PRI/SEMA Leadership Meets With Key Lawmakers in Washington, DC - Engine Builder Magazine

PRI/SEMA Leadership Meets With Key Lawmakers in Washington, DC

As part of SEMA and PRI’s campaign to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), PRI and SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola has recently traveled to Washington, DC. There, he met with key members of Congress who are integral to the legislative process on the bill—urging them to move the RPM Act.  

With strong legislative support from over 155 members of Congress, thanks in part to unprecedented grassroots advocacy from industry members and enthusiasts, the RPM Act is well-positioned to be passed. Still, it must be voted on to become law this year.  

In an effort to help get the bill over the finish line, Spagnola met with key elected officials, including strong bill supporters and members who are best positioned to shape automotive policy. Specifically, Spagnola met with the following lawmakers about the RPM Act: 

  • Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), an RPM Act co-sponsor and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 
  • Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), RPM Act co-sponsor & Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 
  • Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), an RPM Act co-sponsor 
  • Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), the senior Republican on the Energy & Commerce Committee 
  • Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), one of the strong voices on automotive issues on the E&C Committee. Rep. Dingell’s new district will include Plymouth, MI, which is home to SEMA’s Detroit Garage. 
  • Mike Thompson (D-CA), an RPM Act co-sponsor and the Chairman of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus 


“We had very productive meetings with some of the most important lawmakers in the automotive policy space last week,” said Spagnola. “The momentum for passing the RPM Act is building, and the progress we are making is in no small part thanks to the phone calls and letters SEMA members, the racing community, and automotive enthusiasts have made to Congress. Now is the time to keep our foot on the gas and continue to remind lawmakers that they must pass the RPM Act before the November election. It is time that Congress delivers for the men and women in our community and protects the right to convert and sell parts for race vehicles.” 

The RPM Act (H.R. 3281/S.2736) is a bill that would protect the future of racing by clarifying in federal law that it is not illegal to modify and convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race vehicle. The House and Senate must pass the RPM Act by Jan. 3, 2023, for it to become law during the 117th session of Congress. Businesses and enthusiasts are urged to continue to reach out and contact their legislators at saveourracecars.com and push for passage of the RPM Act this year. 

Congress will be in session in July before the House and Senate go into recess during August, which is an ideal time to invite lawmakers to your race track or motorsports business. The PRI staff stands ready to facilitate these visits. For more information on hosting a lawmaker, visit here or contact [email protected].  

You May Also Like

Toyota, TRD Launch GR Supra Jr. Roadster for NHRA Racing

Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) have unveiled the first-of-its-kind GR Supra Jr. Roadster set for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition. NHRA will establish a new Jr. Roadster class for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, although a launch date has yet to be set.  “The motivation behind developing the GR

Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) have unveiled the first-of-its-kind GR Supra Jr. Roadster set for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition. NHRA will establish a new Jr. Roadster class for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, although a launch date has yet to be set. 

IMS Hall of Fame to Induct Tim Cindric, Tony George

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced the IMS Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Inductees Tim Cindric and Tony George. The inductees will be formally celebrated at a ceremony and dinner on Friday, May 26, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Related Articles – Legends Nitro Funny Cars Series Announces Nine Races for 2023

Legends Nitro Funny Cars Series Announces Nine Races for 2023

Officials with the Legends Nitro Funny Cars series have announced its schedule will feature nine events in 2023. Teams campaign Funny Cars fueled by Nitromethane with body styles from the 1960s and 1970s, ranging up to 1982 and older.  Related Articles – Discover Pro Tips & More at Drag Racing Sponsorship Summit – AAM Group Hires Jeff

Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Reps. to Prevent ICE Bans

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) has introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles

More Details Revealed for the Future of Auto Club Speedway

More details have been revealed about the recent sale of NASCAR’s Auto Club Speedway—the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. It was previously reported that NASCAR had sold 433 acres of the 522-acre site.  Related Articles – Chip Ganassi Racing Announces Women in Motorsports Internship Class – Race Winning Brands Adds Bob Cook Sales –

Other Posts

Liqui Moly Sponsors Formula 1 for Fifth Year

The German oil manufacturer, LIQUI MOLY, announced it will return to the “pinnacle of motorsport” with renewal for 2023 season of Formula 1 after signing a 1-year contract with the racing series. This will be the company’s fifth consecutive year sponsoring Formula 1. Related Articles – Liberty Engine Parts Hosts Tech & Skills Conference –

Liberty Engine Parts Hosts Tech & Skills Conference

AERA recently teamed up with Liberty Engine Parts to offer a regional Tech & Skills Conference on February 25th with presentations from several different aftermarket manufacturers and brands. Related Articles – MotorTrend’s 19th Annual Hot Rod Drag Week – BorgWarner Announces New Aftermarket Segment Spin-Off – Don Schumacher Motorsports Announces $10.5M Expansion The conference was

NASCAR Sells California’s Auto Club Speedway

According to published reports, NASCAR has sold land on the site of Auto Club Speedway, the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. Approximately 433 acres of the 522-acre site is said to have been sold to an unknown buyer at an undisclosed price. Reported plans include the demolition of the famed track, which

Sonoma Raceway Names Karen Davis VP, Marketing and Events

Officials with Sonoma Raceway—the road course and drag strip located in Sonoma, California and owned by Speedway Motorsports—have appointed NASCAR industry veteran Karen Davis as the vice president of Marketing and Events. Related Articles – WISSOTA Names New Director of Operations, Executive Assistant – NASCAR Announces New Campus Lab Program at Bethune-Cookman University – NASCAR