Driving Force Online 5/22/2013

[BonzoHansen]

Driving Force Recognized With 'Golden Quill Award



This Driving Force newsletter has once again been recognized by Editor Angelo Van Bogart and his team at Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace with a ‘Golden Quill’ award. The achievement was bestowed on our Network for “outstanding efforts in fostering progress for the old car hobby.” This honor is greatly appreciated by newsletter staff and the entire SAN force.

Legislative Front Lines
Click here for the complete list of Legislative Alerts

• U.S. House Committee Approves Bill to Reopen OHV Access to North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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• Maine Bill to Prohibit Ethanol Blended Gasoline at Levels Greater Than 10% Signed Into Law; Total Ban Fails on Senate Vote
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• House Committee Moves to Save California's Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area
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• Missouri Proposal to Tax Miles Traveled Dies as Legislature Adjourns
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• Connecticut Bill to Increase Property Taxes on Antique, Rare, and Special Interest Motor Vehicles Favorably Substituted and Approved by Committee
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• Colorado Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver Dies As Legislature Adjourns
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SEMA SAN Strike Force
This 1970 Mustang BOSS 302 has had quite a storied past since being purchased by Marcus Simmons in November, 1969. After being “souped-up” and driven hard on several vacation road trips, this pony was outfitted with a myriad of performance parts for the purpose of drag racing. The vehicle has posted a best elapsed time of 10.79 seconds at 126 miles per hour in the standing quarter mile.

Although an accurate statement, the term “passion-filled” may not be strong enough to describe Michigan’s Marcus Simmons. An ASE Certified Technician, he is currently the president of the Motown Automotive Professionals nonprofit with a car collection that has included the 1970 Mustang BOSS 302 seen above as well as a replica 427 Cobra. Simmons had to give up driving about 30 years ago due to a medical condition causing the loss of his eyesight. Despite this unfortunate circumstance, he has continued to enjoy “riding shotgun” and has acted as an advocate of the automotive pastime since enlisting with the SEMA Action Network (SAN) in 2004. Seeking fair registration for said Cobra, the introduction of SEMA’s Model Street Rod/Custom Vehicle Legislation in his home state several years ago opened communication with his lawmakers. Last year, Marcus was among many Michigan residents supporting legislation to amend the state’s current law governing historic motor vehicles to permit their unlimited use as “exhibition” vehicles the entire month of August, which was later enacted into law. To encourage greater participation in the hobby, he and his MAPn organization will be hosting a Collector Car Appreciation Day event in Berkley, Michigan on July 12, 2013. Way to channel your energies in such a positive way, Marcus!