Sonoma Raceway President Urges Congress to Protect American Motorsports - Engine Builder Magazine

Sonoma Raceway President Urges Congress to Protect American Motorsports

Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager, Steve Page, recently testified before a key Congressional subcommittee, urging members to continue to allow street vehicles to be modified and converted for motorsports competition.

Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager, Steve Page, recently testified before a key Congressional subcommittee, urging members to continue to allow street vehicles to be modified and converted for motorsports competition.

Page testified on behalf of H.R. 350, the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2017” (RPM Act), which clarifies that under the Clean Air Act, it has always been legal to modify a street vehicle into a race car used exclusively at the track.

In his testimony, Page emphasized that these vehicles that may have once been street legal, now are towed around on trailers and only driven at the raceway facility.

“The EPA now defines a majority of our customers as law-breakers,” Page said. “Given the agency’s policy, a clarification to the law is absolutely needed. The RPM Act simply makes clear that converting a motor vehicle into a dedicated race vehicle does not violate the law. Further, it restores the original intent of the Clean Air Act that the law applies to motor vehicles used on our roads and highways and not to race vehicles.”

Page also cited an analysis conducted by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board that measured the regional economic impact of a single vintage race weekend at their facility to be nearly $2 million. He added that this activity takes place at Sonoma Raceway, and at hundreds of other tracks across the country, on a regular basis. The industry as a whole employs thousands nationwide and contributes billions to the nation’s economy each year.

Countering opposition claims that the bill creates a loop hole, Page noted that the bill does not reduce EPA’s authority to enforce against illegal parts on street vehicles.

In Page’s home state of California, which owns the strictest emissions laws in the country, state law and regulations specifically allow for motor vehicles to be modified for use exclusively in motorsports competition.

You May Also Like

Summit Racing Launches ‘My Garage’

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles and projects, then share them with other My Garage enthusiasts. 

TOPDON USA Donates $25,000 for Auto Techs

TOPDON USA, a provider of cutting-edge technology and advanced tools for auto repair professionals and enthusiasts, has announced the donation of $10,000 cash and $15,000 in products to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the education, training and career development of aspiring auto technicians. To date, TOPDON has donated over $66,000 to aid organizations

Amsoil Becomes Official Lubricant of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering

AMSOIL INC. has formed a strategic partnership with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) to make AMSOIL products the official lubricants of LPE performance-engineered products. LPE is renowned for its cutting-edge engine builds and engine and chassis tuning components. They also provide component product-development services, durability testing and life-cycle improvements for manufacturers. Founded in 1973, LPE has

Liqui Moly USA Promotes Two to VP of Sales

The two VPs will help assist in shaping the future of the sales department and driving the success of Liqui Moly.

Formula Drift and Partners to Launch Student Program

The 2024 Driven Experience will be free for students and schools, and will include all eight rounds of the 2024 Formula Drift season. 

Other Posts

Motul Partners with Vance & Hines in Numerous Racing Series

Motul’s oils and lubricants will be used by Vance & Hines in King of the Baggers, Twins Cup, and NHRA.

NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America, Inc.

NTK Technologies, Inc. has announced it will merge with Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc.). The merger aligns with the organization’s strategy to unify its global brand and aims to enhance its competitiveness and agility in responding to changing business environments. The merger will take effect on April 1, 2024, and

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

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

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Cummins Announces Next Gen