The EPA Proves it Doesn’t Care About Your Racecar

GReddy Racing Scion FR-S (Credit: Scion)

Back in February, I wrote a piece that didn’t go over too well with the masses who were hysterical over new language that the EPA added to the Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles law. This verbiage, to many, read as if the EPA was looking to end all racing as it could, theoretically, penalize people for customizing their cars for racing.

Me, being a realist, saw that the EPA didn’t care about a single car, but rather companies that sold off-road modifications for use on street vehicles. Most thought I was the crazy one, but today, the EPA proved that it truly doesn’t care about your racecar.

Today, the EPA has announced that it will completely remove the verbiage from the bill. It will, however, continue to go after those aftermarket manufacturers who market off-road-only components as if they can be used in on-road vehicles. So, while your racecar is safe, for now, little Jimmy’s fart pipe on his Honda Civic may not be—personally, I think that is a win-win…

SEMA President and CEO, Chris Kersting, thanked the Congress for nudging the EPA toward removing the language but is still seeking a long-term solution to help preserve racing in the U.S. One solution that he supports it the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016, which you can show your support for here.

So, continue building that racecar. For now, it’s safe from government regulations.