By SEMA News Editors
Malco Automotive has partnered with Holley Performance Brands to launch Holley High-Performance Car Care, a line of professional-grade detailing products engineered to clean, protect and enhance vehicle appearance, according to the manufacturer. The product debuted at LS Fest West in Las Vegas, Nevada.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is now accepting applications for the PRO Cup Challenge, the aftermarket industry's premier competition for automotive restylers whose creativity, craftsmanship and passion drive the automotive customization market.
Culminating at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, the PRO Cup Challenge will present six automotive restylers the opportunity to showcase their builds at the PRO booth #50237 in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall. The challenge: design and execute an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that can be installed in fewer than 50 hours and with a total cost not to exceed $14,500.
By placing real-world constraints on time and budget, the competition highlights the value of developing repeatable, scalable packages rather than one-off show vehicles.
"The PRO Cup Challenge empowers restylers to demonstrate what's possible when creativity meets real-world constraints," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "More importantly, it creates an opportunity for restylers, manufacturers and dealers to work together to show how thoughtfully designed upgrades can meet consumer demand while remaining profitable and easy to reproduce."
At the Show, a panel of industry 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.
Beyond the recognition earned on the SEMA Show floor, the PRO Cup Challenge serves as a launch pad for business growth and professional connections. Participants gain visibility across SEMA channels, meet other restylers whom they can connect with and learn from, and collaborate with accessory manufacturers and dealers on market-ready builds that drive sales and profits.
The PRO Cup Challenge is open to current PRO members, as well as SEMA member companies in automotive restyling that are eligible to join PRO. For more information or to apply for the competition, visit www.semapcc.com. The deadline to enter is July 24.
From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final rulemaking that repeals the 2024 Public Lands Rule, signaling a major shift in the federal government's approach to public land management. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior and BLM, the rollback is intended to restore a more traditional "multiple-use" framework for managing public lands across the West.
The original 2024 rule--formally known as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule--generated significant concern throughout the off-road recreation community because it expanded conservation leasing and mitigation mechanisms on public lands while elevating conservation as a standalone land use within BLM policy.
From the beginning, ORBA, SEMA and many other groups across the recreation, agricultural, motorsports and public lands communities questioned whether the rule shifted the balance Congress intended under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), where public lands are managed for multiple uses, including recreation, conservation, grazing, energy production and public access together.
In announcing the proposed repeal, the Department of the Interior stated that the 2024 rule created regulatory uncertainty and added planning and permitting burdens that could impact recreation, grazing, timber, energy and other traditional public land uses.
For the off-road community, this is a significant development, but the broader conversation around public-land access and management is far from over.
Many of the issues affecting motorized recreation occur at the local level through travel management plans, route designations, land-use amendments and project-specific decisions. Those processes will continue regardless of what happens with the national rule itself.
ORBA and SEMA will continue to follow the repeal process and engage on issues that directly affect responsible motorized recreation, public access and the businesses and communities connected to the off-road industry.
As always, long-term access depends on staying engaged, participating in public processes and continuing to demonstrate that responsible recreation and stewardship can coexist on America's public lands.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Roman Chekhovskoi
From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final rulemaking that repeals the 2024 Public Lands Rule, signaling a major shift in the federal government's approach to public land management. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior and BLM, the rollback is intended to restore a more traditional "multiple-use" framework for managing public lands across the West.
The original 2024 rule--formally known as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule--generated significant concern throughout the off-road recreation community because it expanded conservation leasing and mitigation mechanisms on public lands while elevating conservation as a standalone land use within BLM policy.
From the beginning, ORBA, SEMA and many other groups across the recreation, agricultural, motorsports and public lands communities questioned whether the rule shifted the balance Congress intended under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), where public lands are managed for multiple uses, including recreation, conservation, grazing, energy production and public access together.
In announcing the proposed repeal, the Department of the Interior stated that the 2024 rule created regulatory uncertainty and added planning and permitting burdens that could impact recreation, grazing, timber, energy and other traditional public land uses.
For the off-road community, this is a significant development, but the broader conversation around public-land access and management is far from over.
Many of the issues affecting motorized recreation occur at the local level through travel management plans, route designations, land-use amendments and project-specific decisions. Those processes will continue regardless of what happens with the national rule itself.
ORBA and SEMA will continue to follow the repeal process and engage on issues that directly affect responsible motorized recreation, public access and the businesses and communities connected to the off-road industry.
As always, long-term access depends on staying engaged, participating in public processes and continuing to demonstrate that responsible recreation and stewardship can coexist on America's public lands.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Roman Chekhovskoi
By SEMA News Editors
All vehicles* in the United States market will be required to implement J1979-2 or J1979-3 automotive standards within the next few years. What does that mean for you? Are you ready? Do new vehicle cybersecurity standards have you stuck in park? Most SEMA members--along with OEMs--are still working on these challenges.
Join SEMA Garage Detroit and DG Technologies next month for a light lunch and networking event, immediately followed by a technology workshop and hands-on exercises that will keep you informed and up-to-date on the latest diagnostics standards. Learn more about these topics and get answers to your advanced-vehicle protocol questions with J1979-2/3 expert Mark Zachos, president DG Technologies, SAE fellow and past chair of SAE's Detroit section and director of vehicle cyber engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy.
During the workshop, scheduled for May 21 at SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan, Zachos will take attendees through the software-defined diagnostic standard and the basics of access control features based on J1979-2/3 standards for compliance and integration. He will also provide insights into cybersecurity principles for modern vehicle networks.
Why? Because model-year '27 vehicles in the United States market will become even more software-dependent and access-controlled, understanding OBDonUDS is critical for compliance, integration, development, secure diagnostics and long-term aftermarket reliability. Knowing these standards will help you solve problems and save you time.
* SAE J1979-2 (OBDonUDS) becomes mandatory for all internal-combustion vehicles by model-year '27, and SAE J1979-3 (ZEVonUDS) is required for all zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by '27, with some exceptions.
Key Highlights include:
SEMA Garage/DG Technologies Workshop
Date: May 21, 2026
Where: 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170
Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
Instructor: Mark Zachos
Reserve today, seats are limited. Registration closes May 18. Questions? Contact Tyler McCurry at tmccurry@dgtech.com or 248-888-2000 (extension 312). For more information or to register, visit dgtech.com/product/sema-registration.
By SEMA News Editors
The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala returns for its 50th anniversary and an elevated evening celebrating the individuals who have shaped––and continue to define––the automotive aftermarket industry.
Set for Friday, July 24, at the Renaissance Newport Beach, the annual Gala stands as one of SEMA's most prestigious traditions. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators and rising voices, the event offers a rare opportunity to connect, reflect and celebrate the legacy of excellence that drives the aftermarket forward.
Established in 1976, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala has long served as the premier stage for recognizing the people behind the industry's most meaningful advancements. The 2026 program will continue that tradition, honoring distinguished leaders, welcoming new Hall of Fame inductees, and recognizing the dedication of board members, volunteers and contributors whose impact shapes the future of the aftermarket.
More than a ceremony, the Gala is a celebration of community. Attendees will experience an evening defined by connection, recognition and a shared purpose.
Whether you're a longtime participant or attending for the first time, the Gala offers a meaningful way to engage with the leaders and legacy of the SEMA community. From networking during the reception to the formal program and recognition moments, the evening is designed to bring the industry together to honor past achievements and inspire future innovation.
Seating is limited, and full tables are available for those looking to attend as a group.
2026 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala
Reception: 5:45 p.m.–6:45 p.m. PT
Program: 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. PT
Location: Renaissance Newport Beach
4500 MacArthur Blvd.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tickets and details: sema.org/gala
Cocktail or semi-formal attire is required. Attendees must be at least 16 years old to participate.
For questions or more information, visit sema.org/gala or contact Kristin Goodwin at kristing@sema.org.
By SEMA News Editors
The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:
Voting will take place online now through May 26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact. Winners will be announced by June 9.
Learn more about the candidates.
Want to vote but not yet a SEMA member? Learn more at sema.org/membership-business.
Call: 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362)
Email: customercare@sema.org
By SEMA News Editors
Kyle Loftis, the founder of racing media brand 1320Video, has passed away. He was 43. His cause of passing is not known at the time of publication.
1320Video made the following social post to announce his passing:
We are extremely saddened to share that Kyle Loftis, the founder of 1320Video, passed away last night. We are in a state of shock.
Kyle's passion for motorsports inspired millions of people around the world, and we will never forget what he has done to grow our beloved sport. Kyle was a beam of light at every gathering; his enthusiasm, kindness and creativeness was contagious.
Let us pray that Kyle is in a better place.
1320Video was formed in 2003, beginning with a single automotive enthusiast (Loftis) shooting photos and sharing them on message boards before the age of social media. In 2012, 1320Video gained popularity on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and more platforms. Over the years to follow, 1320Video made a name for itself as a reputable media brand covering some of the highest caliber vehicles and biggest events, including the SEMA Show, but also events like Hot Rod Drag Week, TX2K, FL2K, Cash Days, Street Car Takeover and more. The company also organized one of the Midwest's biggest car shows called the Ice Cream Cruise.
For more information, visit 1320video.com.
Photo courtesy of 1320Video, background courtesy of Shutterstock | Buntoon Rodseng
Feed image courtesy of GoFast Photography | Facebook
By SEMA News Editors
Most trade shows keep the magic behind the curtain, but not us: The SEMA Show team invites the industry to experience a real-time, booth-by-booth buildout of the 2026 SEMA Show floor, updated live as it comes together.
This isn't just a static floorplan––it's a front-row seat to see how the automotive aftermarket's biggest stage is built, one booth at a time.
Follow along as the floorplan updates in near real time, capturing the evolving momentum as more than 2,000 exhibitors lock in their spot on the SEMA Show floor.
And this year, there's even more reason to pay attention: This year's 2026 SEMA Show will take place in the fully completed Las Vegas Convention Center campus––now transformed into a modern, connected environment that elevates every aspect of the Show experience.
Read more details in the SEMA News article, but in short: the SEMA Show you know and love steps into a new era in 2026.
Following the floorplan as it develops in real-time gives both attendees and exhibitors a strategic edge to their SEMA Show experience. Track where brands are landing, identify high-traffic zones and start mapping out your must-see list well before the doors open November 3-6, in Las Vegas.
For attendees, it's a perfect to-do task after registering for credentials online, which is available at the lowest rate ($50 per badge) until prices increase after June 26.
For exhibitors, it's also a chance to see how competitors and collaborators are positioning themselves in real time––while there's still an opportunity to secure your place on the floor. It's also a great preview for the upcoming SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, which returns to Las Vegas in June, at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Skybridge. View the agenda and register at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.
By SEMA News Editors
Alex Zandari.
Two-time INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Zanardi, who inspired millions globally with his courage and perseverance after a life-changing accident, passed away on May 1 in his native Italy, his family announced. He was 59.
Zanardi won INDYCAR SERIES championships in 1997 and 1998 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. He recorded 15 victories, 10 pole positions and 28 podium finishes during his INDYCAR SERIES career, which spanned from 1996-1998 and 2001.
"Alex Zanardi was a magnificent INDYCAR SERIES champion, and his remarkable abilities on track are legendary and timeless," INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. "His list of wins and accomplishments run alongside an even more impressive legacy of courage, inspiration and determination, which he showed during his life's journey."
"Alex will always remain one of the most admired racers of our sport and is a shining example of the attributes it takes to be a champion."
Zanardi lost both of his legs in an accident in September 2001 during a race at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Lausitz, Germany. His fight to recover from those injuries inspired fans around the world, and in 2003, he used hand-operated brake and accelerator controls before a Champ Car race car at Lausitz to ceremonially finish the final 13 laps of the 2001 race. It was one of the emotional scenes in racing history, and Zanardi's ceremonial time on track would have qualified him in the first few rows of the actual race.
That fighting spirit embodied Zanardi for his entire career, especially after the accident. He went on to compete in a variety of series, including touring cars and sports cars, around the world with prosthetic legs that he helped to design to facilitate more speed in a race car.
Another highlight of his later racing career was a return to a Formula One car in November 2006 in a test session for BMW Sauber, driving a car specially adapted with hand controls. Zanardi competed in F1 from 1991-1994 and again in 1999 with the Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams teams.
Zanardi also captivated fans of another form of wheeled racing, cycling. He worked to become a champion handcyclist, winning two gold medals for Italy in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Paralympics. He also won 12 UCI Paracycling Road World Championships in various categories.
But tragedy also struck in that discipline of racing for Zanardi, who suffered serious neurological injuries in a road collision in June 2020 while competing in a handcycling race in Italy.
The charismatic Zanardi received numerous honors for his accomplishments on and off the track during his career. He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2014, inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2013 and the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame in 2022.
After his first foray in Formula One ended in 1994, Zanardi came to North America and tested with Chip Ganassi Racing, signing in late 1995 to drive for the team in 1996. He became a rookie sensation in 1996, winning three races and six poles, finishing third in the standings behind teammate Jimmy Vasser and Michael Andretti.
That rookie season also featured the classic move of his INDYCAR SERIES career and one of the most iconic passes in motorsports history when Zanardi used a risky maneuver in the dirt to pass race leader Bryan Herta in "The Corkscrew" turn at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Fans still refer to the maneuver simply as "The Pass."
Zanardi ruled the series in 1997, winning five of 17 starts en route to his first title. He was even more dominant in 1998, capturing another championship with seven victories and 15 podium finishes in 19 races.
His famous practice of spinning his car in tight, doughnut-shaped circles after victories became instantly popular with fans and was emulated by drivers around the world.
Adria Hight (center) alongside her father, John Force (left), and her mother, Lana Starks (right).
Longtime John Force Racing executive and daughter of John Force, Adria Hight, has passed away, the team announced. She was 56.
Hight joined the family drag-racing business as one of the first employees of John Force Racing before eventually serving as the team's CFO.
The team released the following statement on social media:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Adria (Force) Hight, the oldest daughter of John Force.
After graduating from Huntington Beach High School, Adria joined the family drag-racing business, becoming one of the first employees of John Force Racing.
She played an instrumental role in building the organization from the ground up, handling everything from answering phones and selling T-shirts out of the race trailer, to ultimately serving as CFO of one of the winningest teams in motorsports history.
Her impact, dedication and legacy will never be forgotten.
Read more about Hight's life here.
For more information, visit johnforceracing.com.
PRI Show organizers have opened seminar proposals for its 2026 education program.
Education for the industry, by the industry. PRI is now accepting seminar and panel proposals for its 2026 education program, offering speakers an unmatched platform to share ideas, technologies and expertise with the racing and performance community.
Organizers are looking for submissions that showcase current trends, innovative techniques, best practices and discoveries across the motorsports industry. Program audiences include race teams, speed shops, engine builders, fabricators, machinists, tuners, manufacturers, WDs, sanctioning bodies, track operators, media and other industry professionals––many of whom are small-business owners and managers.
Topics of interest can include––but aren't limited to––technical content, sponsorships, hiring and employee management, branding, content creation, youth engagement, small-business operations, advertising and promotions, traditional and digital marketing, sales strategies and electric-vehicle (EV) motorsports performance.
2026 PRI Show Education Speaker Submissions
Submit your proposal and help shape the future of racing education at the PRI Show.
A crucial deadline is approaching quickly for prospective 2026 PRI Show exhibitors. Exhibitors can secure their booth space now for the 2026 PRI Show, set for December 10-12, in downtown Indianapolis, but brands that want to participate in the initial round of booth plotting later this month must submit an exhibitor space reservation agreement and deposit by May 15. Note: Exhibitors will still be able to reserve booth space after the May 15 deadline but will not be able to take part in the first round of space selection.
Motorsports professionals––from buyers and decision-makers to media and influencers––travel from all 50 states and more than 35 countries to source new parts and products. For companies looking to grow their reach, exhibiting is essential. Learn more about why to exhibit.