By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers, returns for 2023. The prestigious competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds.

By SEMA Editors

Hemmings Marketplace, the collector car marketplace, takes on a new adventure by partnering with Rambler Rallies, the curator of custom road trips for automotive enthusiasts across some of the best landmarks and auto treasures in the United States. The Rambler Rallies, presented by Hemmings Marketplace, is an inexpensive way to take your hot rod on a five-day commissioned tour in a variety of cities full of exciting and engaging fun along some of the best scenic paths.

"Knowing how much collector car owners want to enjoy driving their vehicles to iconic locations, it was a natural fit to have Hemmings become the title sponsor of three upcoming Rambler Rally tours," said Jonathan Shaw, Hemmings president. "Hemmings Marketplace is the go-to resource for buying and selling collector vehicles across North America.

New for 2023, Rambler Rallies, presented by Hemmings Marketplace, will host three events with predetermined routes, including three to four hours of driving, scenic lookouts, visiting quaint towns, museum tickets, track events and evening activities. This event is open to all years, makes and models of vehicles and drivers who want to enjoy the scenic route.

The Rambler Rallies, presented by Hemmings Marketplace Schedule

• Circle the Smokies/Asheville, North Carolina/July 10-14
• Rocky Mountain Miglia/Boulder, Colorado/August 21-25
• Leaves and Lobsters/Newport, Rhode Island/October 9-13

For more information and to register your vehicle, visit ramblerrallies.com/signup.

By Ashley Reyes

Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of a rapidly growing segment in the performance aftermarket. To ensure efficient product development, engineers, programmers and developers must know how to accurately assess modifications' influence on EV performance--and they can learn do so with an upcoming online program.

During the webinar EV Dyno Testing on Wednesday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, attendees will learn how to properly dyno test an EV chassis. Participants will hear from Michael Caldwell, the sales manager at Mustang Advanced Engineering, and walk away knowing: 

• The difference between dyno testing an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
• How to prepare an EV for accurate chassis dyno testing.
• How to evaluate the results from an EV chassis dyno test.
• How to report proper performance increases. 

Caldwell has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive testing business. Connect with him live on Wednesday, July 13, and register for the webinar today.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus (CAPMC) introduced U.S. House Resolution 573 (H. Res. 573), recognizing July 14, 2023, as "Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD)." This year marks the 14th commemoration of what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection play in American society.

SEMA thanks CAPMC Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) for recognizing the cultural significance of collecting and restoring collector vehicles. These Congressional leaders are among the strongest advocates for the automotive culture in Washington, D.C., and the Caucus is an informal, non-partisan member organization that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with cars and motorsports. Click here to see if your lawmakers are members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which includes 14 U.S. Senators and 45 U.S. House members.

Automotive enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in this year's CCAD celebration by planning or attending events in their community. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) maintains the official list of events to celebrate the day, which includes car shows, cruise-ins and parades nationwide. If you or someone you know is hosting a vehicle-related gathering in July--public or private--submit the details on the SAN website. Those planning to celebrate with a virtual session (online event, live stream, digital gallery, etc.) are also welcome to provide details for official inclusion.

For more information, visit semaSAN.com/CCAD.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Michael Lavelle, vice president of expeditor sales at Voxx Electronics, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. 

Get to know Lavelle in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?

Michael Lavelle: My interest in vehicles of all types and sizes combined with the positive experiences that family members have had working in the industry.  

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?

ML: I believe that I can help bring a unique perspective to PRO, having been in the industry with a dynamic company for more than 20 years and personally experiencing the changes that the industry has gone through.

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

ML: Be adaptable. The industry is constantly evolving.

SN: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

ML: A Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. You would find me anywhere near the water.

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?

ML: Learn from your mistakes. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?

ML: The anticipation of the next big thing.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

ML: On my boat or at one of my daughter's many sporting events.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.

By Marissa Guajardo

Exhibitors who are making breaking news announcements at the 2023 SEMA Show that will be of interest to a large number of media can submit a press conference application here. The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is Friday, August 4.

Once an application is submitted, exhibitors will receive an automatic email confirming their application was received. Those still waiting to receive a confirmation email or experiencing a technical problem are encouraged to reach out to the SEMA Public Relations team for assistance. 

Since media are not required to attend press conferences, many exhibitors also choose to reach out to media through an alternative means, such as submitting a press release through the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until Friday, July 14, to submit their nominations for the notable SEMA Industry Awards, which are awarded to leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry. 

In recognition of the recipient's exceptional contributions to the specialty-equipment industry throughout the last year, these awards are among the highest honors given by the trade association. A recipient is an individual or business that embodies the industry's mission while also demonstrating the principles, professionalism and service that advance the sector. 

Nominations are open for:  

• Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.  
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.  
• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.  
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends.  
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts. 

The Industry Awards are presented during SEMA Show week, October 31-November 3, 2023. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, October 31, will award both The Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, November 2, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize the Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year and Content Creator of the Year.

Nominations for all five awards are now being accepted at sema.org/awards. 

[Editors' note: You can also submit a recommendation form if you don't have all the requested information to complete the nomination form. When you submit a recommendation form, the awards committee sends a nomination form to the person or business you recommend so they can complete their nomination.] 

By Juan Torres

Tickets for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, to honor this year's Hall of Fame members and fellow industry leaders, are now available here. The prestigious annual celebration is open to the industry and will be held Friday, July 21, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, California.

"The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is among our association's most iconic events," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "As the event's name implies, the Gala honors excellence and achievement, especially as embodied in our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees."

Formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala will honor incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, industry leaders and volunteers, and 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Steve Ames, John Iannotte and Mitch Williams.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering industry participants opportunities to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

"It's a great opportunity to come together mid-year and recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry," said Spagnola. "I'm looking forward to celebrating with friends and colleagues."

To secure a seat or table, or to sponsor a SEMA Pinewoods Drags car, at the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, visit the event page here. 

By the SEMA D.C. office 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). If finalized, the EPA estimates the rule would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032 and essentially blocking out other technologies that can help achieve these goals. Click here to read Spagnola's comment to the EPA.

SEMA also coordinated a grassroots and media campaign that led to SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts sending the EPA more than 7,700 letters outlining the adverse impacts of the proposed rule. Highlights of the campaign include: 

• Spagnola and SEMA members Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services; Billy Brooks, director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow; and Keith Cavallini, owner of Green Diesel Engineering testified before the EPA in May about the proposed rule, speaking about how it would impact their businesses and the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology.
• Ian Lehn, the founder and CEO of BOOSTane, spoke to ABC News 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, about how the EPA's proposed rule could unfairly tilt the market toward EVs over the next decade. He also wrote an op-ed that was published on Cleveland.com. Read it here.   
• West Virginia state lawmaker and SEMA-member Gary Howell (R-WV) penned a powerful op-ed piece for the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News. Read it here. 
• Spagnola wrote an op-ed to the Washington Examiner and was interviewed on the "Smoking Tire Podcast."
• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution published an op-ed from Chelsea Allen, owner of Crush Customs and Nick Caloroso, national sales manager for Driven Lighting Group.

"Thousands of small businesses and their employees will be adversely impacted by this proposal's overly aggressive push to electrify America's automotive sector," said Spagnola. "There are many options on the road to zero emissions. American-grown biofuels, carbon capture and innovations in engine production are all aimed at this shared goal. The specialty automotive aftermarket has also led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies and is committed to playing a central role in the evolution of automotive technology, including the parts and products that power our vehicles. However, this proposal embraces electrification as the technology of choice to the detriment of many of our members and their innovations." 

The EPA is expected to issue its final rule later this year or early next. Through our grassroots and education efforts, SEMA's work on this issue will continue over the coming months. While the EPA can issue its final rule, Congress still oversees the agency and its actions, so we expect this fight to make its way to Capitol Hill and continue well into 2024. 

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By the SEMA D.C. office 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). If finalized, the EPA estimates the rule would lead to EVs making up two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2032 and essentially blocking out other technologies that can help achieve these goals. Click here to read Spagnola's comment to the EPA.

SEMA also coordinated a grassroots and media campaign that led to SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts sending the EPA more than 7,700 letters outlining the adverse impacts of the proposed rule. Highlights of the campaign include: 

• Spagnola and SEMA members Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers; Rob Simons, principal with Automotive Consulting Services; Billy Brooks, director of Engineering for Cobb Tuning; Dan Millen, owner of Livernois Motorsports; Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance; Laurel Moorhead, regulatory compliance engineer with Transfer Flow; and Keith Cavallini, owner of Green Diesel Engineering testified before the EPA in May about the proposed rule, speaking about how it would impact their businesses and the importance of the EPA maintaining a technology-neutral approach to motor-vehicle technology.
• Ian Lehn, the founder and CEO of BOOSTane, spoke to ABC News 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, about how the EPA's proposed rule could unfairly tilt the market toward EVs over the next decade. He also wrote an op-ed that was published on Cleveland.com. Read it here.   
• West Virginia state lawmaker and SEMA-member Gary Howell (R-WV) penned a powerful op-ed piece for the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News. Read it here. 
• Spagnola wrote an op-ed to the Washington Examiner and was interviewed on the "Smoking Tire Podcast."
• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution published an op-ed from Chelsea Allen, owner of Crush Customs and Nick Caloroso, national sales manager for Driven Lighting Group.

"Thousands of small businesses and their employees will be adversely impacted by this proposal's overly aggressive push to electrify America's automotive sector," said Spagnola. "There are many options on the road to zero emissions. American-grown biofuels, carbon capture and innovations in engine production are all aimed at this shared goal. The specialty automotive aftermarket has also led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies and is committed to playing a central role in the evolution of automotive technology, including the parts and products that power our vehicles. However, this proposal embraces electrification as the technology of choice to the detriment of many of our members and their innovations." 

The EPA is expected to issue its final rule later this year or early next. Through our grassroots and education efforts, SEMA's work on this issue will continue over the coming months. While the EPA can issue its final rule, Congress still oversees the agency and its actions, so we expect this fight to make its way to Capitol Hill and continue well into 2024. 

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.