How did our Performance Racing and Tuning sector of the automotive aftermarket earn a bad reputation?

We often see pictures of off-street events that feature highly modified vehicles portraying the image of our industry.
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then that’s 1,000 words we don’t need for our street-legal vehicles, or properly prepared racing cars.
Back in ‘the day’ we carried out a service and tune, setting the car up to suit our customers’ needs.
Small changes in ignition timing would tailor performance without harming the engine or putting emissions outside EPA limits.
Bent extractors improved exhaust flow over less efficient cast iron exhaust manifolds. Changed diff ratios allowed cars to cruise at a lower RPM. Back then tuning was accepted as normal.
The 4WD industry has been on a similar journey, promoting modifications as a normal part of setting up the vehicle for its intended use.
A poor reputation may cause our customers to think twice before coming to us, it could make it harder to find people to work in the performance industry and could create a barrier for training organisations (RTOs) to access funding to establish performance-related skill sets.
All of us that are part of the Performance Racing and Tuning council (PRTC) are connected so we can change any negative perceptions.
As PRTC members, we are united to defend our industry against any decisions that threaten our image or threaten our businesses.
Nothing against EVs – they are an important longer-term part of improving city air quality. But when we talk about meeting global emissions targets, it is worth keeping the conversation balanced by acknowledging that EVs will be part of the solution – but they won’t be the right fit for everyone, and we’ll need more than one pathway to cut emissions.
We’re also balancing the discussion by noting that importing vehicles sends money overseas and negatively affects our balance of trade.
If we maintain our current cars, with work carried out in Australia, we improve Australian GDP.
We are looking at ways to separate our PRTC suppliers and workshops from anyone that is doing the wrong thing environmentally, such as removing a catalytic converter and not using a high-flow sports cat.
By distancing ourselves from any bad reputation, we will elevate our image toward the image we want as responsible vehicle modifiers.
Thank you for being part of the PRTC. Thank you for being a conscientious and responsible vehicle modifier, racer and tuner – for the good of our trade.