Tallmadge, OH (PRWEB) February 14, 2016
Summit Racing recently learned about a recent government regulation that could affect its customers. According to a press release issued February 8, 2016 on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) website, the EPA has proposed a rule that would make illegal to modify a production automobile for racing if it affects the vehicle’s emissions system.
Buried in a non-related set of regulations concerning emissions for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles--see here) first issued in June 2015, the proposed rule reads:
“Certified motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines and their emission control devices must remain in their certified configuration even if they are used solely for competition or if they become nonroad vehicles or engines; anyone modifying a certified motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine for any reason is subject to the tampering and defeat device prohibitions of paragraph (a)(3) of this section and 42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3).” (80 Fed. Reg. 40138, 40565 July 13, 2015).
The rule allows enthusiasts to race a street-driven car, but will not allow them to upgrade it with parts to improve performance unless those parts are certified not to affect the car’s emissions system. That means things like engine swaps, converting from EFI to carburetors, going to a bigger cam, or even adding a simple set of headers could be violations of clean air regulations.
The EPA has stated the penalty if someone is caught on the wrong side of the law is $37,500 per violation.
That’s why Summit Racing supports SEMA’s efforts to convince the EPA to withdraw this proposal. The company urges racers and enthusiasts to make their voices heard by signing a petition that will be sent directly to the White House at http://wh.gov/ifXr1. The deadline to sign the petition is March 10, 2016.
Summit Racing will keep racers and enthusiasts updated on this vital issue that affects their hobby.
Summit Racing Equipment
http://www.SummitRacing.com
1-800-230-3030
