By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has two great opportunities for manufacturers attending the 2026 Spring Carlisle Show, April 22-26, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to build their brand, promote their products and grow their professional connections.

ARMO Hot Products Showcase

The ARMO Hot Products Showcase is the ideal opportunity for ARMO members to showcase their new products to the right audience at the Spring Carlisle Show –– at no extra cost to members.

By having your product featured in the Hot Products Showcase tent –– located in a high-traffic area by the grandstands –– companies can expose their product to thousands of restoration and classic car enthusiasts looking to build or restore their vehicles.

Signing up is simple: Fill out the form to let ARMO know which product you're showcasing. Ship the product to the Show with a return label, or drop off the product in person at the Hot Products Showcase tent. ARMO will take care of the rest.

Enter your product today. Not yet an ARMO member? You can apply to join.

Networking Happy Hour for Restoration Parts Manufacturers

ARMO also invites all restoration parts manufacturers to attend its networking Happy Hour, taking place Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. inside the Hot Products Showcase tent.

The Happy Hour offers a valuable chance to catch up with other members, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the hot new products on display. Members and non-members alike will learn about ARMO's initiatives designed to help its members succeed in the industry, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Trump Administration recently announced updates to Section 232 tariffs covering steel, aluminum and certain derivative products. Effective April 6, businesses importing products that contain steel and aluminum will be subject to a 25% tariff applied to the full value of the imported product. This replaces the prior system, which imposed a 50% tariff on the value of the embedded steel or aluminum content.

• The revised approach is intended to simplify compliance while maintaining strong protections for domestic metals producers.
   

Upstream Metals Impact

President Trump's proclamation announced that the existing 50% tariff on upstream, commodity-grade metals will remain in place. Products that are made almost entirely of steel or aluminum may also be reclassified into this category. Products with limited metal content, defined as 15% or less (measured by weight), will no longer be subject to Section 232 tariffs. Instead, those goods will be subject to the Administration's separate 10% global baseline tariff.

• The practical impact of these changes will vary significantly across sectors and supply chains. Importers of complex manufactured goods may face higher duty burdens despite the reduction in nominal tariff rates. The shift to full-value assessment is expected to generate additional tariff revenue for the federal government and partially offset declines following recent court decisions that invalidated other tariff authorities.

The overhaul follows months of internal deliberations over how to address longstanding industry concerns about the complexity of the existing system. Manufacturers had argued that "Liberation Day" tariffs raised input costs for domestic production while allowing many finished imports to enter the U.S. market with minimal duties. The current revisions are intended to close that gap while making compliance more straightforward for importers who previously struggled to calculate the value of embedded metal content.
 

April 6 Provisions

The updated framework continues to rely on Section 232 authorities under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which remain intact despite recent legal challenges affecting other trade tools. The following provisions take effect April 6 through an undetermined date:

• Articles in Annex I-A will have a 50% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the United Kingdom will have a 25% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex I-B will have a 25% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the UK will have a 15% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex II will no longer face a Section 232 steel or aluminum tariff.

Additionally, articles in Annex III will face, depending on the country, a 15% top-up (i.e., a product with a baseline tariff below 15% gets topped up to 15% and a baseline tariff above 15% faces no additional tariff), 10% (for products for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States) or 25% (countries with no normal trading relations). This provision is to remain in place through December 31, 2026.
 

President Trump reserves the right to revoke this treatment if imports of a product increase in such a way that undermines national security. Revocation would subject Annex III products from the country to Annex I-B tariff rates.
 

Additional Details

• 200% aluminum tariffs will remain in effect for Annex I-A, I-B and III products that were smelted or cast in Russia.
   
• Products on Annex I-A, I-B or III that contain some combination of steel, aluminum and copper will only be subject to one tariff rate. In other words, the steel, aluminum and copper tariffs do not stack.
   
• Products on Annex I-B or III that do not contain any steel, aluminum or copper content (as laid out in Annex IV) will not be subject to tariffs.
   
• Products that fall under the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and are civil aircraft or civil aircraft parts will not be subject to the steel, aluminum or copper tariffs.
   
• The inclusions processes for steel, aluminum and copper are terminated, though the Commerce Department and USTR reserve the right to add more derivative articles to the tariffs.
   
• Drawback is available to a product on Annex I-B or III that's not subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order, from a trade agreement partner country (United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and others with a final Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)), and the steel is completely melted and poured in the trade agreement partner country (or aluminum/copper smelted and cast).

Questions? Comments? Want to share your tariff story? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

This article was originally published on April 7, 2026.

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer. Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Hieronymus Ukkel

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Trump Administration recently announced updates to Section 232 tariffs covering steel, aluminum and certain derivative products. Effective April 6, businesses importing products that contain steel and aluminum will be subject to a 25% tariff applied to the full value of the imported product. This replaces the prior system, which imposed a 50% tariff on the value of the embedded steel or aluminum content.

• The revised approach is intended to simplify compliance while maintaining strong protections for domestic metals producers.
   

Upstream Metals Impact

President Trump's proclamation announced that the existing 50% tariff on upstream, commodity-grade metals will remain in place. Products that are made almost entirely of steel or aluminum may also be reclassified into this category. Products with limited metal content, defined as 15% or less (measured by weight), will no longer be subject to Section 232 tariffs. Instead, those goods will be subject to the Administration's separate 10% global baseline tariff.

• The practical impact of these changes will vary significantly across sectors and supply chains. Importers of complex manufactured goods may face higher duty burdens despite the reduction in nominal tariff rates. The shift to full-value assessment is expected to generate additional tariff revenue for the federal government and partially offset declines following recent court decisions that invalidated other tariff authorities.

The overhaul follows months of internal deliberations over how to address longstanding industry concerns about the complexity of the existing system. Manufacturers had argued that "Liberation Day" tariffs raised input costs for domestic production while allowing many finished imports to enter the U.S. market with minimal duties. The current revisions are intended to close that gap while making compliance more straightforward for importers who previously struggled to calculate the value of embedded metal content.
 

April 6 Provisions

The updated framework continues to rely on Section 232 authorities under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which remain intact despite recent legal challenges affecting other trade tools. The following provisions take effect April 6 through an undetermined date:

• Articles in Annex I-A will have a 50% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the United Kingdom will have a 25% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex I-B will have a 25% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the UK will have a 15% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex II will no longer face a Section 232 steel or aluminum tariff.

Additionally, articles in Annex III will face, depending on the country, a 15% top-up (i.e., a product with a baseline tariff below 15% gets topped up to 15% and a baseline tariff above 15% faces no additional tariff), 10% (for products for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States) or 25% (countries with no normal trading relations). This provision is to remain in place through December 31, 2026.
 

President Trump reserves the right to revoke this treatment if imports of a product increase in such a way that undermines national security. Revocation would subject Annex III products from the country to Annex I-B tariff rates.
 

Additional Details

• 200% aluminum tariffs will remain in effect for Annex I-A, I-B and III products that were smelted or cast in Russia.
   
• Products on Annex I-A, I-B or III that contain some combination of steel, aluminum and copper will only be subject to one tariff rate. In other words, the steel, aluminum and copper tariffs do not stack.
   
• Products on Annex I-B or III that do not contain any steel, aluminum or copper content (as laid out in Annex IV) will not be subject to tariffs.
   
• Products that fall under the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and are civil aircraft or civil aircraft parts will not be subject to the steel, aluminum or copper tariffs.
   
• The inclusions processes for steel, aluminum and copper are terminated, though the Commerce Department and USTR reserve the right to add more derivative articles to the tariffs.
   
• Drawback is available to a product on Annex I-B or III that's not subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order, from a trade agreement partner country (United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and others with a final Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)), and the steel is completely melted and poured in the trade agreement partner country (or aluminum/copper smelted and cast).

Questions? Comments? Want to share your tariff story? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

This article was originally published on April 7, 2026.

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer. Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Hieronymus Ukkel

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Good news: the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee recently held a hearing on H.R. 7979 the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA), a SEMA and ORBA-supported bill that would restore the presumption that public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are open for all different types of recreation, including motorized use, unless there is a reason for a designated closure. 

Your help is still needed: send a letter to your U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 7979.  

The bill seeks to restore a long-standing "open unless posted closed" policy for lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM, reversing more restrictive access policies that have been in place since 2005.  

U.S. Representatives Jeff Crank (R-CO) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) recently introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act to restore recreational access to public lands unless the land managers are able to justify closures based on resource protection or public safety reasons. The bill increases transparency and accountability in how access decisions are made on BLM and Forrest Service lands and establishes a clearer review process for restricting recreation, with the goal of balancing conservation priorities with recreational use. 

SEMA and ORBA strongly support H.R. 7979 and included the following remark in the official press release announcing Reps. Crank and Kennedy's introduction of the bill. 

"On behalf of motorized recreational businesses and the millions of off-road enthusiasts who support the industry, SEMA and ORBA thank Reps. Crank and Kennedy for introducing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, the senior vice president of Government and Public Affairs for SEMA. "This bill offers an important policy shift to ensure that BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands are open to motorized vehicles unless there is a justifiable resource protection or public safety need to prohibit motorized access. We strongly support the return to an 'open unless posted closed' policy on public lands."

PLARA would restore and expand recreational access to public lands, which is critical to the local economies of communities throughout the country that depend on recreational tourism. If enacted into law, this bill will support tourism, outdoor businesses and the broader recreation economy, particularly in rural areas that rely heavily on public land use.  

The introduction of PLARA adds to ongoing congressional efforts to address access and infrastructure challenges on federal lands, building on recent bipartisan interest in outdoor recreation policy. As the bill moves forward, stakeholders across the recreation and conservation communities are expected to engage closely on its implications for access, land management, and resource protection. 

Questions? Want to invite the SEMA team to go off-roading? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's Senior Manager of Government Affairs, at juanm@sema.org  

This story was originally published on Tuesday, March 31.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Reinhardt and Co

By Ashley Reyes
 

The SEMA Scholarship Program supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to students preparing for automotive careers. Volunteer judges play a vital role in reviewing scholarship applications and selecting deserving recipients.
 

Judges will review inspiring stories and accomplishments that highlight the talent and determination of the industry's next generation. These stories showcase students' passion for the aftermarket and the skills and perspectives shaping its future.
 

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be completed remotely on your schedule. Judging runs from late April through May. Learn more and apply to volunteer.

Learn more about the SEMA Scholarship Program at sema.org/scholarships.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are building up its capacity to advocate for the motorsports community, adding two new strategic roles on its Washington, D.C., government affairs team to bring more focus to racing and its legislative and regulatory issues.

"The addition of these positions is a strategic investment back into the motorsports community, which is a significant economic driver and a jewel in the crown of American culture," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president for public and government affairs. "When SEMA and PRI support racetracks, we're supporting community, innovation and our nation's competitive spirit; these new roles are in service to that calling."

SEMA is promoting Tierra Hubbard to director of government affairs for racing. In this new role, Hubbard will lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government. Hubbard, previously SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, has played a pivotal role in both organizations' national Right-to-Race campaign, helping deliver meaningful wins on the eastern half of the U.S.

"Tierra is one of the hardest-working and most effective advocates in our organization, and she's earned the respect of lawmakers and the racing community alike. Over the past year, she has led the charge on our Right-to-Race efforts, helping drive meaningful progress in multiple states and building the coalitions needed to sustain that momentum," said SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson. "We are thrilled to see her step into this new role, where her leadership and work ethic will continue to deliver results for the motorsports community."

"Working with SEMA and PRI on motorsports initiatives has been incredibly rewarding, and because of my father's passion for racing, it serves as a personal reminder of why racetracks mean so much to communities across the country," said Hubbard. "I'm excited to get on the road, meet with track owners, drivers, pit crews and fans, and continue advancing the Right-to-Race campaign to protect and preserve this cultural treasure for generations to come."

Hubbard, a native of Minnesota, holds a degree in political science and criminal justice from George Washington University.

Lifelong motorsports enthusiast and seasoned political operative Coby Lobaugh is joining SEMA as grassroots manager for racing. This new position will help engage the motorsports community in advocacy efforts. Lobaugh brings with him a lengthy track record of success in managing digital advocacy campaigns for political candidates, not-for-profit organizations and members of the U.S. Congress.

In this new role, Lobaugh will support the efforts of SEMA and PRI to activate and educate track owners, drivers, fans and local communities on key legislative priorities.

"We're thrilled to add Coby to the PRI Government Affairs team and believe he adds a potent mix of motorsports enthusiasm and digital communications acumen," said SEMA Political Director Lauren Wilbor. "This is a critical step as PRI continues to build up our capacity to advocate for the nation's motorsports industry and its $69 billion annual economic impact, while engaging and mobilizing the people with whom the racetrack is a second home."

Lobaugh joins PRI from Judicial Watch, where he created content and oversaw broadcast productions reaching the organization's more than 7-million audience members. He also served as digital director for Rep. Mike Lawler's successful electoral campaign in New York, and built a compelling and engaging online communications platform for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). Lobaugh's passion for cars and automotive culture is well-documented, including stints as a contributor and photographer for Viper Quarterly Magazine, an enthusiast-focused publication devoted to Dodge's iconic sports car.

"Anyone who loves cars knows and appreciates what PRI is doing to preserve American car culture and protect our nation's motorsports industry," Lobaugh said. "It's exciting to have this opportunity to work directly with those who pour their hearts and souls into racing and motorsports and ensure that this vibrant part of our nation's heritage continues to flourish."

Lobaugh is a Texas native and holds a degree in broadcast production from Sam Houston State University.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are building up its capacity to advocate for the motorsports community, adding two new strategic roles on its Washington, D.C., government affairs team to bring more focus to racing and its legislative and regulatory issues.

"The addition of these positions is a strategic investment back into the motorsports community, which is a significant economic driver and a jewel in the crown of American culture," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president for public and government affairs. "When SEMA and PRI support racetracks, we're supporting community, innovation and our nation's competitive spirit; these new roles are in service to that calling."

SEMA is promoting Tierra Hubbard to director of government affairs for racing. In this new role, Hubbard will lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government. Hubbard, previously SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, has played a pivotal role in both organizations' national Right-to-Race campaign, helping deliver meaningful wins on the eastern half of the U.S.

"Tierra is one of the hardest-working and most effective advocates in our organization, and she's earned the respect of lawmakers and the racing community alike. Over the past year, she has led the charge on our Right-to-Race efforts, helping drive meaningful progress in multiple states and building the coalitions needed to sustain that momentum," said SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson. "We are thrilled to see her step into this new role, where her leadership and work ethic will continue to deliver results for the motorsports community."

"Working with SEMA and PRI on motorsports initiatives has been incredibly rewarding, and because of my father's passion for racing, it serves as a personal reminder of why racetracks mean so much to communities across the country," said Hubbard. "I'm excited to get on the road, meet with track owners, drivers, pit crews and fans, and continue advancing the Right-to-Race campaign to protect and preserve this cultural treasure for generations to come."

Hubbard, a native of Minnesota, holds a degree in political science and criminal justice from George Washington University.

Lifelong motorsports enthusiast and seasoned political operative Coby Lobaugh is joining SEMA as grassroots manager for racing. This new position will help engage the motorsports community in advocacy efforts. Lobaugh brings with him a lengthy track record of success in managing digital advocacy campaigns for political candidates, not-for-profit organizations and members of the U.S. Congress.

In this new role, Lobaugh will support the efforts of SEMA and PRI to activate and educate track owners, drivers, fans and local communities on key legislative priorities.

"We're thrilled to add Coby to the PRI Government Affairs team and believe he adds a potent mix of motorsports enthusiasm and digital communications acumen," said SEMA Political Director Lauren Wilbor. "This is a critical step as PRI continues to build up our capacity to advocate for the nation's motorsports industry and its $69 billion annual economic impact, while engaging and mobilizing the people with whom the racetrack is a second home."

Lobaugh joins PRI from Judicial Watch, where he created content and oversaw broadcast productions reaching the organization's more than 7-million audience members. He also served as digital director for Rep. Mike Lawler's successful electoral campaign in New York, and built a compelling and engaging online communications platform for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). Lobaugh's passion for cars and automotive culture is well-documented, including stints as a contributor and photographer for Viper Quarterly Magazine, an enthusiast-focused publication devoted to Dodge's iconic sports car.

"Anyone who loves cars knows and appreciates what PRI is doing to preserve American car culture and protect our nation's motorsports industry," Lobaugh said. "It's exciting to have this opportunity to work directly with those who pour their hearts and souls into racing and motorsports and ensure that this vibrant part of our nation's heritage continues to flourish."

Lobaugh is a Texas native and holds a degree in broadcast production from Sam Houston State University.

By Ashley Reyes

On Tuesday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on "Building Your Future Workforce: Practical Hiring Pathways for Automotive Businesses."
 

Designed to address the urgent need for sustainable talent pipelines in the industry, this session will help automotive businesses strengthen their future workforce by understanding proven talent pathways, including hands-on training, certified education and institutional college programs, as well as helping students and parents see that there is more than one road to success.
 

Moderated by Kevin Webb, owner at Hot Rod Custom Garage, the session will feature panelists George Arrants, vice president at ASE Education Foundation; Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations at Wyotech; and Aaron Valencia, executive director and founder at Los Angels Career Center. Together, they will help shop owners understand what students value today, how to communicate career progression clearly, and how to build a culture that supports long-term retention and growth.
 

Discussion topics include:

• Talent pipeline challenges and growth strategies
• Multiple entry ways into the industry
• The early engagement and mentorship model
• Career profession and retention strategies
• Aligning shop culture with next-generation workforce expectations
• Action steps for partnership and hiring within 90 days
• Executing a long-term industry-to-education vision

Whether you're looking to attract, develop or retain the next generation of talent at your business, this event will help you understand the training pathways available today, how to connect with emerging talent and actionable steps you can take immediately to begin building a stronger workforce pipeline.
 

Register.

By SEMA News Editors

Travel costs can stack up quickly for business travel, but SEMA Show organizers are helping attendees stay on budget with exclusive hotel rates, added perks and a streamlined booking experience for 2026.

SEMA Show's block of Las Vegas hotels offers options across every price tier, with the best nightly rates — plus exclusive perks and a simple, affordable booking process.

Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, can be made online at semashow.com/hotel.

See the top five benefits of booking your 2026 SEMA Show hotel through our only official partner, onPeak, below:

Deep Value and Discounts 

SEMA negotiates the lowest available nightly rates -- often below hotel rack rates. Skip the hours of searching online and book directly through onPeak--but don't wait! Visit semashow.com/hotel as early as possible to lock in the best available rates. 

Even better, organizers will price-match if you find a lower rate -- so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block.

Earn Hotel Rewards Points 

Hotel rewards points add up quickly, especially during trade show travel. Reservations made through official SEMA Show hotels are eligible for loyalty programs. Simply enter your rewards number when booking, and you're set.

For example, SEMA Showgoers who are already Marriott Bonvoy members (a free program) can earn points by following these steps:

• Book your SEMA Show hotel through onPeak, the official housing provider. Select a Marriott or MGM property.
• Enter your unique Marriott Bonvoy number in the "Hotel Rewards" section upon check-out. 
• IMPORTANT: Provide your Marriott Bonvoy number again at the front desk during check-in.

Fully Flexible Booking

Plans change. There are no change fees and no full prepayment required at the time of booking -- unlike many other booking channels. You can modify or cancel your reservation without penalty through October 8.

Easy Group Bookings 

Book your entire group -- large or small -- in real time with immediate confirmations. Reserve rooms now and assign guests later.

You can select rooms based on preferred travel dates and manage payments for the full group or assign individual payment methods.

A Sustainable Hotel Stay 

The official SEMA Show hotel provider, onPeak, offers resources to support more sustainable travel. View hotel sustainability plans at onpeak.com/sustainability and explore additional travel tips at blog.onpeak.com.

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 opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

Sponsored by Turn 14 Distribution
 

The Turn 14 Distribution × Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR, which one lucky authorized dealer will win next year.
 

Despite an unusual year, marked by tariffs, a challenging job market and cautious consumers, the aftermarket parts industry remains undeterred. Anyone who attended the SEMA Show this past November could see it, as they were greeted by an energetic crowd and industry professionals eager to conduct some business. Uncertainty be damned, there are engine builds to finish, new wheels to install and a track day on the calendar that can't be missed. 

Just ask Turn 14 Distribution. The disruptive, award-winning wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports performance aftermarket parts showed up big this year and continued to deliver on its commitment to help shop owners thrive. 

A Year in Review: Supporting the Community 

The wholesale distributor supported the industry throughout the year, culminating in their strong attendance at both the SEMA Show and PRI Show. Turn 14 actively sought out events to support and mingle with participants and partners nationwide, providing unique experiences for its customers.  

To name a few, Turn 14 Distribution showed up at TX2K, the "super bowl of street car events," where customers' insane builds set new standards for speed. The event kicks off the proper racing season in dramatic fashion, with the fastest, most powerful cars in the country converging in an epic display of power. Throughout the racing season, the distributor partnered with GRIDLIFE, the premier motorsports festival series, introducing the Turn 14 Partner Lounge at every round. The exclusive lounge offered fans, racers and industry professionals an immersive experience and a dedicated area to connect, recharge and enjoy the action like never before. 

Turn 14 Distribution Jeep staff could be spotted with their vendor and customer partners at Jeep Beach and the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion. These events don't have the raw speed of TX2K or GRIDLIFE, but share deep camaraderie, enthusiasm and the spirit of innovation.  

To connect with powersports and dirt-focused customers, the wholesale distributor participated in several Supercross events, maintaining a solid presence in the FanFest area and a dealer hospitality suite for a premium viewing experience. Turn 14 Distribution also provided Harley-Davidson enthusiasts with unique happy hours, lunches and giveaways in its rig's shade at the impressive Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  
 

Dealers In the Driver Seat 

Beyond these special experiences, Turn 14 Distribution worked closely with its customers to deliver new features and programs that helped manage their businesses.  

Built by entrepreneurs who understand the realities of running a business, the company's mission is simple: supply, connect and support independent shop owners with the tools they need to grow in a rapidly changing marketplace. Using shop owners' feedback, the distributor introduced new tools including a Wheel & Tire Search for faster and more accurate fitment results, Roadie Same-Day Delivery to shops near its distribution centers, Dealer Management Systems integrations and expanded search functionality, among others.

To support and empower dealer-level decision-making based on this same feedback, the company's Preferred Access subscription unlocks exclusive promotions, reduced shipping costs and richer data insight--and includes the company's Virtual Inventory feature to help dealers secure inventory in Turn 14 distribution centers without adding any physical stock in their store. 
 

2026 Tour Dates Coming Soon 
 

The Turn 14 Distribution x Bilstein Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, which authorized dealers can earn a chance to win.
 

SEMA Show attendees gushed over three stunning builds at the Turn 14 Distribution booths. 

The Turn 14 Distribution x Aeromotive Ford Mustang GT build, unveiled for the first time at the annual show, is built as a jack-of-all-trades, versatile enough to let its owner choose the challenge and excel across multiple disciplines. All the while, it still offers the comfort needed after the checkered flag. Every partner and part was carefully chosen to deliver real-world performance without sacrificing style or drivability while remaining completely compliant in all 50 states. This build will continue its tour in 2026 at TX2K, Mustang Week and GRIDLIFE events, among others.  

The Turn 14 Distribution x Bilstein Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, also unveiled at the Show, demanded attention. The goal of the build? Start with the factory-upgraded Rubicon platform, known for its off-road pedigree, and kick it up a notch. A more capable, visually aggressive and purpose-built rig that still behaves when needed as a daily. Because it's not always about building the most extreme rig, sometimes, it's about making the right improvements that bring out the best in the platform. Expect to see this build at Jeep Beach, Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, and elsewhere throughout the 2026 season.  

The last build to grace the SEMA Show lot was the Turn 14 Distribution × Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR, an unmistakable statement of the distributor's definitive stake in the powersports market. Unveiled at the Sand Sports Super Show in September, the eye-grabbing UTV will end its tour at AIME Expo in Anaheim, California, in January. 

Until then, Turn 14 Distribution authorized dealers will be competing for the right to take one of the builds home in 2026. 
 

Start Your Vehicle… 

The Turn 14 Distribution x Aeromotive Ford Mustang GT build will be given away in 2026.
 

Building vehicle giveaway promotions, immersive experiences, continuous focus on shop growth, and supporting the industry is just the beginning. Turn 14 Distribution is revving to start 2026 with a bang. A multi-discipline booth, motorsports rig and a party you won't want to miss are just pieces of its significant presence at the AIMExpo and Supercross Anaheim 1 events. From there, Turn 14 will be featured at numerous races and events, including Overland Expos, TX2K, Mustang Week, Jeep Beach, Formula Drift, Euro-Klassik, MPACT, GRIDLIFE and Sturgis, among others.  
 

Join the Fun!
 

If you're already partnering with Turn 14 Distribution, contact your sales representative to find out how you could win one of its builds, get on the guest list for event hospitality or hear about current sales promotions. 

Not currently buying from the wholesale distributor? Dealers and shop owners still have time to sign up for an account and discover how they could qualify to win one of its giveaway vehicles--and so much more. 
 

About Turn 14 Distribution 

Turn 14 Distribution is the disruptive, award-winning wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports performance aftermarket parts in the United States. Built by entrepreneurs who understand the realities of running a business, our mission is simple: supply, connect and support independent shop owners with the tools they need to grow in a rapidly changing marketplace. Leveraging proprietary technology, Turn 14 Distribution drives automation, real-time data, and logistics to deliver best-in-class service. Privately owned and operated, and proudly 100% wholesale. Learn more at www.turn14.com.  

This article was originally published on November 25, 2025.