The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 196 (S. Res. 196) designating July 10, 2015 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The resolution was requested by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils. The date marks the sixth commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

S. Res. 196 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan member organization that pays tribute to America’s ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

“We thank the U.S. Senate for its continued recognition of the collector car hobby as a valued American tradition and pastime,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “With Canada, Australia and France joining the celebration, Collector Car Appreciation Day has now become an international recognition of the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports. A number of states and local governments have adopted similar commemorative declarations as well.”

All automotive enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in this year’s celebration by planning or attending events in their community. Through its grassroots hobbyist organization, the SEMA Action Network (SAN), SEMA is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate the day at semasan.com/ccad.