that more than 150 add-ons will be available when the car hits dealers later this year. Moparizing will include plenty of performance items, including upgraded brakes and a carbon-fiber scooped hood. Front and rear spoilers will also be on tap, as will chrome, like a pedal kit. Go to mopar.com for info.

Who made this year's HOF?

Those earning a spot in the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year will be Doug Herbert, Tommy Mauney, Ralph Seagraves, and Curtis Smith. Herbert gained recognition for 10 IHRA National Event wins, four IHRA World Championships, and being the name behind Doug Herbert Performance. Mauney builds and designs racecars and won championships in IHRA and national Pro Modified class events, while Seagraves is credited with bringing Winston to NASCAR, NHRA, and IHRA. Smith, meanwhile, won 17 national meets with NHRA and IHRA with his '67 Camaro, Hot Stuff. He was the first Sportsman driver to nab three consecutive IHRA national events and is listed as No. 10 on the IHRA national events list.

 What they said.

The final step has been taken--the NHRA has approved body designs for the '12 Camaro SS for racing. The designs were developed and will be constructed by Five Star Race Car Bodies, and GM got involved by sending a stock Camaro body from which molds were made. Pro Stock chassis builders are currently taking orders from some GM teams.

 50 350

Shelby American (indeed, that Shelby) has reached its 50th anniversary and is actually gifting us on the occasion with an anniversary edition GTS, GT350, and Super Snake. There will be 50 white and 50 black versions of the cars, all with gold stripes (get it? 50th anniversary is gold), special badging and interiors, and a VIN being deposited directly into the official Shelby American registry. The GTS is available with the V6 or 5.0L and will start at $19,995, which includes upgraded brakes, suspension, and tuning. The GT350 and GT500 will start at $59,995; 650, 700, or 800hp versions of the Super Snake are available. Pricing does not include the base price of the car.

Guess for how much...

On the Barrett-Jackson auction block was the first '13 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition, sporting the VIN 001. The car is due at dealerships this summer (wait, not this particular car...ones just like it) and has a 427ci LS7 from the Corvette Z06 (wait, not removed from the Z06... one just like it) mated to a six-speed stick, and is worth 505 horses and 470 lb-ft of torque. Yes, that does indeed make it the most potent engine in a production version of a convertible Vette. To get to the question you probably still have, 001 sold for $600,000. Photography: Paul Morton/Chevrolet

The analysis would consider a variety of issues including tailpipe and evaporative emissions, impact on OBD systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.

 The U.S. House Science Committee approved a bill (H.R. 3199) directing the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific assessment on how gasoline blended with 15 to 20 percent ethanol (E15 and E20) may impact gasoline-powered engines, vehicles and related equipment.  The analysis would consider a variety of issues including tailpipe and evaporative emissions, impact on OBD systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.  The National Academy of Sciences would have 18 months to conduct its analysis. HR 3199 will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.

We Urge You to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Request Their Support for H.R. 3199

• H.R. 3199 acknowledges that E15 causes corrosion with incompatible parts.  Ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber.  The EPA allows use of E15 in 2001 and newer vehicles, but agreed to make it "illegal to fuel pre-2001 vehicles" with E15.  A required warning label on the gasoline pump will not protect consumers from accidentally misfueling these vehicles/engines.
• H.R. 3199 recognizes that E15 is not yet in the marketplace.  It is still the subject of several lawsuits and Congress could enact legislation to block the sale.
• H.R. 3199 prevents the EPA from permitting the sale of E15 before the report has been submitted to the House Science Committee.
• H.R. 3199 potentially protects millions of vehicles and engines that can be harmed from E15.  The EPA was premature in permitting the sale since it is still unclear how E15 impacts tailpipe and evaporative emissions, OBD systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.

DON'T DELAY!  Click here to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to request their support of H.R. 3199.  Under Federal Officials, Identify Your Congressional District Representative:  http://semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga

Build your "new" vintage Mustang with Ford-approved parts.

Reanimator: You can now build yourself a vintage Mustang with Ford-approved restoration parts; new first-gen body shells can be built into '641/2, '65, and '66 models. The stronger-than-the-original body includes the doors and trunklid and all the sheetmetal from the radiator support to the taillight panels (except the hood and front fenders, which are sold separately). The shell starts at $15,000.

It's PN P5155872.

How does a crate engine that puts out more than 800 hp sound to you? Like a total loser, right? Take a hike for agreeing with that--we are stoked that Mopar is releasing a new 521ci V-10 Competition Series engine designed just for drag racing. It has an aluminum block and heads, forged-steel crank, connecting rods, and pistons, and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. A JTEC controller with race calibration and engine harness is included. All in all, you're looking at an operating range of up to 7,000 rpm and 695 lb-ft of torque.

But that's not all--Mopar is also offering a Gen III Dodge Viper Performance Upgrade Kit, allowing for an extra 150 more ponies from the stock V-10. Aluminum heads and a custom upper intake manifold with larger throttlebody, fuel rails, and injectors are also on tap. And Mopar also has a new crate version of the Gen III 426 Hemi V8, with 590 hp out of the box. The lightweight aluminum block has shed 100 pounds over the cast-iron one, and there's a more robust roller cam with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift, an 11:1 compression ratio, cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails. Other tweaks abound. Two 426 Ready-to-Run engine control/base calibration kits are available--one for the high-output engine, while the other is for the current 426 crate.