By SEMA News Editors

Joe Hrudka, the Cleveland-born founder of Mr. Gasket Co. and SEMA Hall of Famer, passed away on May 24, 2026. He was 87. Joe founded the company with his brother, Tom Hrudka.
 

An accomplished drag-racer himself, Hrudka used his own '57 Chevy as a rolling test bed for the development of specialized, heat-resistant gaskets for his race cars before ultimately launching Mr. Gasket Co. in 1964.
 

Selling the gaskets out of the trunk of his car, word got around to other drivers, and soon Hrudka was literally "Mr. Gasket," selling the sealers, at first under the Speed Specialties name, then as Mr. Gasket Co., selling a line of head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, oil pan gaskets and fasteners. Today, the Mr. Gasket brand is part of Holley Performance Brands.
 

In addition to being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1980, Hrudka was a SEMA Memorial Scholarship subfund sponsor and member of the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Traci Hrudka, niece of Joe Hrudka and daughter of Tom Hrudka, shared the following message on social media (edited for length):

To all who knew him, his extraordinary and legendary accomplishments in the entire racing and performance industry are all well known and revered.

Joe's biggest passion in the industry was taking care of racers, and being an avid racer himself, he knew where the need was and made sure it was done.

Joe's mentor and inspiration was Chris "The Greek" Karamesines, and his hero was John Force. Oh, how many times he would call me when John was at a race, putting his two cents in. 

The industry just became a lot dimmer with his loss, yet the legacy will always shine brightly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe Hrudka's name to The Alzheimer's Association. Read Hrudka's full obituary.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers can showcase their skills at the 2026 SEMA Show by entering the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, presented by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).
 

The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge is the aftermarket industry's premier competition spotlighting the creativity, craftsmanship and passion of automotive restylers. The deadline to apply is July 24 at www.semapcc.com.
 

"The PRO Cup Challenge is the best program for automotive restylers to gain industry recognition, build connections and boost their brand," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It's where automotive customization takes center stage and restylers are celebrated and awarded for their unique talents and ideas."
 

How The PRO Cup Challenge Works

Restylers can choose any popular new-model vehicle as the base, then create and install a package of accessories designed to appeal to a mass audience. The goal is to appeal to as broad an audience as possible to show fellow restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of designing a marketable package rather than a "one-time" vehicle.
 

Six shops will be selected to compete following a review of all entries, and those competing will have their vehicle showcased in the PRO booth #50237 in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall during the SEMA Show.
 

Applications must meet the following package requirements:
 

• The accessory package must take 50 hours or less to install.

• The cost of the accessory package should not exceed $14,500.

• Builders must be present at the SEMA Show to discuss builds during judging in the PRO Cup Challenge Booth and at the PRO Happy Hour.
 

Awards and Judging

At the Show, a panel of expert judges will select the PRO Cup Challenge winner based on vehicle marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. Showgoers can also vote for their favorite build, recognizing it with the People's Choice Award. The competition will culminate on Wednesday, where the winner of both Awards will be announced at the PRO Booth Happy Hour.
 

Ready to Stand Out? Apply Today

If you're ready to join the ranks of automotive restylers who have already benefited from increased exposure, access to a network of top restylers and B2B partnerships with accessory manufacturers and dealers, now your chance to make your mark.
 

Apply now to showcase your expertise, grow your brand and compete alongside the best in the industry. The deadline to enter is July 24, 2026.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days program returns to two major industry events in summer 2026, offering attendees free, manufacturer-led educational seminars tailored to hot-rod builders, enthusiasts and professionals.
 

2026 Dates & Locations

July 10-11: Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

August 5-7: National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky (Includes an HRIA general membership meeting and networking event on August 5). 
 

As new hot-rod products, technology and trends shape how builders and enthusiasts approach their projects, HRIA Education Days provides a high-value opportunity to stay informed on best practices, systems and building fundamentals.

Why Attend

• Learn product installation, operation and best practices from leading manufacturers, technical experts and product development teams.

• Stay updated on industry trends, innovations and technologies.

• Network with other builders and professionals.

• Take away practical tips to improve your projects or business. 

All seminars are free to Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals and NSRA Street Rod Nationals attendees.
 

View the full schedule of sessions closer to each event at www.sema.org/hria-education-days.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jeffrey Banyas, manager of legal production at Sisson & Banyas, Attorneys at Law, LLC, as its newest allyship honoree.
 

Learn how Banyas supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. 

SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?

Jeffrey Banyas: I've served as an advisor and mentor for several women within the firm and in the industry. I provide advice, guidance and am a sounding board for career opportunities and growth as well as dealing with personal struggles. In addition, I volunteer my time on the SEMA SBN Male Ally Task Force.

SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?  

JB: For me, it is more about the consistent practice of making sure that everyone's voice is heard, that feedback is provided in a timely manner, that appropriate actions are taken when issues arise and that every person has an opportunity to see and hear about the value they bring to an organization. I try to instill this into all the firm's employees, our customers and to all the individuals on the many boards, councils, networks and task forces for which I volunteer my time--no matter what that individual's role might be.

SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important? 

JB: We have so-many talented women in this industry and in the workforce in general. Ignoring, overlooking--or worse, discounting--them and the knowledge, experience and skills they bring to an organization would be a serious misstep for any organization.

SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?

JB: The biggest benefit comes from the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to learn and to improve your own self and your organization. Those opportunities tend to come around more when you've demonstrated you can be a trusted ally for the individual as opposed to ignoring them--or worse, actively working against them.

SN: How long have you been in the industry?

JB: In my current role, nine years. Overall, my entire life.

SN: What advice do you have for those that want to become an ally?

JB: Take every opportunity you can to work on your communication and active listening skills. Strong communication and good active listening skills are critical to building the trust and rapport needed to serve as a mentor or ally to others.

SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?

JB: Lead by example, letting your actions and behaviors set the tone for others to follow.

Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.

By SEMA News Editors

Housing reservations are now open for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, and not only can you save on nightly rates by booking through onPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing provider, you can take advantage of reduced resort fees, too.
 

You won't find these deals anywhere else. See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees during your SEMA Show trip:
 

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website include the resort fee. Click into each hotel to view resort fee inclusions.   
 

SEMA and onPeak have negotiated the best possible rates, giving Showgoers cost-saving benefits alongside a myriad of other perks, like fully flexible booking, possible hotel rewards points and group reservations at the best hotels in Las Vegas. SEMA Showgoers can only get the discounted rates when booking through the only official hotel provider, onPeak, here. 
 

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2026 SEMA Show. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Within the language of the recently approved Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389), the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed an amended version of the REPAIR Act that codifies the 2014 national memorandum of understanding (MOU) between automakers and the independent repair industry organizations regarding access to vehicle repair and diagnostic information.
 

Sec. 202 of H.R. 7389 notes that it would enact Sections 1 through 5 of the MOU into law for vehicles weighing under 14,000 lbs. (read the MOU here). For vehicles that weigh over 14,000 lbs., the bill would make Sections 2 through 8 of a 2015 MOU for heavy-duty vehicles enforceable under federal law (click here to view).
 

    •  SEMA is neutral on the REPAIR Act as currently configured. To understand why, read our Right to Repair and Modify Principles
 

The 2014 right-to-repair MOU for light-duty vehicles, which was based on Massachusetts's automotive right-to-repair law, established a nationwide framework intended to ensure vehicle owners could choose where to have their vehicles serviced after warranty expiration. Under the MOU, participating automakers agreed to make available to independent repair facilities the same diagnostic and repair information that is provided to franchised dealers. The agreement also called for the use of a standardized, non-proprietary interface beginning with model-year '18 vehicles to access repair and diagnostic data. Sec. 203 of H.R. 7389 makes the 2014 and 2015 MOUs enforceable and subject to civil penalties by the Federal Trade Commission.
 

Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Committee significantly narrowed the scope of the REPAIR Act, which previously included broader provisions related to telematics and direct wireless data access. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), the lead sponsor of the REPAIR Act, expressed his desire for House leadership and his colleagues to expand the REPAIR Act when H.R. 7389 comes up for a vote on the House floor.
 

"While the version included in yesterday's markup represents some progress, the legislation considered by the committee does not fully reflect the original REPAIR Act and fails to protect consumers, independent repair shops and aftermarket manufacturers," said Rep. Dunn.
 

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. To sign up for automotive aftermarket advocacy updates, visit semahq.org.

The article was originally published on May 26, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Kelvn

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Within the language of the recently approved Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389), the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed an amended version of the REPAIR Act that codifies the 2014 national memorandum of understanding (MOU) between automakers and the independent repair industry organizations regarding access to vehicle repair and diagnostic information.
 

Sec. 202 of H.R. 7389 notes that it would enact Sections 1 through 5 of the MOU into law for vehicles weighing under 14,000 lbs. (read the MOU here). For vehicles that weigh over 14,000 lbs., the bill would make Sections 2 through 8 of a 2015 MOU for heavy-duty vehicles enforceable under federal law (click here to view).
 

    •  SEMA is neutral on the REPAIR Act as currently configured. To understand why, read our Right to Repair and Modify Principles
 

The 2014 right-to-repair MOU for light-duty vehicles, which was based on Massachusetts's automotive right-to-repair law, established a nationwide framework intended to ensure vehicle owners could choose where to have their vehicles serviced after warranty expiration. Under the MOU, participating automakers agreed to make available to independent repair facilities the same diagnostic and repair information that is provided to franchised dealers. The agreement also called for the use of a standardized, non-proprietary interface beginning with model-year '18 vehicles to access repair and diagnostic data. Sec. 203 of H.R. 7389 makes the 2014 and 2015 MOUs enforceable and subject to civil penalties by the Federal Trade Commission.
 

Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Committee significantly narrowed the scope of the REPAIR Act, which previously included broader provisions related to telematics and direct wireless data access. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), the lead sponsor of the REPAIR Act, expressed his desire for House leadership and his colleagues to expand the REPAIR Act when H.R. 7389 comes up for a vote on the House floor.
 

"While the version included in yesterday's markup represents some progress, the legislation considered by the committee does not fully reflect the original REPAIR Act and fails to protect consumers, independent repair shops and aftermarket manufacturers," said Rep. Dunn.
 

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. To sign up for automotive aftermarket advocacy updates, visit semahq.org.

The article was originally published on May 26, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Kelvn

Less Space, More Style: All-New BMW iX4 Spotted

BMW has started testing the upcoming Neue Klasse-based iX4. Our man in Munich recently spotted it for the first time, and even if it is an early tester wrapped in trippy camouflage, the visual resemblance to its more practical sibling, the new-generation iX3, is perfectly visible. Targeting those who favor style over substance, the BMW iX4 will be about the same inside and out, save for the sloping roofline, reduced headroom for backseat occupants and a smaller cargo area.
 

A comparison with the BMW iX3 reveals an identical front fascia, though the bumpers might still be slightly different. The front pillars appear to be a bit more arched, and the roofline flows into the angular tailgate.
 

Just like its sibling, the new BMW iX4 has a recess on the rear bumper for the license plate. There appears to be a bigger gap between the taillights, however, though the rear lighting units might be provisional, or it could be the vinyl stickers tricking the eye.

The two models might share the same wheels, though certain sets could be exclusive to the BMW iX4 to further differentiate it from the iX3. The same could also apply to the exterior color palette and interior upholstery and trim.
 

Speaking of the interior, it will carry over from the new BMW iX3. This will include the extremely wide pillar-to-pillar display at the bottom of the windshield, as well as the large central screen, discreet air vents, dashboard panel, four-spoke steering wheel, center console and so on. In fact, the upcoming BMW iX4 will be identical to its more practical sibling, aside from the clearly reduced headroom for those sitting in the rear, as mentioned above.

The powertrain family should also be the same, and that means the BMW iX4 50 xDrive will launch with dual electric motors rated at 463 bhp (345 kW/469 ps) and 476 lb.-ft. (645 Nm) of torque in total. The iX3 hits 130 mph and reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The EPA-estimated driving range is 400 miles, and it supports 400 kW charging, taking 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80%.
 

BMW's iX4, which will replace the outgoing X4 without any ICE offerings, might premiere in about a year.

Facelift for the Land Rover Defender

All eyes are on the future '27 all-electric "baby" Land Rover Defender, but as it stands, the British company hasn't forgotten about its flagship either. The real Defender, the big one for that matter, will receive a facelift around the same time the "baby" model launches, and our man in Germany snapped a prototype of the revised model testing on country roads outside the Nürburgring racetrack.

There is a tiny bit of camouflage on the rear bumper and roof spoiler, but the more interesting part is the changes up front. Judging from these early shots, the iconic Defender will receive a new front bumper plus a revised grille with a new mesh pattern. The headlights could also be replaced with new ones, but that's just a guess.

We don't know about any updates to the oily bits under the hood. What we do know, however, is that the Defender will get new seats. Proof is the one shot of the passenger seat area clearly showing a covered rear bench to protect the new design from prying eyes. We assume the new seats will go along with an updated infotainment system. The Defender is, after all, more than six years old.

Electric Speed: The Audi RS Q6 Sportback E-tron

Though it has been testing since 2024, the Audi RS Q6 Sportback E-tron is still not part of the German company's portfolio. But it will be soon, as the development phase is now more advanced, and chances are the sporty electric crossover is being fine-tuned.
 

There are some key differences compared to the Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron, and some of them revolve around the front fascia, which is a bit more aggressive on the RS Q6 variant. The bumper is new and features a redesigned air intake below the modified grille, as well as reshaped vents on the sides. The side skirts appear sportier beneath the camouflage. The rear bumper and diffuser are also new, though the tailgate spoiler appears identical to that of the SQ6.

The Audi RS Q6 Sportback e-tron also appears to sit closer to the ground, and chances are those wheels are exclusive to this model. Moreover, the brake calipers visible behind the alloys in these spy shots are larger, and that is hardly a surprise, as this EV is more powerful than the SQ6, so it has to keep the extra oomph in check.
 

Since the RS Q6 Sportback E-tron will likely try to mirror the Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, albeit on a lower level, chances are it will have less than 630 hp and 833 lb.-ft. (1,129 Nm) of torque. The Porsche tops out at 162 mph (261 km/h) and sprints to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds. We expect the RS Q6 to be slightly slower.

Audi's RS Q6 Sportback e-tron builds on the PPE platform and likely features the same dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive as the feisty all-electric Macan, along with the same 100 kWh battery pack that enables an EPA-rated range of 293 mi. (472 km).

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Erica Sietsma, CEO and founder of Autofluencer, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Sietsma was nominated by her peer, Kasey Saltness. Get to know Sietsma through Saltness' interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Erica contributed to her company?  

Kasey Saltness: Erica started and runs Autofluencer. She founded Autofluencer in 2023 to help brands and content creators partner together more seamlessly and with data to prove the value of the partnerships.
 

SN: How has Erica shown leadership in the industry or business? 

KS: I met Erica at the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference when her company was only about six months old, but she was immediately immersed in all things SEMA and SBN. She organized a group of us women at the Media Trade Conference to do an unofficial SBN happy hour that she paid for and took pics for SBN. Even though she hadn't been in the industry for that long, Erica was bringing women together who may not have hung out had it not been for her efforts.
 

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Erica.    

KS: Erica started Autofluencer on her own in 2023 with her own capital and has persisted in building out a software company for our industry and growing it to more than 500-plus influencer/racer users, 35-plus brands in our industry and it's just getting going. 

SN: How many years has Erica been in the industry? 

KS: More than 10 years.

SN: What quality do you admire most about Erica and why? 

KS: The quality I admire most about Erica is her drive to bring people together in this industry. The way she helps grow relationships between manufacturers and content creators is unmatched. Anytime she is at an event, she always emphasizes bringing people together. For example, she hosted a social networking hour for manufacturers and content creators at the 2025 PRI Show. I personally met a handful of great, new connections of both manufacturers and creators.

SN: Why do you think Erica is a role model in the industry? 

KS: Her determination is inspiring. She is very passionate about Autofluencer and growing her brand and presence in the industry. I love that she focuses heavy on the women in the industry and continues to help grow that area and make up and coming young women have a place here in the aftermarket industry.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $52.65 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The Hall of Fame inductees are Doug Dwyer, Jay Leno, Ellen McKoy and Dennis Overholser. 

The esteemed group will be recognized as part of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on Friday, July 24, in Newport Beach, California. Purchase tickets.

"These four individuals have poured their time, talent, and passion into building this industry. Their contributions have shaped what the aftermarket is today and we're proud to recognize the impact they've made, both on the businesses they've led and on the people who have been lucky enough to cross their path," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.  

Doug Dwyer

With a career spanning 60 years across wheels and tires, motorsports marketing, media strategy and brand development, Dwyer's industry contributions reflect a rare combination of technical insight, professional integrity and service to others. He started his career working for Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing Tires at age 16, served in the Army, and went on to build a strong leadership career at Appliance Industries, Weld Wheels and TrueSpoke Wire Wheels. As a partner in Bryson Dwyer Inc., he continued to strengthen professional standards and build lasting brand identities, always emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship and respect for both the product and the customer. As a SEMA volunteer, he organized and participated in numerous events and programs and was inducted into the 2023 Wheel & Tire Council--WTC (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council--WTSBC) Hall of Fame for his industry impact.   

Jay Leno 

A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early '80s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube--Jay Leno's Garage--and launching his own line of detailing products--Jay Leno's Garage Advanced Vehicle Care--to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA's global presence. He's also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as "Leno's Law," legislation aimed at modernizing the state's smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.    

Ellen McKoy

McKoy has devoted nearly five decades of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, beginning as co-owner of Skycoach Customizing in Long Island, New York, in 1975. Throughout her career, she has served as an entrepreneur, journalist, consultant and industry advocate. Through volunteer service, she served on the SEMA Board of Directors, created and advanced the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and founded the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). McKoy was a SEMA executive from 1994-2009. Skilled in institution building, she volunteered for SEMA following her tenure with the association, consistently identifying and addressing opportunities where members needed stronger organization, education or representation. Today, she continues to provide editorial, marketing and public relations services to aftermarket companies as founder of EMK Marketing.   

Dennis Overholser

Overholser founded Painless Performance Products in 1990 to provide racers, hot rodders and automotive enthusiasts with easier and safer wiring solutions. His career is marked by a deep-rooted passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products, backed by years of industry volunteerism and legislative advocacy. Overholser served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2001-2006, chaired the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), volunteered for HRIA's precursor--the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA)--and was inducted into both the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (now the Motorsports Products & Media Council--MPMC) and HRIA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his industry involvement and contributions.  

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit sema.org/hof.