The editors of Lowrider are in the process now of building this '66 El Camino for the 2012 SEMA Show in affiliation with eBay Motors. Working with Duran's Quality Painting they not only sourced the ute, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

While they would love for you to vote for them, the key to this campaign is that you can be the winner. Vote for your favorite, even if it isn't the Dayton-wired El Camino you see here and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The Lowrider El Camino came to Duran's from Riverside, California, but when it arrived, it looked like it drove through a couple wars along the way. Upon delivery, the driveshaft was in the bed and the interior looked like something had been living in it. In short, this thing was a world away from a candy apple red paint job. But only eight weeks later, it may be the finest El Camino in the land.

So whether you're into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors. Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The effort is BUILT from eBay® - A web series that takes four automotive magazines and their selected garages and creates a competition to showcase eBay Motors amazing selection. Each team starts with the purchase of a niche-enthusiast vehicle, and then searches out and purchases each and every part to go with them. Whether those parts be new, retro, performance or new-old-stock, these four teams are being tested to pull it off.

So whether you're into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

Enter for a chance to win courtesy of Denso.

How would you like a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to drive some exotic cars like Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Superleggra or a Mercedes SLR? The guys at Denso are holding a contest to win a trip to drive in the World Class Driving Experience, the winner will get a trip for two out to Los Angeles to drive on the famous Pacific Coast Highway with five different exotic cars. Sounds pretty good to us, now all you need to do to enter is go like the Denso Facebook page and then fill out the entry form.

*cars pictured are not the actual cars you will get to drive

Click here after you like their page to enter!

 Who do you want to see grace our next upcoming issue?

We've gathered ten of our top models from our Facebook page and would like to hear from you on who should be our next cover model!

Voting will begin tomorrow until the clock strikes midnight (PST) on May 31! All you have to do is visit our photo album of the ten top models on our Facebook page and click "like" on your favorite girl's photo. The girl with the most "likes" will be the winner!

Happy voting!

http://www.facebook.com/lowridermag

National Landmark Needs Salt Replenishment Program

 A number of prominent organizations have formed the “Save the Salt Coalition” to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) from continued deterioration due to salt brine removal from potash mining. The Coalition is now working with government officials, mine operators and others to develop a permanent program to replenish the salt.

Founding members of the Coalition include the Bonneville Nationals (BNI), Save the Salt Foundation, Source Interlink Media, Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), SEMA Action Network (SAN) and Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA). Doug Evans, Executive Vice President, Source Interlink Media, has been named Chairman of the “Save the Salt Coalition.”

“The Bonneville Salt Flats is an essential element of American motorsports heritage,” said Evans. “Since 1949, Hot Rod Magazine has covered the August speed trials and worked with government officials to permit continued racing. The legacy of land speed racing covers every imaginable type of vehicle, from hot rods to jet cars, electric cars and motorcycles. These efforts are a proving ground for new technological achievements in power plants, composite materials and aerodynamics.”

The BSF is a unique geological formation that is also central to the history of motorsports and the industries that support motorsports. Scores of world land speed records have been set on the densely-packed remnants of a huge prehistoric lake. The area is so flat, it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. The BSF has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Decades of salt removal by an adjoining potash mining operation have damaged the BSF. Between 1963 and 1982, an estimated 11 million tons of salt was withdrawn. By the mid-1990s, the historic raceway had lost over 18 inches of salt crust. Originally 96,000 acres in size, the BSF has been reduced to about 30,000 acres and those lands are threatened unless the salt removed to extract potash is then returned to the BSF. The potash operation is located on federal lands leased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Coalition is seeking to protect the BSF and permit continued mining. One solution is to pump brine water back onto the salt flats during the winter and spring, when the basin is naturally covered with water. As the water evaporates during the summer months, the salt flats will increase in thickness and hardness, and the underground aquifer supporting the salt crust will be replenished. A five-year test program begun in 1997 demonstrated that the solution will work. The Coalition is now seeking an equivalent, permanent program.

For more information, please visit the “Save the Salt Coalition” website at www.savethesalt.org.

SEMA Secures U.S. Senate Resolution Designating July 8th As "Collector Car Appreciation Day"

Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars

Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”  The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

S. Res. 154 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 154 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.  

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.  We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come.”

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country.  ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan said, “On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country.  We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.  Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.  Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Ashley Ailsworth, SEMA Research and State Affairs Manager at ashleya@sema.org or 202-783-6007 x. 39.

Introduction letter from Mike Dingell--the new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

 Dear Fellow Car Enthusiast:

It is with great pleasure, and a sense of excitement, that I write to introduce myself as the new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).  

As a lifelong gearhead with roots tracing back to the Motor City, I am very proud to take on the responsibility of leading America’s premier automotive enthusiast network in the battle to protect our cherished heritage.  In an era of increasing governmental involvement in the hobby, it is imperative that we remain organized and stand together.  We must continue to ensure that lawmakers, both on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the nation, hear our voices loudly and proudly.  We will not stand idly and allow America’s automotive traditions to be legislated out of existence.  In addition, we will promote pro-active policies that benefit the hobby.  As I assume the mantle of this great organization, that is my pledge to you.

I come to this job abundantly aware that the fight to defend the hobby from aggressive regulation may not be easy, but it is a necessary one.  For 14 years, the SAN has staved off attacks from forces seeking to create obstacles to our responsible enjoyment of this hobby and made strides towards ensuring its future.  Continue to stay informed.  Respectfully let your legislators know where you stand on the issues.  Most importantly, spread the word.  Let your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts know the vital importance of SAN’s mission and to join the cause.  As always, joining the SAN at  http://www.semasan.com/san/join.aspx  is FREE and carries no obligations.  
 
I look forward to meeting each of you at events across the country and working together towards the preservation of our hobby.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at miked@sema.org.  

Very Respectfully,
Mike Dingell

Thoughts & Prayers to a Lowrider Legend Louie Morales from L&M Customs needs our prayers… Louie is in the hospital, and we need to say a prayer for him tonight. Louie is a Texas legend, who has been a world title Hop Record Holder and one of the first Texans to win the LRM Hop Title when Cali hoppers dominated it. Louie is also a top-notch painter and has created many cars that have graced the pages of LRM over the years. We are hoping that Louie makes it through tonight. Thank You

"LOWRIDER RETRO" WANTED !!! Bunny Ear Antennas, Organ pipe speakers, Show Pipes, Twisted wrought Iron grills and Cragars

Help keep the "RETRO" Rolling Please submit old quality classic Show Car Photos from the late 60's and early 80's Your Pictures will be included in the Lowrider Magazine Series called "RETRO" All photos should have a description included along with the photographs. Year, Make, and model. Please include the theme name of show car, location,and the time it was photographed. Email Your photos to joe.ray@sorc.com or mail them to 2400 E Katella 11th floor attn. Lowrider Anaheim Ca 92806 Thank you for your continuous support!