By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Lori Spaulding, chief operations officer at Dream Giveaway, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

Get to know Spaulding in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

LS: I've been with Dream Giveaway for 14 years. It's a wonderful, feel-good place to work. We have given away cars to raise money for charities for 17 years now. We are a small but dedicated team.

SN: What does your job entail?

Lori Spaulding: Definitely, hard work. You can't be afraid to put the time in and step up. Dedication goes along with that, along with being comfortable in any setting with any person. I work with a lot of celebrities in our industry.

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?

LS: Being taken seriously. The owners of the company for the first eight years I was here respected my knowledge to a degree, but never as 'one of the boys' in upper management. It took new ownership to come in and realize that I was a key player in this company. As for being out at car events and races, people look for a 'guy' who can explain the car to them, and that 'guy' is me.

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?

LS: That's a tough one. I learn every day from everyone around me. I think it's important to watch and take in others' knowledge and decide if it's something I need to think about myself. I've made a lot of amazing friends in this industry who have opened doors for me. I'd never tell them they're role models, though. I'd never hear the end of it. LOL. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

LS: Not really. I have always loved cars but never thought about working around them. What keeps me here? My job and changing people's lives. Even if I wasn't here anymore, now that I'm in it, I can't imagine being out of it. The people I've met have been pretty cool, and some are pretty amazing.

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

LS: My son and I. I do it for me and for him. Providing everything I can for him is my motivation for everything. Before him...me.

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?

LS: Wearing so many hats. I'm responsible for so much of what makes our business run daily. Except IT--that's not my thing. My CEO, thankfully, is that guy. Part of what I do is being the face of the company to the industry, so there's a lot of travel involved as well as time away from my family.

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?

LS: This is my first job in the automotive industry, and I love it. I've always loved cars. So, 14 years now. I fell into this looking for an account management job, and they saw my degrees and decided I would manage the design and marketing teams, and then it grew from there.

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

Exhibitors at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, are offering products, parts and services for builders preparing vehicles that will be displayed at this year's SEMA Show.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, found at semashow.com/products-for-project-vehicle-builders, connects qualified builders with confirmed 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors interested in supplying products for project vehicles.

Builders seeking products should contact exhibitors directly using the contact information provided.

The list is open exclusively to 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors. To be included, exhibitors must complete the form located in the Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual at semashow.com/esm. 

Qualified builders are encouraged to check semashow.com/products-for-project-vehicle-builders regularly, as new submissions are added on an ongoing basis.

All product placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Every project vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show must be supported by a current 2026 SEMA Show exhibitor.

Note: Listings are published on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibitors must use the official Project-Vehicle Builders form to participate; email submissions will not be accepted. Inclusion in the list does not guarantee product placement or vehicle placement at the 2026 SEMA Show. Exhibitors are responsible for verifying that a builder is affiliated with a vehicle that will be displayed at the Show. For more information, contact projectvehicles@sema.org.

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, visit the Registration Resource Center, or visit the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan. 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 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

RealTruck, the Michigan-based truck accessories manufacturer, has launched a new 3D builder visualization tool for customers.

The RealTruck Builder experience combines 3D visualization, AI-powered recommendations and intelligent search to let customers virtually configure accessories on their own vehicles before buying. The platform aims to give consumers confidence that they're choosing the right products for their exact vehicle.

Built on the Google Cloud platform, RealTruck Builder helps shoppers instantly configure and visualize RealTruck’s entire stack of accessories––such as a specific truck bed cover, bed rack, and ski rack combined––in virtual 3D or true-to-scale augmented reality right in their own garages.

RealTruck and Google created a case study on the visualization and customization tool, identifying how the company leveraged AI-powered technology to create the platform.

Read the full case study here.

By Karen Salvaggio

The 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award was presented to Kyle Kuhnhausen from Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts at the 2025 SEMA Show for his meticulously reimagined '66 Chevrolet Corvette. Nicknamed Serious 66, the Corvette was selected for exemplifying innovation, integration and engineering-first thinking.

Designed to spotlight the critical role engineers play in shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award honors a SEMA Show feature vehicle that goes far beyond visual impact. Entries for the 2026 award are open now. Submit your entry here.

The winning Corvette stands as a masterclass in resourceful, systems-driven engineering. Rather than relying on a single standout feature, the vehicle reflects a holistic approach where hundreds of engineered components work seamlessly together. Advanced processes such as 3D scanning, reverse engineering, CAD, fluid dynamics analysis, laser cutting, vacuum-formed composites, additive manufacturing and CNC billet machining were strategically combined to achieve efficiency, precision and cost control without compromising quality.

Material science played a key role as well. Titanium was used to reduce intake temperatures thanks to its low thermal conductivity, while chromoly steel provided increased stiffness with reduced weight, preserving torsional rigidity throughout the chassis. Much of the vehicle's most impressive engineering is intentionally hidden, including integrated fuel and oil lines, aerospace-grade plumbing, concealed electrical service panels and a highly sophisticated cooling system packaged throughout the vehicle's body structure.

Among the most notable breakthroughs is the drivetrain: a dry-sump, direct-injected LT4 paired with a ZF 8HP70 transmission, one of the first street-proven executions of this combination, complete with electronically actuated manual control. Careful packaging and simulation also enabled race-inspired weight distribution, delivering exceptional balance, grip and drivability.

This Corvette is not defined by a single innovation, but by the way every system works together--quietly, efficiently and intentionally. That cohesion is the hallmark of truly exceptional engineering, and a fitting recipient of the 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award.

Does Your Build Have What It Takes to Win?   

Entries for the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award are now open to builders exhibiting a feature vehicle at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, that demonstrates engineering excellence.

Entries should demonstrate technical excellence, innovative design and creative problem-solving that advances vehicle performance, functionality, safety or overall capability.

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the build's engineering content, along with the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted through Wednesday, October 28, at this link. 

The winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, November 5, and will receive a commemorative trophy.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., Office

The California Legislature has passed a landmark, SEMA-sponsored bill that will create a new conditional sales pathway for aftermarket emissions-related products to reach the market while under consideration for the state's full approval for sales.  

SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration, represents a thoughtful approach that maintains California's emissions standards while creating meaningful improvements for manufacturers that invest in compliance. 

• SB 1069 applies to emissions-related automotive aftermarket products that require a CARB Executive Order (EO) before they can be legally sold, advertised or installed in California. An EO confirms that a product has demonstrated compliance with the state's applicable emissions requirements and is therefore eligible for sale in the California market.  

"SB 1069 will give manufacturers that have invested in emissions testing and compliance a meaningful pathway to get qualifying products to market faster in California, and enable new products to reach consumers, provide small businesses with certainty to invest, and keep American companies competitive," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA greatly appreciates CARB's willingness to work collaboratively with us on SB 1069 to craft common-sense legislation that will bolster the automotive aftermarket industry, help California maintain its emissions standards and support the small businesses who rely on certainty as they establish themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. We also thank Senator Grayson for his leadership in guiding this legislation through the legislature." 

About SB 1069 

The bill would grant conditional approval to sell, advertise, and install qualifying products to manufacturers who submit complete EO applications to CARB, supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation. This conditional approval would remain in place while CARB completes its final review. 

This new pathway would help aftermarket manufacturers bring qualifying products to market faster in California, while preserving California's emissions standards and CARB's authority to review applications and ultimately approve or deny an EO. 

Specifically, SB 1069 would create a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket emissions-related products: 

• Manufacturers would submit a complete CARB EO application supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation. 
• Qualifying applicants could receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install covered products while CARB completes its final review. 
• CARB would retain its authority to ultimately approve or deny the EO, and California's existing emissions standards would remain unchanged. 

If signed by Gov. Newsom, SB 1069 would take effect on January 1, 2027, with the program in place by July 1, 2028. 

Background 

For decades, SEMA has helped aftermarket manufacturers navigate California's emissions requirements and lawfully bring products to market.  

The SEMA Garage provides manufacturers with emissions testing, engineering expertise, and compliance assistance, and over the past eight years, has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB and completed more than 800 EO applications on behalf of member companies. 

Of the 7,000 automotive aftermarket businesses nationwide that SEMA represents, more than 1,200 are California manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. California's specialty automotive aftermarket generates $40.44 billion in economic output, supports more than 149,000 jobs, delivers $13.47 billion in wages and benefits, and pays $6.16 billion in state and local taxes. 

• The automotive aftermarket is predominantly comprised of small businesses that continually invest in new products, technology, engineering, and compliance. SB 1069 would help qualifying manufacturers bring compliant products to California customers sooner. 

SEMA has a lengthy track record of supporting emissions compliance at the federal level and in California. This includes more than $30 million invested in emissions compliance through the SEMA Garage program, including Emissions Compliance Centers in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Belish

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., Office

The California Legislature has passed a landmark, SEMA-sponsored bill that will create a new conditional sales pathway for aftermarket emissions-related products to reach the market while under consideration for the state's full approval for sales.  

SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration, represents a thoughtful approach that maintains California's emissions standards while creating meaningful improvements for manufacturers that invest in compliance. 

• SB 1069 applies to emissions-related automotive aftermarket products that require a CARB Executive Order (EO) before they can be legally sold, advertised or installed in California. An EO confirms that a product has demonstrated compliance with the state's applicable emissions requirements and is therefore eligible for sale in the California market.  

"SB 1069 will give manufacturers that have invested in emissions testing and compliance a meaningful pathway to get qualifying products to market faster in California, and enable new products to reach consumers, provide small businesses with certainty to invest, and keep American companies competitive," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA greatly appreciates CARB's willingness to work collaboratively with us on SB 1069 to craft common-sense legislation that will bolster the automotive aftermarket industry, help California maintain its emissions standards and support the small businesses who rely on certainty as they establish themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. We also thank Senator Grayson for his leadership in guiding this legislation through the legislature." 

About SB 1069 

The bill would grant conditional approval to sell, advertise, and install qualifying products to manufacturers who submit complete EO applications to CARB, supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation. This conditional approval would remain in place while CARB completes its final review. 

This new pathway would help aftermarket manufacturers bring qualifying products to market faster in California, while preserving California's emissions standards and CARB's authority to review applications and ultimately approve or deny an EO. 

Specifically, SB 1069 would create a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket emissions-related products: 

• Manufacturers would submit a complete CARB EO application supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation. 
• Qualifying applicants could receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install covered products while CARB completes its final review. 
• CARB would retain its authority to ultimately approve or deny the EO, and California's existing emissions standards would remain unchanged. 

If signed by Gov. Newsom, SB 1069 would take effect on January 1, 2027, with the program in place by July 1, 2028. 

Background 

For decades, SEMA has helped aftermarket manufacturers navigate California's emissions requirements and lawfully bring products to market.  

The SEMA Garage provides manufacturers with emissions testing, engineering expertise, and compliance assistance, and over the past eight years, has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB and completed more than 800 EO applications on behalf of member companies. 

Of the 7,000 automotive aftermarket businesses nationwide that SEMA represents, more than 1,200 are California manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. California's specialty automotive aftermarket generates $40.44 billion in economic output, supports more than 149,000 jobs, delivers $13.47 billion in wages and benefits, and pays $6.16 billion in state and local taxes. 

• The automotive aftermarket is predominantly comprised of small businesses that continually invest in new products, technology, engineering, and compliance. SB 1069 would help qualifying manufacturers bring compliant products to California customers sooner. 

SEMA has a lengthy track record of supporting emissions compliance at the federal level and in California. This includes more than $30 million invested in emissions compliance through the SEMA Garage program, including Emissions Compliance Centers in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Belish

By Ashley Reyes

Eight of SEMA's council and network communities are accepting nominations for their prestigious awards that will be presented at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Industry members can recognize a leading company or individual for exceptional contributions to their niche industry segment during the past year by submitting nominations by Friday, September 4, at sema.org/cn-awards.  

Celebrating businesses, leaders, innovators, mentors and more, SEMA Council and Network Awards not only spotlight achievements made in various pillars of the industry but provide a platform in which members are honored for their unique strengths, dedication to excellence and unwavering passion that drives the automotive aftermarket forward.   

Below are tips for submitting a standout nomination:   

1. Be specific. Avoid broad statements like "they're a great leader" or "they work hard." Review the award criteria and list the nominee's specific achievements that align with the goal of the award. For example, was there a specific product that they helped innovate or launch? What initiative did they lead that improved their industry segment? Were there specific people they helped mentor? Providing concrete examples will help the nominee stand out. 
2. Highlight their impact. Share what makes the nominee a hero of their segment. Describe the state of the industry before their contributions were made, and where the industry is now because of them. Highlighting their impact will make the nomination memorable and meaningful.  
3. Tie their contributions to the mission of the Council or Network. SEMA Councils and Networks exist to advance, promote and protect the industry segments and communities that they represent. Share how your nominee's efforts supported the broader goals of the council or network. Emphasize any volunteerism or advocacy efforts that contributed to the council or network's growth and reach.  

Award winners will be announced and honored at each Council's and Network's respective events at the 2026 SEMA Show. These celebrations bring members together to network and celebrate standout contributors in their respective industries. With the 2026 SEMA Show quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure that your nominations are submitted for consideration.

To view the list of SEMA Council and Network awards and submit your nomination, visit sema.org/cn-awards.

By Ashley Reyes

As the 2026 SEMA Show approaches, the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a virtual event to help members prepare for a successful week in Las Vegas.

"TORA Connect: Member Updates and SEMA Show Panel Discussion" will take place Tuesday, October 6, at 11:30 a.m. PDT/2:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom.

Designed for truck and off-road industry professionals looking to grow their business, the meeting will cover the latest council updates, key initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Following the membership update, attendees will hear directly from TORA volunteer leaders during a panel discussion focused on TORA's SEMA Show events.

Why attend:

• Preview TORA events and activations planned for members at the 2026 SEMA Show.
• Learn how truck and off-road businesses can increase their SEMA Show ROI by participating in TORA events.
• Gain valuable SEMA Show insights from veteran attendees in the truck and off-road space.

With the SEMA Show less than three months away, now is the time to secure your spot and learn how TORA can help your business succeed in Las Vegas and beyond.

Register for the TORA Connect webinar now.

Sponsored by Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is turning a single-cab Ford F-150 into the ultimate blend of performance and utility with a fully built Yamaha YZ250F riding in the bed.

Most shop trucks spend their lives hauling parts across the lot or making supply runs. Turn 14 is building one with a power-hungry alter ego that can put down a pass after clocking out.

The plan for The Ultimate Shop Truck pairs a single-cab, short-bed Ford F-150 powered by a 5.0L Coyote V8 with a '25 Yamaha YZ250F 70th Anniversary Edition riding in the bed. This tag-team creation brings leading automotive and powersports partners together for a one-of-a-kind build destined for one lucky Turn 14 dealer.

Party in the Front

The shop truck has always been a utility tool. It's the workhorse designated for transporting supplies and keeping the shop moving. Turn 14's latest build keeps that working-class identity intact, then adds enough power to make the trip back to the shop far more interesting.

Under the hood, Ford's 5.0L Coyote V8 provides muscle car grunt and a proven performance foundation for the F-150. While big power is the plan, the project is also intended to balance dependable utility with the joy of driving. The combination is being developed with EPA and CARB requirements in mind, proving what's possible when substantial performance is built for the street.

The F-150 may still look at home outside a performance shop, but it will be ready to hold its own at the dragstrip.

Party in the Back

This performance-packed truck is only half of the story. When it's not hauling supplies, it will carry a fully built '25 Yamaha YZ250F 70th Anniversary Edition dirt bike.

The YZ250F is already a proven motocross platform straight from the factory. Turn 14 will build on that foundation using products available through its expanding powersports line card, turning the anniversary-edition bike into a proper counterpart for the Coyote-powered F-150.

This Yamaha won't be just a display piece strapped into the bed. While the F-150 is being built to perform on pavement, the YZ250F will be ready to take over once the pavement ends.

Built by Rockstar Performance Garage

To ensure both builds deliver more than show-floor looks, Turn 14 is once again turning to its trusted build partner, Rockstar Performance Garage. With experience spanning both sides of the aftermarket, the team is the ideal choice to transform the Yamaha and its Yamahauler into a cohesive pair.

Transforming a basic F-150 into a street-friendly drag contender is only part of the challenge. The YZ250F needs to feel like an extension of the same project without compromising what makes each vehicle functional.

Rockstar Performance Garage will oversee the transformation of both machines, giving them a shared identity and the same show-level attention. The finished pair will be built for use well beyond the convention floor.

Worlds Collide

The Ultimate Shop Truck reflects the crossover already found in plenty of enthusiasts' garages. Motorcycles often sit beside highly modified project cars, and the shops supporting those customers rarely limit themselves to one corner of the industry.

By pairing the F-150 with the YZ250F, Turn 14 is showcasing the breadth of its automotive and powersports offerings through two vehicles built for completely different forms of performance.

One hauls. The other gets hauled. Both are being built to perform.

The finished pair will make its official debut at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3-6. Turn 14 will reveal the project's build partners and share behind-the-scenes updates as The Ultimate Shop Truck comes together.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

About Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is a privately-owned, 100% wholesale distributor of performance automotive and powersports aftermarket parts focused on supporting small businesses. Committed to long-term partnerships, Turn 14 delivers proprietary technology that streamlines ordering, improves inventory control, and strengthens cash flow management. Seven-day operations enable delivery to 100% of continental U.S. dealers within two days or less. Learn more at turn14.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Showgoers don't have to choose between earning hotel rewards and securing the best rates for the SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas.

Attendees who book through the official 2026 SEMA Show hotel block, managed by onPeak, can earn eligible hotel loyalty rewards points while taking advantage of discounted rates, flexible reservation policies and convenient access to Las Vegas' top hotels.

Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, are available at semashow.com/hotel.

Whether you're traveling solo or coordinating accommodations for your entire team, booking through the official SEMA Show housing provider offers benefits you won't find through many third-party booking sites.

Earn Hotel Loyalty Rewards

One of the biggest advantages of booking through the official SEMA Show hotel block is that eligible reservations can earn hotel loyalty rewards points. Simply enter your rewards program information during the booking process, then confirm it again at check-in to receive eligible credit for your stay.

For example, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by:

• Booking a participating Marriott or MGM property through the official onPeak reservation system.
• Entering their Marriott Bonvoy membership number in the "Hotel Rewards" section during checkout.
• Providing the same membership number again when checking in at the hotel.

It's one more way your trip to the SEMA Show can continue delivering value long after you leave Las Vegas.

Exclusive Rates With Price-Match Protection

SEMA negotiates discounted hotel rates exclusively for attendees, often below publicly available pricing. Instead of spending hours comparing booking sites, attendees can reserve with confidence through the official hotel block.

If you happen to find a lower qualifying rate elsewhere, the official housing provider also offers price-match protection, giving you another reason to book early through semashow.com/hotel.

Flexible Reservations

Travel plans can change, and the official SEMA Show hotel block is designed with that in mind. Reservations can be modified or canceled without penalty through October 8, and full prepayment is not required at the time of booking, offering flexibility that many online travel sites don't.

Simple Group Booking

Managing hotel reservations for multiple employees doesn't have to be complicated. The onPeak system allows companies to reserve multiple rooms with immediate confirmation, assign guest names later and choose whether to manage payments centrally or individually.

Sustainable Travel Options

Attendees interested in making more environmentally conscious travel decisions can also explore sustainability information for participating hotels through onPeak. The platform provides resources that help travelers identify properties and practices that align with their sustainability goals.

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, visit the Registration Resource Center, or visit the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan. 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 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.