First, don’t panic.  The race world is not ending. Be aware though—if you aren’t already—that the EPA is “clarifying” a rule in its behemoth Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles–Phase 2 that could adversely affect passenger cars converted into race-cars and the aftermarket parts industry.

The EPA has stated in the new “clarified” rule that modifying emissions control equipment on passengers cars turned into track-only cars has always been illegal and not exempt from the Clean Air Act—read as required compliance or punishment for violation of said act.

To be fair, I don’t really see law enforcement raiding a track and shutting down the “illegally modified” vehicles. Though, I wouldn’t necessarily put it past the EPA (think Ghostbusters for humor or everyday government overreach in all seriousness).

The real danger posed is to the aftermarket parts industry. SEMA is one of the loudest opponents of this rule clarification, and rightfully so; the aftermarket parts industry they represent is worth about $36 billion. An entire industry deemed illegal just like that. All right not just like that, by 2018.

SEMA maintains that non street legal vehicles have been exempted and that this new clarification is more than “clarification.” Once you call something illegal, it is illegal. And then supporting an illegal activity can be a crime too, and more importantly, it can shut down your business.

EPA says its concern is with vehicles not street legal, without emissions controls being driven illegally on the streets and the companies that manufacture parts that would allow vehicles to manipulate emissions controls.

Really?  Because the VAST MAJORITY of vehicles on tracks are gross polluters? Or because of the sheer volume of cars being driven off track? Is that really the logic?? If so I want numbers to justify this. Seriously, I do.

With all of the industrial pollutants, some of which come from green car producing power plants and lithium mining for EV batteries, why has the EPA decided that race cars without emissions controls or defeated emissions controls is a huge problem requiring correction. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

But what do you think?
 
Post your comments on Twitter: @LaurenFix or on my Facebook Page.
 
My Final Thought:

Remember Micro machines? This car isn’t much bigger:

The Peel p50 is the smallest microcar around. If you want one, Peel Engineering sells modern models.

It’s cute, but I think I will stick with something a bit bigger.
 
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. To read more of her blogs, CLICK HERE NOW.