Drag Illustrated Issue 178, September / October 2022 | Page 18

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From the U . S . Nationals to the U . S . Capitol

Top Fuel champion Antron Brown warns Congress that motorsports is at risk BY ROB KING

Just days after winning the prestigious NHRA U . S Nationals in Indianapolis , Indiana , Antron Brown made his way to Washington , D . C ., to urge Congress to pass the SEMA-supported Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports ( RPM ) Act .

On Wednesday , September 7 , the three-time Top Fuel world champion , who began his racing career nearly 40 years ago , appeared before Congress to share personal stories about the need for federal law to protect grassroots racing and tens of thousands of jobs in the motorsports parts industry . Brown shared inspiring stories about the value and importance of racing , and why he
is pushing for passage of the RPM Act
With his wife , Billie Jo , and two sons , Anson and Adler , at his side , Brown shared how motorsports taught him to set goals , work hard to achieve them , and other important life lessons . Representing a four-generation family of racing professionals , Brown talked about how he began racing motorcycles at the age of 4 , has enjoyed a successful career with 70 NHRA wins , and became a team owner earlier this year . He continues to support and promote the NHRA to the community and youth groups , relaying the origins of the organization that was formed in 1951 to get hot rodders safely off the streets
and onto the track .
“ Americans all over the country enjoy the hobby of modifying vehicles into racecars ,” said U . S . Senator Shelley Moore Capito ( R-W . Va .), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works . “ The bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports ( RPM ) Act would clarify that vehicles to be used solely for competition are not to be treated like the cars that drive on our nation ’ s roads . This legislation would ensure small businesses that help hobbyists who transition vehicles into racecars , which are not driven on the roads , are not unfairly punished or targeted through EPA enforcement .
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PRI AND NHRA
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