By Ashley Reyes
The Industry Cup Challenge, a beloved SEMA tradition, is returning to the SEMA Leaders and Legends Gala cocktail hour on Friday, July 24, in Newport Beach. Combining automotive passion with friendly competition, the challenge invites SEMA member companies to sponsor and race miniature pinewood derby cars in thrilling downhill action for a good cause.
The goal is to secure first place; however, everyone walks away a winner knowing that their contributions directly benefit the three SEMA Cares partners: the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.
Sign-ups for the 2026 SEMA Industry Cup Challenge are open here. Last year, the Challenge raised $29,010. SEMA Cares wants to beat that goal in 2026, but they need your help!
Driving Change Together
The Industry Cup Challenge features competitors in five different categories: warehouse distributions, manufacturers, media, sales rep agencies and service providers. Companies from each category will race to be number one in their division. The winners of each category will then race head-to-head to be crowned the 2026 Industry Cup Challenge champion. (If a sponsoring company cannot attend the Gala, a SEMA Cares volunteer will race the company's pinewood car on their behalf for the chance to win.)
The winning company will take home the Industry Cup Challenge perpetual trophy with their company name engraved on it among past winners. In a Stanley Cup-style tradition, the trophy will be returned next year, giving the winner a chance to defend their title.
Ready to turn your competitive spirit into meaningful impact? Join here!
