If you know of something cool or interesting that is going on or related to the kit and replicar industry, let everyone in on it! Send your info and a 1.5-meg digital image to kitcar@primedia.com, and be sure to put "Replicar Scene" in the subject line. Or, if you're still using the U.S. mail system, drop us a line at our new address: 774 S. Placentia Ave., Dept. KC, Placentia, CA 92870.
Lawmakers Form Auto Enthusiast CaucusIn its continuing efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) have partnered with state lawmakers from across the country to establish the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. To date, more than 75 state legislators, from California to New York and points in between, are involved in the Caucus.
Montana State Senator John Brueggeman (serving as the Caucus chairman) said, "From pre-World War II classics to street rods to '60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the U.S. By joining the Caucus, these legislators have demonstrated their commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come."
Supported by SEMA's Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C., the Caucus is anticipated to help raise the motor-vehicle hobby's profile in the state legislatures and in the eyes of the public. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and protect the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby.
If your state lawmaker is involved, let them know you appreciate their support for the automotive hobby by joining the caucus and that you look forward to working with them. If not, we invite you to contact your state representative and state senators and inform them about the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. By joining the Caucus, your elected official will join with other state legislators from around the country who have a shared passion for the automotive hobby. To view a complete list of the Caucus members, visit the SAN website at www.semasan.com. For information on whom to contact, or for further information on the Caucus, please contact Ben Burdick at (202) 783-6007, ext. 38.
A Lone Star Raffle Car
Lone Star supplied a car for a raffle to benefit the Vanguard Institute High School (near San Antonio, Texas) shop program, which is headed up by the school's Pat Tracy. Tracy and his students were responsible for building the car (with a 428 Cobra Jet, no less!) to exacting standards, and the funds raised (several thousand dollars) will help pay for a lift and another kit to assemble next semester. The students have, understandably, been highly motivated and have put in many extra hours to see the project through to completion. And it sure beats working on those old Chevettes that some other school programs are stuck with! For more on Lone Star's vehicles, check out www.lonestarclassics.com.