*Connecticut wheelers with aftermarket exhaust systems should be aware of H.B. 5145, which would increase the fine for breaking the state's exhaust noise law to $150. The current law prohibits "excessive, unusual, or unnecessary exhaust noise," but fails to define these terms with any sort of objective measurement, like a decibel meter reading.
*California, on the other hand, has such a measurement-the sound from an aftermarket exhaust system must not exceed a 95-decibel limit. Unfortunately, a bill was introduced to repeal that standard. SEMA is in negotiations with state regulators about the bill.
Castrol Dream Engine ContestIf someone gave you $5,000 to build your dream engine, how would you use the money? Well, if you're creative enough, it could actually happen. Castrol Syntec is sponsoring a Build Your Dream Engine contest that will award two $5,000 first prizes, one each to a domestic-motor and import-motor enthusiast whose entry forms are deemed worthy by a panel of judges. Sitting on that panel as honorary judges are NHRA Funny Car driver Tony Pedregon and sport-compact drag race champion JoJo Callos.
The judges will critique the entries for automotive knowledge, accuracy, and originality. The winners will be chosen and the results announced later this year. Each winner will receive $5,000 to be used to purchase add-on engine parts of their choice.
The contest is open to anyone who buys 4 quarts or more of Castrol Syntec engine oil from any participating Castrol retailer. You can find the entry form online at www.dreamengine.castrolusa.com. Contest rules and information are also available at the site.
CalendarJuly 3-5 United Rockcrawling & Off-Road Challenge series finals, Farmington, NM. Information: UROC, 435/864-2415, www.uroc4x4.com.
July 4-6 30th annual 4WD Rodeo by Susquehannocks Four Wheelers, Jersey Shore, PA. Information: 570/648-9573.
July 10-12 Goodyear Skyjacker Extreme Rock Crawling Nationals, Cedar City, UT. Information: 801/288-2574, www.rockcrawler.org.
July 10-13 Pacific Northwest Trail Jamboree, Naches, WA. Information: 360/897-8284, www.pnw4wda.org.
July 10-13 SCORE Henderson's Terrible 250, Henderson, NV. Information: SCORE International, 818/225-8402, www.score-international.com.
July 11 Event City 4x4 Expo, Cedar City, UT. Information: 714/579-3264, e-mail brad@extreme4x4.com.
July 11-13 Coal Mine Cruiser Classic 2003, Paragon Adventure Park, Hazleton, PA. Information: Gotham City Land Cruisers, www.gclcny.com.
July 11-13 13th Lost Coast Jeep Jamboree, Fort Bragg, CA. Information: 530/333-4777, www.jeepjamboreeusa.com
July 11-13 16th annual Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, Bloomsburg, PA. Information: 317/236-6515, www.familyevents.com.
July 12 Mud race by Firelands 4WD Club, Norwalk, OH. Information: 419/668-2464.
July 12-13 CORR Lucas Oil Series off-road race, Bark River, MI. Information: CORR, 317/272-2827, www.corracing.com.
July 12-13 Patriot Jeepers Campfest, Massachusetts. Information: 508/757-3134, www.patriotjeepers.com.
July 12-13 Mud bog/bracket race by Fayette County Four Wheelers, Somerset, PA. Information: 301/264-3718.
July 13 Off-Rodeo by the Erie County Mudmushers, Erie, PA. Information: 814/739-2945.
July 18-20 North American Regional Rock Crawling Association run, Flagstaff, AZ. Information: NARRCA, 530/622-0370, e-mail bigrich@d-web.com.
July 18-20 2nd Poconos Big Boulder Jeep Jamboree, Blakeslee, PA. Information: 530/333-4777, www.jeepjamboreeusa.com
July 19-20 30th annual 4x4 Rodeo by the Tri-County Four Wheelers, Lisbon, OH. Information: 330/337-1872.
July 19-20 4x4 Jamboree Series, Weardale (northeast England). Information: e-mail richard.d.potts@exxonmobil.com.
July 24-27 Divide Ride 2003, Montana 4x4 Association, Boulder, MT. Information: 406/ 628-8974, www.m4x4a.org.
July 25-27 Trail ride in Monteagle/Tracy City, TN, by the Off Road Sportsman Association. Information: 770/478-2587, or e-mail rokkdancer@aol.com.
July 26 Event City 4x4 Expo, Attica, IN. Information: 714/579-3264, e-mail brad@extreme4x4.com.
Aug. 2-3 9th annual Bond Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, Essex Junction, VT. Information: 317/236-6515, www.familyevents.com.
Aug. 7-10 Cal4Wheel Sierra Trek, Truckee, CA. Information: 916/991-5601, e-mail rokcrawln7@aol.com.
Aug. 8-10 CoolRide '03, Paragon Park, Hazleton, PA. Information: www.jonfund.com/coolride, e-mail CoolRide@jonfund.com.
Aug. 8-10 Rubicon Trail Jeep Jamboree, near Georgetown, CA. Information: 530/333-4777, www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.