Racing Legend Richard Petty And SEMA Advocate For RPM Act In Washington, D.C.

Richard Petty, SEMA Advocate For RPM Act In Washington, D.C.

“The King” and SEMA push to pass the RPM Act in meetings with Congressional Representatives.

On Tuesday, July 19, “The King” Richard Petty joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) CEO Mike Spagnola in the nation’s capital to advocate for Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill (H.R. 3281/S. 2736) protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.   

Like most NASCAR drivers, Petty competed in racecars that started out as street-legal vehicles. The EPA maintains the position that such modified race vehicles are not legal under the Clean Air Act, threatening many classes of racing along with an industry that employs tens of thousands of Americans and contributes more than $2 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

Petty and Spagnola sat down with key members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning organizations and businesses, while also looking to gain stronger congressional support to protect one of America’s oldest pastimes and hobbies: motor vehicle racing. In an effort to curtail the EPA’s overreaching and extreme enforcement of the Clean Air Act, Petty and Spagnola appeared in Washington, D.C., to push for passage of the RPM Act, which awaits committee action in the House of Representatives and Senate. 

“The EPA is overstepping its jurisdiction and penalizing small motorsports parts businesses,” said Petty. “The RPM Act is essential to the racing industry and protecting the careers of young racers all over the country. During most of my racing career, my fellow NASCAR drivers and I competed in racecars that started out at as street-legal vehicles.”

Petty and SEMA met with several key congressional members to discuss the importance of the bipartisan RPM Act. Meetings included Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), RPM Act lead sponsor; Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), RPM Act original cosponsor; Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Senate Republican Conference Chairman and RPM Act cosponsor; Indiana Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Mike Braun (R-IN), RPM Act cosponsors; Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), RPM Act original cosponsor; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA); House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA); Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), RPM Act lead sponsor; Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), RPM Act lead Republican cosponsor; and RPM Act original cosponsors Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL). 

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use — including a car, truck, or motorcycle — to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.

“The RPM Act will save the livelihood of thousands of Americans, including many young racecar drivers,” said Spagnola. “SEMA is dedicated to ensuring our industry remains viable. Racers and the businesses that make motorsports possible deserve clarity in federal law that protects the ability to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and sell products for these track vehicles without fear of enforcement.”

Both Petty and Spagnola were optimistic about their meetings with key RPM Act supporters in Congress. “Motorsports has many strong allies in Congress. It was valuable for Mike and me to sit down with these lawmakers to discuss how we can work together to pass the RPM Act this year,” shared Petty. 

For more information, visit www.saveourracecars.com.

You May Also Like

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of more than 48,000 SKUs.

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

The National Auto Body Council Body®  announced Empire Auto Parts has joined the organization as a level two partner. Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of over 48,000 SKUs.

As a level two partner, Empire Auto Parts will work alongside a consortium of collision repair facilities, rental car companies, parts and materials providers, insurance companies, automotive recyclers, salvage companies, towing companies, industry consultants and more to serve communities across the country with programs that help change and save lives every day, according to the NABC.

Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work
NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair
YANG Holds Regional Meetup in Conjunction with CAWA Forum

Sponsored by GB Remanufacturing, the event took place on Feb. 22 at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

YANG Regional Meetup
MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Pase’s expertise spans many areas, including navigating industry trends, formulating strategies and increasing customer engagement.

MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Other Posts

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers sent EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to the ACC II Waiver.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

Registration for ACC Annual Meeting Open

Early bird registration is open for the Automotive Communications Council’s 2024 meeting from May 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Automotive-Communications-Council-2024-Meeting
Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage

It announced the release of 25 new product lines, as well as the addition of Annual Unit Volumes for 15 Demand Index Product Groups.

Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage