We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, and fun with cars.

That wasn’t exactly what the founding fathers wrote 240 years ago, but the birth of the United States marks a great opportunity to look at the SCCA’s declaration from 1944.

“The necessity for the existence of a sports car club in this country has become increasingly obvious during the last few years. The existing car clubs have concerned themselves entirely with the preservation of veteran motor cars, a worthy objective.

There are among us, however, those whose interests vary somewhat from this concept. The vintage sports car has now become sufficiently rare as to warrant an organization devoted wholeheartedly to its care and preservation. In view of this condition, the Sports Car Club of America has been founded.”

No, it wasn’t an oppressive government, it certainly wasn’t a life and death situation, and none of your British friends are going to jokingly post a Facebook meme 239 years later that wish you a “Happy Treason Day.” But the goals, the passion, and the unalienable rights to enjoy their cars lent a tone of independence to these sports car lovers.

So from all of us at the Sports Car Club of America, enjoy your burgers and hot dogs, run through a sprinkler with your family, and sit on the tailgate of your Chevy truck and watch some fireworks.

And if the King of England wants to barge into your backyard barbecue and take your cars, show him John Hancock’s signature. Then take him for a ride through your favorite roads and point him to a Tire Rack Starting Line School.