By the SEMA D.C. office

Join SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees (PACs) on Sunday, August 13, for an unforgettable day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a private-suite gathering to witness the heart-pounding action of the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

U.S. law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources to support the lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing and aftermarket industry and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access and the right to race.

Tickets are limited and include suite and garage access, full catering and an open bar. Interested in attending or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Space is limited and requires a purchase to attend--RSVP today!

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at semabotb.com. Participants interested in the Young Guns category, for builders 29 years and younger, should be aware of an upcoming deadline for a special prize package (more details, below).

Josh Michaels built this '66 Chevrolet Corvette, which earned him the class champion title for the Young Guns Category in the 2022 Battle of the Builders.

The Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA's communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four unique categories--Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns--before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.

Young Guns' Virtual Golden Ticket Competition Deadline Is August 15

The Young Guns category (for builders 29 years and younger) is part of SEMA's initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. 

"Participating in last year's Battle of the Builders Young Guns program opened doors I didn't even know existed. The second I arrived at the SEMA Show, I started connecting with all the other Young Guns competitors, whom I still stay in contact with today. It's hard meeting people my age that share the same passion for hot-rod building as I do, and the SEMA Show is a great place to connect with them," said the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns class champion Josh Michaels. "Winning the Young Guns category also validated my work as a hot-rod builder and got my name on a lot of people's radars. It's given me numerous connections and sponsorships, which have been crucial to how much I've grown my business this past year."

The "Top 3" Young Guns from the 2022 Battle of the Builders competition (from left to right), Austin Phipps, Cameron Cocalis, and Josh Michaels.

All Young Guns entries submitted before Tuesday, August 15, will also have the opportunity to compete in up to three virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes: 

• Round-trip economy airfare for two to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show (or fuel expenses if driving to Las Vegas; the amount awarded will be based on the lesser of two options: the price of the airline tickets if SEMA booked the flight or the cost of mileage reimbursement from the winner's home to Las Vegas based on $.655 per mile (IRS mileage rate for 2023). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
• One hotel room, double occupancy, for seven (7) nights in Las Vegas during The SEMA Show (check-in Saturday, October 28 and check-out Saturday, November 4). The approximate retail value depends on market fluctuations. 
• Vehicle shipping to and from the SEMA Show for one (1) competition vehicle (via CONUS). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
• Five hundred dollars ($500) cash to use for meals and incidental expenses while at the SEMA Show. Approximate retail value: $500
• All prizes are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of SEMA.

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders or to register, visit semabotb.com.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation that, if approved, would require the state to adopt California's latest motor vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. Connecticut has historically followed California's tailpipe laws.

Click here to submit comments opposing the regulation to the DEEP by August 23.

SEMA believes that Connecticut's residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels, and improvements to the internal-combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions, not just electric vehicles.

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By the SEMA D.C. office

U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced S. 2462, the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. The SEMA-supported, bipartisan legislation would provide certainty to racing facility owners about long-term investments by amending the Federal Tax Code to make permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for investments in motorsports entertainment complexes. Currently, this tax incentive expires at the end of 2025.

"The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act is a simple fix to our tax code that will offer speedways the freedom to make long-term investments and upgrades to their facilities," said Sen. Warner. "I'm proud to introduce legislation that will improve driver safety, enhance fan experience and support jobs in our racing communities." 

Companion legislation, H.R. 2696, was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), along with seven bipartisan co-sponsors. The legislation would allow racetracks nationwide to plan long-term improvements and safety updates. In 2004, Congress codified a temporary provision that defined "motorsports entertainment complex," and a 2020 appropriations law extended the accelerated depreciation of investments through December 2025.

The Federal Tax code defines a motorsports entertainment complex to mean a racetrack facility that "(i) is permanently situated on land, and (ii) during the 36 months following the first day of the month in which the asset is placed in service, hosts one or more racing events for automobiles (of any type), trucks, or motorcycles which are open to the public for the price of admission."

Accelerated depreciation of investments in a motorsports entertainment complex applies to capital expenditures, including a facility's ticket booths, race track surfaces, suites and hospitality facilities, grandstands and viewing structures, props, walls, facilities that support the delivery of entertainment services, other special-purpose structures, facades, shop interiors, and buildings in addition to support facilities (including food and beverage retailing, souvenir vending, and other non-lodging accommodations), parking lots, sidewalks, bridges, fences and landscaping.

"Motorsports are engrained in Indiana's history and culture and play a major role in our state's economy. This bill will make a simple fix to our tax code to give speedways the ability to make needed improvements, invest in safety, and enhance the spectator experience. I'm proud to support this bill on behalf of the Hoosier motorsports industry and race fans across Indiana," said Sen. Young.

Congress should act on this legislation to support the more than 1,500 race tracks across the United States that have been the source of affordable, family-friendly entertainment for more than half of a century. Most motorsports facilities are small businesses that employ many hard-working Americans and provide positive economic benefits to the surrounding communities they serve. Congress should make this provision permanent to all owners to make necessary investments in their tracks and property to ensure that racing continues to be available to enthusiasts nationwide.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced S. 2462, the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. The SEMA-supported, bipartisan legislation would provide certainty to racing facility owners about long-term investments by amending the Federal Tax Code to make permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for investments in motorsports entertainment complexes. Currently, this tax incentive expires at the end of 2025.

"The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act is a simple fix to our tax code that will offer speedways the freedom to make long-term investments and upgrades to their facilities," said Sen. Warner. "I'm proud to introduce legislation that will improve driver safety, enhance fan experience and support jobs in our racing communities." 

Companion legislation, H.R. 2696, was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), along with seven bipartisan co-sponsors. The legislation would allow racetracks nationwide to plan long-term improvements and safety updates. In 2004, Congress codified a temporary provision that defined "motorsports entertainment complex," and a 2020 appropriations law extended the accelerated depreciation of investments through December 2025.

The Federal Tax code defines a motorsports entertainment complex to mean a racetrack facility that "(i) is permanently situated on land, and (ii) during the 36 months following the first day of the month in which the asset is placed in service, hosts one or more racing events for automobiles (of any type), trucks, or motorcycles which are open to the public for the price of admission."

Accelerated depreciation of investments in a motorsports entertainment complex applies to capital expenditures, including a facility's ticket booths, race track surfaces, suites and hospitality facilities, grandstands and viewing structures, props, walls, facilities that support the delivery of entertainment services, other special-purpose structures, facades, shop interiors, and buildings in addition to support facilities (including food and beverage retailing, souvenir vending, and other non-lodging accommodations), parking lots, sidewalks, bridges, fences and landscaping.

"Motorsports are engrained in Indiana's history and culture and play a major role in our state's economy. This bill will make a simple fix to our tax code to give speedways the ability to make needed improvements, invest in safety, and enhance the spectator experience. I'm proud to support this bill on behalf of the Hoosier motorsports industry and race fans across Indiana," said Sen. Young.

Congress should act on this legislation to support the more than 1,500 race tracks across the United States that have been the source of affordable, family-friendly entertainment for more than half of a century. Most motorsports facilities are small businesses that employ many hard-working Americans and provide positive economic benefits to the surrounding communities they serve. Congress should make this provision permanent to all owners to make necessary investments in their tracks and property to ensure that racing continues to be available to enthusiasts nationwide.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, can now lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Several available properties are connected to the Las Vegas Monorail, the quick and reliable transportation alternative for travelers on the Las Vegas Strip. Directly connected to the SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Monorail is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get from one end of the Strip to the other in just minutes.

Trains are scheduled every few minutes, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday; 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, at each of the following sessions: 

• MGM Grand Station
• Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas Station
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
• Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center
• Westgate Las Vegas Station
• SAHARA Las Vegas Station

View the map of the Las Vegas Monorail.

Exclusive Las Vegas Monorail Discount for SEMA Showgoers

Be prepared for the most convenient transportation option during SEMA Week with 24-hour to 7-day passes available, and let your mobile phone be your ticket to ride. And, even better news: Las Vegas Monorail is offering SEMA Show attendees exclusive fare discounts. Purchase your discounted passes at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA23. Skip the line and scan your phone right at the gate. Paper tickets are also available at ticket vending machines and customer service desks at the station for full price.

Take Advantage of Monorail discounts for the 2023 SEMA Show! Purchase your discounted tickets here for the best rates available.

By SEMA Editors

In June 2020, the second-gen BMW 4-Series debuted, with its distinctive grille becoming quite notorious. However, only a short while has passed, and the automaker is already planning a mid-lifecycle update for this model. 

Photographers have captured a camouflaged prototype of the four-door GranCoupe,  a mid-lifecycle update for this model.

This prototype sports the M Sport Package, which may indicate BMW will discontinue the standard body kit option and equip all trims with the M Sport bumpers. The front of the car retains the sporty bumper intakes and the familiar grille design, along with redesigned LED graphics in the headlights, resembling the boomerang-style DRLs seen in newer BMW models like the facelifted X5/X6.

The taillights are concealed at the back, but the M Sport rear bumper continues from the previous model.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

AFCO Performance Group

Mechanical Design Engineer

Boonville, Indiana-based AFCO Performance Group is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who wants to make a tangible impact and be part of a company's success story.

Canepa

Motorsports Technician

Porsche Technician

Entry Level Auto Detailer/Polisher

Canepa in Scotts Valley, California, is seeking several positions, including a Motorsports Technician who needs a broad knowledge of all mechanical aspects of a vehicle from suspension and brakes to engine and transmission. Applicants must also have experience in IMSA Sports cars, GTP and GT, Trans-Am WEC or equivalent racing background. 

MGP Caliper Covers

Sales Representative

MGP Caliper Covers in Chula Vista, California, is seeking a professional to relentlessly "hunt and farm" and "go-get and nurture" profitable sales for MGP Caliper Covers "by whatever legal and ethical means necessary."

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here.

By SEMA Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, is gearing up to have incredible industry support from several different industry segments from across the world. Beyond the enormous buying power set for the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show also delivers scores of qualified trade, mainstream and new media members alongside established and emerging influencers. These unique attendees help exhibitors expand their branding and product lineups well beyond their booths, making the SEMA Show a sound investment for the year to come. 

"This year's SEMA Show is shaping up to be one of the best events to date. The industry support is reminiscent of our highest attendance records, and participation is trending above pre-pandemic levels," said SEMA Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From key buyers, top media members and qualified industry influencers, the professionals you need to help grow your business will be in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3. We're ready for this industry homecoming!"

Be Part of the SEMA Show Global Business Ecosystem

A company's credibility improves when news outlets publish stories about their offerings and services, one of the best endorsements a brand can receive. With more than 3,000 media members registered each year, the SEMA Show is the single-largest gathering of automotive media professionals in one location.

In addition, the Show is attended by influencers of all types, including those working for exhibiting members, marketers, suppliers, athletes, celebrities and more. Social-media influencers can help your brand establish social proof and build awareness. An influencer snapping a photo of your booth can drive purchase decisions and increase sales--at no cost to your business.

Everyone walking around the SEMA Show is part of the global automotive business ecosystem, offering the opportunity for participating companies to create brand evangelists from every sector in the marketplace.

It's never too early to get started on your SEMA Show exhibit plan. In fact, records indicate that a majority of attendees decide to attend the SEMA Show six months in advance, providing ample opportunities for pre-event connections that maximize your time on-site.

There is still time to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show. Visit SEMAShow.com to start creating your Show plan today! Exhibitor, attendee, media and students/educator registration is available at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation submitted by an environmental group that, if approved, would require the state to adopt California's latest motor vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. Maine has historically followed California's tailpipe laws.  

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Furthermore, the automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal-combustion engine. Simply put, the government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions, not just electric vehicles.

Click here to submit comments to the DEP by August 28, 2023.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.