From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a letter to President Trump, SEMA highlighted the impact of tariffs on the nation's $337-billion specialty-equipment industry, along with ways the administration can support domestic manufacturers during this transition period.

"Our primary request is that American automotive parts manufacturers, including our members, be provided a transition period to re-shore their manufacturing, as well as some form of economic relief to assist in that transition," writes SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "That relief could include tariff exemptions for things like molds, tooling and machinery brought back to the United States, as well as tax incentives to offset the associated costs."

The letter also sheds light on impacts that the Trump Administration might not be aware of, including those experienced companies that want to bring their operations back to the United States, as well as ways domestic producers of steel and aluminum are making it hard for Made-in-America companies to stay competitive.

Read the letter.

By SEMA News Editors

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, in Las Vegas--is now open online here.  

From cutting-edge vehicle builds to the latest innovations in the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is where the world gathers every year to experience the energy, passion and innovations that define the specialty-equipment aftermarket. (Learn more about why attend at semashow.com/attendee).

Organizers recommend interested attendees and buyers register as soon as it opens next week to start planning the best SEMA Show experience for their careers and businesses. Mapping out the event in advance gives attendees the best opportunity to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show week, allowing the benefits of the event to reverberate long after the Show floor closes.  

How to Apply for Registration

Approved attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for only $50 online here now through Friday, June 27. After the deadline, the registration price will increase to $75. 

How to Save on Your 2025 SEMA Show Hotel

SEMA Showgoers are strongly encouraged to secure their housing online here through onPeak, SEMA's only official hotel provider. Booking a 2025 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rates possible for the event without needing to browse the web for hours. 

How to Save on Airfare for the SEMA Show

SEMA Showgoers can claim exclusive airline discounts for their trip to the 2025 SEMA Show. With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event.

Alaska Airlines: 

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Friday, October 31–Saturday, November 8, 2025.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMO139. 
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. Note that a $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines: 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Code NY3RX. (No service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the listed phone number).

United Airlines: 

• Discount: Up to 2% to 10% based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Thursday, October 30–Sunday, November 9, 2025. 
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here, or use discount code ZPKE658685.
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide the representative with the following information:
  • Z Code: ZQT8.
  • Agreement Code: 615759.

SEMA Show International Attendees Seeking a Travel Visa

For those traveling from outside of the United States, SEMA can offer a letter of invitation for approved attendees. The online registration form must be completed before a visa letter can be issued. The letter will only be prepared using the individual's name and company name as listed in their registration record.

For more information, visit the Registration FAQs section of SEMAShow.com/attendee and scroll down to "I need a visa to enter the U.S. How can I get a letter of invitation?"

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.  For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Planning for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is well underway, with Show organizers looking ahead to the booth space selection process that will begin next week on Monday, April 28.

If your brand still needs a booth, there's still time to secure your spot on the 2025 SEMA Show floor, the best place to discover new domestic buyers and get your brand in front of influential members of the media. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor and register for a 2025 SEMA Show booth here. 

SEMA Show Exhibitor Resources 'Go Live' Next Week

Before booth plotting begins, several other important resources and programs will become available to exhibitors on Monday, April 28, including the launch of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual, a powerful tool for exhibitors developed to highlight resources and information that can help you have a successful SEMA Show.

Additionally, Show organizers will also begin accepting entries and applications on April 28 for three programs that aid exhibitors in expanding their impact on the Show floor: the New Product Showcase, the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program and the Feature Vehicle Display program.

The New Product Showcase allows exhibitors to highlight their latest and greatest innovations at the top destination for media members, buyers and aftermarket professionals, providing a platform to build brand awareness, boost booth traffic and generate quality leads.

The Feature Vehicle Display program--open to all categories and applications--gives exhibitors a chance to add to their Show footprint beyond their booth space, and drive attention to your booth. Each vehicle accepted into the program will be featured in the SEMA Show app, showcasing its image, make, model, year, color, products used in the build, builder's name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program provides builders with a list of exhibitors interested in offering products for a SEMA Show floor vehicle build.

How to Prepare for 2025 SEMA Show Booth Plotting

Following are some best practices for exhibitors to consider as we approach the process that designates where exhibitors will be on the Show floor.

• If You Want Someone Else to Select for You

Fill out the proxy form at semashow.com/proxy.

If you, or your designee, are not available when called, the best available space will be selected for you by Show Management.

• Review the Online Floorplan Early

The 2025 SEMA Show floor plan will be available for viewing at SEMAShow.com/floorplan on Friday, April 25.

• Open the Online Floorplan Before the Call

The floorplan is updated approximately every 30 minutes during space selection process, so you must refresh your browser before your call time.

• When We Will Call You

You will receive an email with the date and time of your appointed selection call with a SEMA sales representative.

Note: you may be contacted up to 15 minutes prior and 30 minutes after the assigned timeframe. We will not call before 8:00 a.m. PDT.

You will be selecting at the same time as other companies, so it is imperative that you be ready to select your exhibit space at the time you are called. If possible, have all decision-makers on the call to review your options.

• Confirm Your Space

Check the online floor plan 30 minutes after you select your booth to ensure your company name is in the booth you selected. We will also send you a confirmation letter shortly after you choose your space. Please review the letter carefully to ensure you received the space agreed upon over the phone. We will include a pillar diagram if any pillars affect your booth.

• Plan Your SEMA Show

After your booth is secured on the floorplan, it's now time to plan for a successful SEMA Show. The sooner you plan, the better. SEMA News will cover the best tips and practices in the coming months, but note that the Exhibitor Summit, a free program from June 25-27 in Vegas, is the best way to get the most ROI. Exhibitors new and returning, can take advantage of SEMA value-added programs; use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth; save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses; work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI; learn to properly plan and budget expenses and explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods. Hotel rooms will be provided for up to two guests in this valuable program; you can't afford to miss it!

Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

Questions? Call 909-396-0289 or email sales@sema.org

By Ashley Reyes

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, 2025, SEMA extends a heartfelt thank you to its volunteers who donate their time, passion and expertise to drive meaningful change in the automotive aftermarket industry. Volunteers are the driving force behind many of SEMA's programs, helping ensure that members have the resources, knowledge and connections needed to thrive. 

"We are fortunate to have so many volunteers that donate their time and talents to help SEMA accomplish its mission of fostering the success of the automotive aftermarket," said Marcy Yanus, SEMA senior director, member engagement. "We extend our deepest gratitude for them and their contributions that have driven the industry forward in amazing ways."

Whether it's leading volunteer meetings, lending a hand at a networking event or coming up with ideas for programs that benefit the industry, SEMA volunteers are committed to making a positive difference. Their contributions have paved the way for the success of SEMA member businesses and professionals, yielded industry recognition for deserving leaders, protected the rights of vehicle owners and enthusiasts through legislative advocacy, raised money for students and non-profit organizations in need and empowered businesses to make informed decisions.   

From every idea executed to community served, SEMA thanks its passionate volunteers who make it all possible. The industry is stronger because of you.  

Visit sema.org/volunteer to learn how to get involved. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a bid to ensure the longevity of Iowa's motorsports venues, the Iowa legislature unanimously passed a SEMA- and PRI-supported bill (HF 645) that provides immunity to race tracks from nuisance claims brought by surrounding property owners, so long as the track existed before the neighboring property was purchased or developed. This ensures these venues can continue to thrive without the constant threat of litigation.  

The bill now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds's approval or veto. Click here to send Governor Reynolds a letter supporting this important bill.  

Iowa's race tracks are more than just entertainment venues; they are economic engines that support local businesses, create jobs and generate substantial revenue for the state. This immunity is essential for the ongoing operation and advancement of these venues.  

For more information on how to support HF 645, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA and PRI's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a bid to ensure the longevity of Iowa's motorsports venues, the Iowa legislature unanimously passed a SEMA- and PRI-supported bill (HF 645) that provides immunity to race tracks from nuisance claims brought by surrounding property owners, so long as the track existed before the neighboring property was purchased or developed. This ensures these venues can continue to thrive without the constant threat of litigation.  

The bill now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds's approval or veto. Click here to send Governor Reynolds a letter supporting this important bill.  

Iowa's race tracks are more than just entertainment venues; they are economic engines that support local businesses, create jobs and generate substantial revenue for the state. This immunity is essential for the ongoing operation and advancement of these venues.  

For more information on how to support HF 645, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA and PRI's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Unveils Class of 2026

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) has announced its 2026 Induction Class, which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the MSHFA Induction Celebration in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 9-10, 2026.

The Class of 2026 includes two-time Daytona 500 Champion and winner of 15-straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver Awards Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (Stock Cars), NHRA Competition Director Steve Gibbs (Drag Racing), motorsport reporter Pete Lyons (Media), accomplished road racer John Morton (Sports Cars), 2000 MotoGP World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr. (Motorcycles), one of "The Big Three" of modern winged Sprint Car racing Sammy Swindell (Open Wheel), and the winningest driver in Unlimited Hydroplane history Dave Villwock (Powerboats).

"Once again, our voters have chosen a group of all-time motorsports greats," said MSHFA president George Levy. "True 'Heroes of Horsepower' who will be admired today and inspire the champions of tomorrow. The Class of 2026 is another revered and accomplished group of racers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America next March."

A pair of Class of 2026 Historic category inductees will be announced this summer and will be enshrined next March along with the seven inductees.

Each of the MSHFA's inductees is elected by a straight vote of 200-plus motorsports experts--half of them inductees themselves. Regular voters include Mario Andretti (MSHFA Class of 1990), Don Garlits (MSHFA Class of 1989), Chip Ganassi (MSHFA Class of 2016), Tom D'Eath (MSHFA Class of 2000), Scott Parker (MSHFA Class of 2009), Richard Petty (MSHFA Class of 1989), Don Prudhomme (MSHFA Class of 1991), Rusty Wallace (MSHFA Class of 2014) and other titans of the sport. 

For full biographies of each inductee, visit mshf.com.

SRO Motorsports Group Partners With University of Texas for Racing Executive Education Program

SRO Motorsports Group has partnered with the University of Texas to launch GT RACEXEC, an executive education series designed to provide business leaders with insights directly from the world of motorsports.

GT RACEXEC is based on the Winning! Leadership Accelerator Program currently offered through the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business and Texas Executive Education. The series will take place across a variety of SRO's events across the country, including the rounds at Circuit of The Americas, Barber Motorsports Park and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, offering participants an immersive experience that blends business education with the high-stakes environment of professional GT racing. 

The specialized GT RACEXEC program is exclusively available for SRO America teams, partners and sponsors, presenting them with a unique opportunity to deepen and diversify their industry knowledge and expertise. 

GT RACEXEC is designed to enhance participants' ability to align strategy, decision-making, organization and talent to drive successful execution and develop skill sets. According to SRO, the program will provide business leaders with the knowledge and competencies needed to: 

• Develop strategies to triumph in a dynamic and competitive world. 
• Make data-driven decision-making a core competency. 
• Build and sustain high-performing teams and a winning culture. 
• Drive execution through effective organizational and operational design. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn in real-world racing environments directly from the faculty of McCombs School of Business and will receive an official Certificate of Business Excellence upon completion of the program.

For more on the program, click here.

Venturini Motorsports Announces Sale of ARCA Menards Series Team to Nitro Motorsports

Venturini Motorsports (VMS) has sold its ARCA Menards Series team to Nitro Motorsports, the team announced.

As part of the agreement, Nitro Motorsports will assume full ownership of the team and continue VMS's longstanding partnership with Toyota GAZOO Racing beginning October 15. Current team owner Billy Venturini will remain on board as general manager of the team through the conclusion of the 2026 season, the team said.

Nitro Motorsports, founded by Nick Tucker, currently competes in multiple disciplines in addition to the ARCA Menards Series, including the Trans Am Series, Toyota GR Cup North America and national go-kart events.

"I want to thank my wife, my parents, my team, Jack Irving, Tyler Gibbs and Ron Drager. Each of them is what has made this journey so very special," said Venturini. "The last 20 years [as owner and general manager] have been very rewarding, but also incredibly demanding. I love what this sport has given to me, but in return, I gave it everything I had. So, the time has come to be able to prioritize other things ahead of racing. As a racer, nothing comes before the sport. I understood, I believed, and lived by it. But it's now time to prepare for my departure."

VMS is the longest-tenured and most successful team in ARCA history, earning 107 all-time series victories.

An official partner of Toyota GAZOO Racing, Venturini Motorsports has played a key role in the development of some of today's top NASCAR series talent, including Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, William Byron, Alex Bowman, Jesse Love, Corey Heim and Christian Eckes.

"Nitro Motorsports foundation has been built on driver development, a pillar of what Venturini Motorsports has been known for and curated," said Tucker. "My partner Joe [Tovo] and I understand the responsibility to carry on that legacy and the history that the Venturini family has poured their life's work into and build on that for many years to come with Toyota GAZOO Racing.

"With the acquisition of Venturini Motorsports, Nitro becomes the most vertically integrated driver development program in the world starting with our premier cadet Go Karting program (Nitro Kart) as the ground floor with progression to cars with Toyota GR Cup, Trans Am and now ARCA."

For more information, visit arcaracing.com.

By Ashley Reyes

On May 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC) will host its next Coffee and Conversation virtual networking event. Register here.    

Held monthly, WTSBC Coffee and Conversation events provide aftermarket professionals with an opportunity to openly discuss key issues shaping the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets.

"Coffee and Conversation events not only help SEMA members expand their professional network but provide a platform for attendees to learn about a variety of topics relevant to their business," said WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle. "By bringing professionals from different markets and job titles together, the event enables participants to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives on challenges and opportunities they might not have known about."  

Topics of discussion are provided by WTSBC members. The event in February focused on towing and suspension, followed by a discussion about the evolution of Ultra4 racecars in March. The upcoming event in May will not feature a specific topic; instead, this session invites attendees to bring a topic that they wish to discuss. This approach ensures that all participants gain valuable information or connections from the event.  

Examples of past topics brought by attendees include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), legislative updates, new-vehicle technology and supply chain; however, any topic that addresses wheel, tire, suspension or brake-related issues is welcomed by the select committee.     

Each event begins with attendees sharing their name and area of expertise to help members identify who they can potentially collaborate with in the future. Manufacturers, service providers, distributors, dealers, installers and media are all encouraged to attend.

"The Coffee and Conversation events bring together some of the industry's most insightful and informed professionals," said past participant Moses Ludel of 4WD Mechanix Magazine. "The group is welcoming and always open to new ideas, tire-related topics and fresh faces."

Register for the event here. 

By SEMA News Editors
 

4Wheel Parts, ORW Names Wade Kawasaki to Board of Directors

4Wheel Parts and Off-Road Warehouse (ORW), the recently merged off-road and truck parts retailer, has named industry veteran Wade Kawasaki to its Board of Directors.

Kawasaki, who currently serves as executive chairman of The Wheel Group (TWG) and has a distinguished record as a leader in the automotive aftermarket, will bring his decades of expertise to the board while continuing to serve TWG, the company said.

"The 4Wheel Parts and ORW brands represent over 100 years of combined industry experience," CEO Greg Adler said. "With strategic guidance from leaders like Wade, and a dedicated team across our retail and online platforms, the future is exceptionally bright."

"I am honored to join the board of such an iconic company," Kawasaki said. "This is a pivotal moment for the industry, and I look forward to helping Greg and the team steer this newly combined organization toward sustained growth and innovation. This is a complement to my current role at TWG as 4Wheel Parts is one of our largest and most valued customers, and I truly believe that as the truck and off-road segment continue to grow, smart strategic leadership will benefit the segment and the entire industry."

For more information, visit 4wheelparts.com.

FOX Factory Announces '25 Factory Truck Model Updates

Last year, FOX Factory Holding Corp--the Atlanta, Georgia-based company best known for its FOX Racing Shox brand of off-road racing suspension components--unveiled a super truck built on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD platform that was the result of a collaboration between industry leaders and FOX Factory's Power Vehicle Division.

This year, the team took customer feedback to refine its '25 Fox Factory Truck further, transforming it into the most customizable super truck yet, the company said. The desert-dominating DNA of the FOX Factory Truck is designed to feature upgraded comfort based on the LTZ trim, a wide assortment of exterior colors, expanded lighting options and more ways for truck owners to make the super truck unique now at a new lower starting price, said FOX Factory.

For 2025, the FOX Factory Truck comes standard with Chevrolet's LTZ trim, offering premium interior options like heated and ventilated power front seats, an upgraded dashboard, and refined driver tech.

Along with the 700 hp and 655 lbs.-ft. of raw power from the supercharged 6.2L V8 and long-travel suspension system, truck owners can now fine-tune the FOX Factory Truck with more options, including standard, premium and custom exterior colors, lighting packages and tire carrier configurations.

For more information, visit the official FOX Factory Silverado webpage here.

NEXEN TIRE Wins 2025 Green Good Design Awards in the U.S.

NEXEN TIRE--the Seoul, South Korea-based global tire manufacturer--has announced that it has won two awards at the 2025 Green Good Design Awards for two of its tire lines: the N'FERA Sport R and N'Blue 4 Season 2. The Green Good Design Awards are the eco-focused division of the Good Design Awards, organized by The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. It recognizes products and technologies that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, innovation, energy efficiency and social impact.

"This award highlights our commitment to shaping a sustainable mobility environment through design-driven innovation," said Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE. "This accolade confirms our commitment to sustainability and quality. We will continue to strengthen our brand through innovation and responsible management."

The N'FERA Sport R, a high-performance summer tire, received recognition in the Green Transportation category. It was praised for its function-driven design geared toward enhancing driving performance and user convenience. One major feature of the N'FERA Sport R is the "Step Groove" tread pattern. As the tire wears, the groove gradually expands the contact area, helping to maintain grip even in worn conditions. And a circular wear indicator at the center of the tread fades over time, indicating when the tire should be replaced.

The tire also uses a high-carbon black compound and a wide contact patch to improve grip. The interior is designed with a dual steel belt and a two-ply polyester structure to enhance stability and responsiveness at high speeds. These design components help to maintain consistent performance, even in high-torque electric vehicles, by preventing wheel slip.

The N'Blue 4 Season 2 was also recognized in the Green Transportation category for its eco-friendly design geared toward decreasing tread wear, extending replacement cycles and lower environmental impact. With a new compound that improves wear resistance by about 30% compared to the previous model, the tire lasts longer and generates less waste, promoting sustainability.

To ensure even contact with the road, NEXEN TIRE's N'Blue 4 Season 2 features fine sipes placed at the center of the tread blocks plus serrated edges on the outer tread improve braking on snow. In addition, a slanted support structure in the center reduces block movement on uneven surfaces, providing a more stable ride.

The N'Blue 4 Season 2 was previously awarded by the Red Dot Design Awards in Germany in 2022. In 2023, it also earned a "Green Tire" seal from German automotive magazine AutoBild for its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact.

Legacy EV Expands EV Innovators Club Nationwide, Brings Hands-On EV Education to Classrooms
 

Legacy EV--the provider of EV kits, components, education and build support based in Tempe, Arizona--is launching its groundbreaking EV Innovators Club nationwide, offering middle school educators an exciting, hands-on way to bring EV technology into their classrooms.

Designed for grades 5-9, the EV Innovators Club gives students the opportunity to design, build and race their own electric go-karts, all while engaging in STEM and career and technical education (CTE)-aligned learning. Following overwhelming demand, only 100 schools will be selected for the first national rollout starting in June 2025, with a waitlist now open for additional schools.

Legacy EV's plug-and-play program removes the barriers that often prevent schools from implementing cutting-edge STEM initiatives. With ready-to-teach lesson plans, hands-on teacher training, and a curriculum aligned with real-world EV industry standards, the EV Innovators Club makes it easy for educators--regardless of prior engineering experience--to introduce EV technology, sustainable energy concepts and problem-solving skills into their classrooms.

The announcement comes following a successful launch in Arizona, according to Legacy EV.

"The enthusiasm we saw from students and teachers in our Arizona pilot was incredible," said Mavrick Knoles, co-founder and president of Legacy EV. "Schools across the country have been asking for this kind of hands-on STEM program, and we're excited to make it a reality."

Interested school officials can learn more information and join the waitlist here.

Velocity Announces New Coast-to-Coast Authorized Dealer Network

Velocity, the Pensacola, Florida-based classic vehicle specialist, has announced its new authorized dealer network, offering customers the opportunity to experience and purchase Velocity builds nationwide. Previously, the only way to experience a Velocity build firsthand was by visiting Velocity's headquarters in Pensacola or registering for a pop-up test drive event. Now, with locations and inventory spanning across the country, customers can explore Velocity's craftsmanship firsthand on their terms.

The new Velocity authorized dealer network--with locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York--will act as an extension of the Velocity experience. Each dealership will feature a Velocity showroom and allow prospective buyers to get behind the wheel of their favorite Velocity vehicles. Customers can get up close with Velocity's expertly restored and modernized classics, all designed to feature industry-leading engineering and premium materials. Various vehicles will be available at each location, including Broncos, Mustangs, Blazers, F-Series trucks, C10s and K10s. Select models will be available for immediate purchase so customers can take home a Velocity build the same day or work with their local dealer to customize their own build to be delivered at a later date.

"The demand for our vehicles is greater than ever," said Velocity CEO Stuart Wilson. "Our authorized dealer network allows more people to experience the quality, performance and passion behind every Velocity build. This expansion is a big step in making our re-engineered classics more accessible while keeping the hands-on, curated experience that sets us apart."

The Velocity authorized dealer network is now live, with locations across the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest and West Coast. Velocity plans to continue expanding this network in the future, bringing the Velocity experience to even more enthusiasts nationwide. For more information about the Velocity Authorized Dealer Network, visit velocityrestorations.com, contact Velocity at 850-332-6064 or email sales@velocityrestorations.com. 
 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

It's been an interesting month for outdoor enthusiasts, with under-the-radar Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suddenly central to several headlines involving organizations who previously endorsed his cabinet nomination. SEMA was among those organizations that endorsed Burgum in December. We're not backing away from that decision now.  

SEMA is working to build strategic alliances in the off-road community, rather than alienate our potential partners. It's been an important last few days in service to that effort. 

When SEMA endorsed the former North Dakota governor, we did so from a position of significant credibility in the fight to preserve access to outdoor recreation spaces for our motorized, off-road recreation community. We reviewed then-Governor Burgum's nomination and were impressed with what we found. We've not wavered from that position, even as other organizations loudly capitulate to activists who call on them to withdraw their support based on misinformation. 

SEMA believes in building partnerships and establishing strong working relationships with key decision-makers at the federal level who have a significant voice over motorized off-road access. That's why SEMA staff were at the table just this week, meeting with Secretary Burgum and his staff in Washington, D.C., to share the perspective of our members and the nation's millions of off-road enthusiasts. You don't get that invitation without first establishing serious credibility in the space, and SEMA has carefully and diligently worked to maintain our position as the leading voice for the off-road community. We have a lengthy, credible track record of work in service of protecting public land access. 

We're also in the trenches, engaging directly with enthusiasts--which we count ourselves as. This past week, SEMA board members and staff had a strong presence at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, hitting the trails and taking part in Tread Lightly!'s service project to build fence lines for the Bureau of Land Management.  

We're entering a pivotal time in the fight to preserve motorized access to our outdoor spaces, and it is important to have friends in high places who will listen to our messages. SEMA continues to stand by our endorsement of Secretary Burgum in his role leading the Department of the Interior. We remain steadfast in our belief that the Trump Administration and Secretary Burgum are and will remain important allies in the effort to preserve and expand access to outdoor spaces and public lands for the nation's millions of outdoor enthusiasts. 

Here's our promise to the off-road community: We'll continue to support our members and the nation's diverse, passionate community of outdoor enthusiasts. We embrace all who love the outdoors--whether you drive trucks on tough trails, speed motorcycles through the desert or just love camping and hiking in the wilderness. That's why we support vehicle choice over electric vehicle (EV) mandates (which the Trump Administration fervently backs)--because the off-road community will be among the most impacted if you're told you can only drive EVs. That's why we support right-to-modify legislation and protections because you know what it takes to get your vehicle in shape to traverse our great off-road areas. And that's why we helped secure the passage of new laws to maintain motorized access to public lands and outdoor spaces, like the EXPLORE Act because we need more bipartisan action to preserve our ability to do the things we love. 

If you have questions, please contact Matt Daigle, SEMA's director of communications for the D.C. office, at mattd@sema.org.