The RPM Act and the fight with the EPA over the use of aftermarket parts on production cars has been a main focus of the industry over the past two years. At the beginning of this year, the industry and gearhead lifestyle got a major push of support from people all over the nation when enthusiasts rallied around the RPM Act in support.

SEMA has been the biggest advocate of the RPM Act and defeating the EPA’s overreach in our industry. Now that the year is wrapping up, Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO, has a message to share:

“Over the past year, the racing community undertook an unprecedented effort to protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and our industry’s right to sell the parts that support the sport. In February, more than 100,000 racers, industry members and enthusiasts rallied to sign a White House petition in a single day. Since March, you have flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act—a bill that makes clear that the Clean Air Act allows motor vehicles to be converted into dedicated race vehicles. The bill also protects our ability to sell the parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

You have been heard! Your persistence and enthusiasm resulted in 148 Congressional lawmakers signing on to co-sponsor the RPM Act. These efforts underscore the passion of our community and industry. We are grateful for your unyielding commitment to motorsports.

But, there’s still more work to do. Our industry and community will continue this effort into 2017 as we work with the new Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reintroduce the RPM Act and get it passed into law. Your ongoing support is critical to achieving our goal and to protecting this great American tradition now and into the future.

Thank you again. We look forward to working with you to get the bill enacted in the coming year.”