By SEMA News Editors

USAC Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced the USAC Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

USAC's 12th Hall of Fame class includes driver and car owner Jack Bowsher, driver Dave Darland, car owner and official Bob Estes, car owner and crew chief Bob Hampshire, promoters Roger and Linda Holdeman, official Tommy Hunt and driver Gordon Johncock.

The official 2025 USAC Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana, on Wednesday, July 2, during the BC39 festivities for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Championship at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

For more information, including a biography on each inductee, visit usacracing.com.

IMS Museum Announces Chuck Jones Named to Board Ahead of April Reopening

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced Chuck Jones as the new chairman of the Museum's board of directors. Jones currently serves as the chief design officer at GE HealthCare and was the recipient of the White House-sponsored Smithsonian National Design Award. He is also a noted vintage Indy car restoration expert and racer, and has served on the IMS Museum board since 2019. He succeeds Rob Dyson in the position, ushering in a new era called "The Stories Behind the Spectacle Capital" campaign.

The announcement comes before the reimagined IMS Museum, which will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 2. The facility has been closed since November 2023 while undergoing a transformation of its space and experiences. 

General admission tickets for the IMS Museum are officially on sale beginning Tuesday, March 4, at imsmuseum.org. With exciting, educational and interactive new exhibits, the Museum brings the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to life.

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests, the Museum has moved to a timed ticket entry system. Guests should plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their timed entry reservation.

With a general admission ticket, visitors will have full access to all exhibits and display areas of the Museum–40,000 sq. ft. of additional space–including the lower level, an area previously restricted to only select tours, and the newly added mezzanine featuring artifacts on view for the first time.

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is excited to welcome guests back to our reimagined space when we reopen in April," IMS Museum President Joe Hale said. "Guests will not only enjoy visiting some of their favorite objects but will be able to explore significantly more exhibit space and have fun testing their skills in our immersive Qualifying Zone."

For more information, including ticket pricing and available memberships, visit the IMS announcement here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association Introduces New Presidential Cabinet

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association has elected new officers, from left to right: Justin McAllister, Shayla McAllister, Dennis Sullivan, Vern Taylor and James Reeser.

The Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA)—the organization founded in 1976 to preserve the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, and motorsports events at the historic venue—has appointed a new presidential cabinet following elections.

The new USFRA officers are Dennis Sullivan (president), Justin McAllister (vice president), Shayla McAllister (treasury), Vern Taylor (Sargent of Arms) and James Reeser (secretary).

In addition, USFRA has announced the 39th annual World of Speed is set for September 5-8, 2025, at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Participant event registration is available online here. USFRA will also host a test and tune event on June 27-29.

For more information, visit saltflats.com.

Image courtesy of USFRA

For more racing news, visit performanceracing.com/industry-news.

From SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Announced earlier this week, SEMA is requesting industry members sign a letter to federal lawmakers to demand Congressional action on unfair electric vehicle (EV) mandates. This letter explains why Congress should pass a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. (Have questions about the CRA process? Learn more here).

In short, Congress now has an opportunity to stop California's disastrous regulation, which requires 100% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California and 11 other states to be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035, pushing aside other viable technologies and innovations in the aftermarket. 

Click below to act now and add your name to the list! 

SIGN THE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS HERE. 

Congress is owed the opportunity to determine whether a single state should be empowered to enact a heavy-handed policy that would have broad, national implications for the economy, the entire automotive-aftermarket industry and consumers. 

If not stopped by Congress, the Clean Air Act waiver that the EPA granted in December would enable California to implement its EV mandates and ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Congress, though, can use the CRA to nullify the waivers, thus preserving vehicle choice for consumers and halting a policy that would have a disastrous effect on the automotive aftermarket industry. 

To sign your name to this important cause, complete SEMA's quick form here.

Want more information or to help spread the word? Read and share this new infographic on Congress' new tool to end EV mandates (and what you can do about it). 

From SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Announced earlier this week, SEMA is requesting industry members sign a letter to federal lawmakers to demand Congressional action on unfair electric vehicle (EV) mandates. This letter explains why Congress should pass a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. (Have questions about the CRA process? Learn more here).

In short, Congress now has an opportunity to stop California's disastrous regulation, which requires 100% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California and 11 other states to be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035, pushing aside other viable technologies and innovations in the aftermarket. 

Click below to act now and add your name to the list! 

SIGN THE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS HERE. 

Congress is owed the opportunity to determine whether a single state should be empowered to enact a heavy-handed policy that would have broad, national implications for the economy, the entire automotive-aftermarket industry and consumers. 

If not stopped by Congress, the Clean Air Act waiver that the EPA granted in December would enable California to implement its EV mandates and ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Congress, though, can use the CRA to nullify the waivers, thus preserving vehicle choice for consumers and halting a policy that would have a disastrous effect on the automotive aftermarket industry. 

To sign your name to this important cause, complete SEMA's quick form here.

Want more information or to help spread the word? Read and share this new infographic on Congress' new tool to end EV mandates (and what you can do about it). 

By SEMA News Editors

I-CAR Announces Key Initiatives to Advance Industry Standards Ahead of 2025 National Conference

I-CAR--the provider of technical educational programming, related technical services and industry talent solutions in collision repair--has announced key initiatives ahead of its 2025 national conference, February 27-28 in Houston, Texas.

These initiatives are designed to enhance collision repair education and related standards for complete, safe, quality repairs and that will tackle the technician shortage that continues to affect the entire industry. Among these are enhancements to its I-CAR Academy entry-level curriculum for schools and shops and the addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) learning requirements to its Gold Class and Platinum recognition programs. These efforts are further underscored by the achievement of 10,000 Gold Class shops in 2024, updated consumer promotional materials for Gold Class repair facilities, and the debut of the "I Count on I-CAR" marketing campaign. I-CAR ended 2024 with 10,014 Gold Class shops across the United States, a testament to the industry's collective commitment to excellence in the face of the ongoing technical tsunami of continuous advancement in vehicle and repair technologies. As modern vehicles become increasingly complex, expanding the Gold Class network ensures more communities have access to expertly trained repair professionals who prioritize safety, quality and continuous education. This growth aligns with I-CAR's mission to equip technicians with the knowledge and skills to navigate emerging technologies and safeguard the driving public with complete, safe and quality repairs. This shop milestone also serves as the halfway point to I-CAR's longer-term goal of 20,000 Gold Class Shops, growing from 2,661 Gold Class shops in 2012.

"Achieving this milestone reflects our industry's shared vision, aligning advanced vehicle technology with repair expertise to help ensure driver safety on the road," said John Van Alstyne, CEO and president of I-CAR.

For more information, read the I-CAR announcement here.

Two Leading Ladies in the Driven Brands Collision Group Network Speak to Driven Brands Employees During Recent Event 

Last month, the Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Driven Brands hosted a powerful virtual event featuring a panel of accomplished female franchise owners, all from the Driven Brands Collision Group, made up of Abra, CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA. The event showcased their inspiring journeys, leadership experiences and the impact they've made in the automotive industry.  

Laura Kottschade, the proud owner of Jerry's Abra Auto Body & Glass in Mankato, Minnesota, shared how she has continued her family's 50-year legacy in the business. Kottschade discussed her rise from working in the parts room to owning the franchise, as well as her community-focused efforts, including raising over $3,800 for Alzheimer's research just last year and supporting first responders with hands-on training events. Her dedication to her business and community earned her the Abra Community Champion award in 2024 at the annual conference.   

"Being part of this panel was an incredible opportunity to share my journey and connect with other women who are making a difference in this industry," said Kottschade. "It's important to show the impact women can have in collision repair, and how we're breaking barriers and changing the landscape." 

Wendy Murray, who operates six successful locations across CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA alongside her son, Kyle, highlighted the importance of family in her business. Murray, whose family has been deeply rooted in the network since 2014, discussed how she continues to empower women in business and create opportunities for success within the industry. She also serves on the CARSTAR advisory council and the Edge Performance Group, helping to shape the future of the industry. 

"Being on this panel allowed me to reflect on how far we've come as women in collision repair," said Murray. "It's inspiring to see so many women breaking into leadership roles and proving that success in this industry is about skill, determination, and passion." 

The Driven Brands Women's Employee Resource Group aims to connect employees across Driven to create a community where everyone can learn, develop, innovate, and network. It's open to women and allies across the company. The ERG has hosted panel discussions, networking events, and volunteer activities. It's a grassroots organization led by employees. 

For more information, visit drivenbrands.com. 

D Lot Designer Display and Charity Auto Returns to Detroit Autorama Hot Rod Show

The D Lot Designer's Display and Charity Auction will be back at the Detroit Autorama Hot Rod Show, February 28 through March 2, 2025, at Huntington Place in Detoroit, Michigan, with more than $50,000 in prizes available for auction and raffle. The D Lot has raised more than $250,000 for charitable causes, generating more than 200,000 meals for the hungry and helping valuable wishes for children in need become a reality. Proceeds from the 2025 D Lot online auction will benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan.

The D Lot was created more than 10 years ago by Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs and is now considered one of the largest displays at the Detroit Autorama.

This year's The D Lot display includes:

• Previous Make-A-Wish recipient Josh Agnello shows off his '68 Ford Galaxie Wish Car gifted to him 18 years ago.
• Slot Mods shows off its new mega-slot car rally track flanked by two classic rally cars: Murray Pfaff's '68 Saab and Matt Lifter's iconic Mini Cooper.
• Darell Johnston of Carolina Speed & Metal debuts two incredible builds, which were submitted for the Ridler Award competition: Sal Vicari's magnificent '39 Lincoln Zephyr Fastback and Darell's own vibrant '70 Plymouth 'cuda.
• Other cars include Szott Automotive's Panther Pink electric Dodge Charger Daytona and Ted Johnson's Richard Petty edition '24 Mustang GT Convertible, both cars designed by Murray Pfaff.

Companies who contributed to The D Lot and make this event a success include its presenting sponsor--Pilot Transport; Primary sponsors--Auto Metal Direct, 3D car care products, POR-15; and participating sponsors Gearhead Homes, Painless Performance Products, Forgeline, Ididit, Vanguard Motors, U Coat-it, Diamond Back Tires, Axiom Graphics, MotorCity Auto Spa, Kicker, Phoenix Transmissions, Bilstein, WireCare, ALRO Metals Outlet, Slot Mods, California Car Cover, Hemmings and Pfaff Designs.

Tickets for the "Pick-A-Prize" raffle during the Detroit Autorama are $5 each with a chance to win items ranging from a hand-crafted gasser-styled pedal car, 52-in. toolbox, 65-in. smart TV, performance parts, tools, audio components and much more.

The D Lot online auction extends two to three weeks beyond the event and can be accessed here. Some of the items up for auction include a Detroit Historical Society Guided Tour for up to 10 People of The Secret Storage Facility, vehicle shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states from Pilot Transport, Certificate Towards the Purchase of any Phoenix Transmissions automatic transmission torque converter, certificate for $500 towards the purchase of any AMD products, $2,500 off Forgeline Wheels, and $2,500 off Schott Performance Wheels.

For more information and to participate in the silent auction, visit facebook.com/thedlot.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, March 25, and Wednesday, March 26, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St, Plymouth, Michigan, 48170.

RSVP for the upcoming session on the Autel website here (simply navigate to the "Detroit" tab under the first event), and keep an eye out for additional sessions later this calendar year.

For more information, contact academy@autel.com or visit the Autel website here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting a virtual General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST, during which select committee leaders will share updates about FLN's member benefits.

The meeting is open to current and prospective members and will enable attendees to discover resources designed to help young professionals succeed in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Attendees will hear about networking events, volunteer opportunities, recognition programs and webinars designed to support professional growth. Additionally, details will be shared about the FLN Professional Development Programs taking place in May at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.

FLN membership is free and open to individuals under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA member company. If this sounds like you, don't miss this opportunity to take action in the industry and grow your network by getting more involved.

Register here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A late-breaking legal development has reinstated the requirement that small businesses must file a report with the United States Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). Following a ruling reinstating BOI reporting requirements by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, FinCEN issued a notice that reset the filing deadline for most companies to March 21, 2025. BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. 

While the Trump Administration has defended the CTA in court there have been reports that FinCEN could revise the rules to reduce the compliance burden for "lower-risk entities, including many U.S. small businesses." SEMA will continue to monitor any changes in CTA requirements and update its members if there is any official action delaying or refocusing enforcement of the regulation. 

Congress has also made progress in delaying the implementation of the CTA. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" (H.R. 736), a bill that would delay the CTA reporting requirements until January 1, 2026. However, it is unlikely that H.R. 736 will become law prior to March 21.  

The CTA requires most small businesses in the United States to make a filing with FinCEN (more information HERE). Small businesses can be exempted from filing a report with FinCEN if they meet the following three criteria: 

• Employ more than 20 employees 
• Operate a physical office in the United States 
• Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales

If your business is required to submit a report, click here to file a BOI report with FinCEN. 

Corporate Transparency Act requires most small businesses in the United States to make a filing with FinCEN (more information HERE).

Beneficial Ownership Rule Filing Requirements 

The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:  

• Serves as a senior officer 
• Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors 
• Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions 

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Businesses only must file a report with FinCEN once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information about their company's beneficial ownership. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner: 

• Name 
• Date of birth 
• Address 
• The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired United States driver's license, a non-expired United States passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a state (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government or Native American tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted. 

Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants"). 

Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A late-breaking legal development has reinstated the requirement that small businesses must file a report with the United States Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). Following a ruling reinstating BOI reporting requirements by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, FinCEN issued a notice that reset the filing deadline for most companies to March 21, 2025. BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. 

While the Trump Administration has defended the CTA in court there have been reports that FinCEN could revise the rules to reduce the compliance burden for "lower-risk entities, including many U.S. small businesses." SEMA will continue to monitor any changes in CTA requirements and update its members if there is any official action delaying or refocusing enforcement of the regulation. 

Congress has also made progress in delaying the implementation of the CTA. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" (H.R. 736), a bill that would delay the CTA reporting requirements until January 1, 2026. However, it is unlikely that H.R. 736 will become law prior to March 21.  

The CTA requires most small businesses in the United States to make a filing with FinCEN (more information HERE). Small businesses can be exempted from filing a report with FinCEN if they meet the following three criteria: 

• Employ more than 20 employees 
• Operate a physical office in the United States 
• Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales

If your business is required to submit a report, click here to file a BOI report with FinCEN. 

Corporate Transparency Act requires most small businesses in the United States to make a filing with FinCEN (more information HERE).

Beneficial Ownership Rule Filing Requirements 

The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:  

• Serves as a senior officer 
• Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors 
• Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions 

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Businesses only must file a report with FinCEN once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information about their company's beneficial ownership. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner: 

• Name 
• Date of birth 
• Address 
• The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired United States driver's license, a non-expired United States passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a state (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government or Native American tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted. 

Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants"). 

Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Precision Replacement Parts (PRP) has been among trusted names in the automotive glass industry since 1986. Just browse through their website and you will find an extensive selection of molded EPDM Rubber, PVC and HDPE-based plastics, and various stamped and extruded metal products for the classic and late-model industries.  

In 2024, PRP earned industry recognition when their '73-'87 GM Truck Complete Vent Assembly was voted Best New Exterior Product in the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

SEMA News recently spoke with PRP Marketing Manager Derek Churchyard, who shared the story behind the vent assembly, and how other restoration parts manufacturers can benefit from displaying their products in the ARMO Hot Products Showcase at the 2025 Spring Carlisle in April.   

Q: Can you tell us about what inspired the product's creation?  

DC: The vent windows on the '73–'87 square-body trucks have always been some of the most challenging components to rebuild. For the past seven years, we've offered a rebuild service for these vent assemblies, and it's been incredibly popular since there were no brand-new aftermarket replacements available. We recognized the need for a high-quality, new option. However, designing and tooling these vents was particularly tricky due to the bends in the assembly. It took three years of research, development and extensive customer testing to perfect them, and we're proud to have set a new standard in the industry. 

Precision Replacement Parts' vent assembly was voted Best New Exterior Product in last year's SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Q: Why did you decide to showcase the vent assembly at Spring Carlisle instead of PRP's other products? 

DC: Due to the immense popularity of the square-body trucks and the significant gap in the market for these vent assemblies, we knew this product deserved as much exposure as possible. Showcasing them allowed us to highlight how we were filling a long-standing void with a high-quality solution that enthusiasts had been waiting for. 

Q: What did winning the Best New Exterior Product award mean to you and your team? 

DC: Winning this award was a powerful validation of the hard work, dedication and attention to detail that our team put into developing this product. It reinforced that our efforts to create a high-quality solution for square-body enthusiasts were truly making an impact in the industry. 

Q: Is PRP planning to display anything in this year's Hot Products Showcase? If so, what are you bringing? 

DC: Yes, this year we're showcasing the rear window original slider gasket for the square-body trucks—another product that has been missing from the market. Just like with our vent assemblies, we saw a need for a high-quality solution, especially since many enthusiasts prefer the original slider option. 

Q: Why would you recommend other ARMO members participate in the 2025 Showcase? 

DC: Participating in the Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for ARMO members to gain valuable exposure for their new products. It's a great way to connect with industry professionals, showcase innovation and reach a broader audience that appreciates quality restoration parts. 

2025 ARMO Hot Products Showcase Product Entries Now Open

Registration is now open to ARMO members who would like to have their products included in the Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 23-25.

Program participation is free to ARMO members, and manufacturers are only responsible for shipping their products in advance with a return label or dropping off and picking up their products on-site.  

During the event, Carlisle attendees will vote for their favorite products in the categories of exterior, interior, engine, accessory item, drivetrain/brakes/suspension and People's Choice. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November.  

Click here to start the product submission process. 

For more information on the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, visit here. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Want to help? LEARN MORE HERE, AND SIGN THE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS HERE.