SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting praised U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) along with 24 original cosponsors for reintroducing S. 2602, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 (RPM Act).

This bipartisan bill protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports parts industry’s right to sell products that enable racers to compete.

“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Senators Burr and Manchin for reintroducing a bill that will protect businesses that produce, install and sell the parts that enable racers to compete."

“American racing runs on traditions,” said Senator Burr. “For more than 50 years, motorsports enthusiasts have purchased cars and modified them to race, off of public roads. However, this tradition was threatened when the Obama EPA attempted to make these modifications illegal. This legislation upholds Congress’ intent of the Clean Air Act and protects motorsports, for professionals and amateurs alike, for years to come. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move through the Senate.”

“A big part of the fun of motorsports is the tradition of modifying regular cars into racecars,” said Senator Manchin. “This legislation upholds amendments to the Clean Air Act that exempt modified vehicles and racecars from certain environmental regulations, protecting motorsports for years to come. I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan bill and look forward to the boost it will give to motorsports.”

It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law during this session of Congress. To write a letter to your U.S. Senators, visit www.sema.org/rpm.

Tagged: Joe Manchin

Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 reintroduced in the U.S. Senate