By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Alex Karpowicz

Instagram: alexkarpowicz72

Facebook: Alex Karpowicz Racing

LinkedIn: Alex Karpowicz

Follower counts: 9.25k on Instagram; 13.8k on Facebook

Focus: Dirt sprint cars and other open-wheel dirt cars

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

Alex Karpowicz: I grew up spending nearly every weekend at dirt tracks across the country watching my dad race. From an early age, the sights, sounds and smell of race fuel became part of who I was and I knew I wanted to be the one behind the wheel. Racing wasn't just a hobby in our family--it was a way of life that taught me the value of hard work, competition and commitment.

I started my career on asphalt ovals, learning the fundamentals of car control and racecraft. When my local track shut down, I transitioned to dirt racing, and that's when everything truly clicked. Starting out in dirt micro sprints, I not only grew as a driver but also became deeply involved in the mechanical side of the sport. I maintained my own cars, made setup changes and learned how much effort goes into every detail both in the shop and on track. It gave me a new perspective and taught me to drive with respect knowing that if something got torn up, I was the one fixing it.

Now racing dirt midgets, I continue to learn and grow with each event. Every race is a new challenge and a chance to improve and my goal is to keep moving forward--ultimately into dirt sprint cars--while chasing the same passion that started years ago watching my dad race.

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

AK: My biggest motivator has always been the drive to keep improving and prove to myself that I belong at the highest levels of this sport. Racing is full of ups and downs and what keeps me pushing is knowing how far I've come--from running in the back at local shows to now competing and being competitive on national stages. I'm motivated by the challenge of becoming better every time I strap in, by the people who support me and by the chance to inspire others chasing their own dreams. I also take pride in representing myself well both on and off the track--through social media, interviews and fan interactions--because you never know who you're talking to or who is watching you and how that moment might shape your future.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community?

AK: My favorite part of being part of the automotive and racing community is the people. There's a sense of family and passion that's hard to find anywhere else. Everyone--from the fans in the stands to the teams in the pits--shares the same love for the sport and that creates a bond that goes far beyond competition. I've built friendships all across the country through racing and the support within the community is something truly special. Whether it's helping another team get back on track or talking with fans after a race, those moments remind me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.

SN: As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?

AK: As both a driver and content creator, my goal is to give people an inside look at what life in racing is really like; the highs, the lows and everything in between. I like showing what most people do not see on TV. I also want to inspire others to chase their goals while showing the amount of work and dedication it takes to make it happen. Whether someone's a lifelong racing fan or just discovering dirt track racing for the first time, I want my content to help them feel connected to it. I also try to highlight the sponsors, teams and people who make it possible because this sport runs on partnerships and community.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

AK: Advocacy matters to me because racing has given me so much--and I feel a responsibility to help protect and grow the sport for the next generation. Grassroots racing, especially at the local level, depends on passionate people stepping up to make sure tracks stay open, events get support and young drivers get opportunities.

I also feel that many people outside of motorsports have a negative outlook on the sport, often because they only see the surface--the noise, the speed or misconceptions like "all you do is turn left." Motorsports is often criticized as being too loud or bad for the environment. I believe a lot of that negativity comes simply from a lack of knowledge about what actually goes on and how much work, skill and passion are involved. That's why I try to share the behind-the-scenes side of racing--the preparation, the craftsmanship and the dedication it takes to compete. If more people could see that side, I think they'd understand why this sport means so much to those of us who live it every day.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

AK: One of the biggest moments of my career was joining Keith Kunz Motorsports and competing on the national stage in dirt midgets. Getting that opportunity with such a respected team--one I grew up watching, was surreal. Competing with some of the best drivers in the sport reminded me of how far I've come: from running near the back at local tracks to now racing at one of the top levels of the sport. The 2025 season and experience I gained gave me a new level of confidence and motivation to keep pushing, learning and earning my place among the best.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

AK: I have a few exciting things in the works that I'm not quite ready to announce just yet but I'll be sharing more about them on my social channels when the time is right. What I can say is that I'm always looking for new partners and opportunities to get on track more and continue growing within the sport. One thing that won't change is my commitment to promoting myself, building connections and relationships and promoting dirt track racing as a whole. I have a genuine passion for this sport and being able to share that with fans--and even create new ones--is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

SN: What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?

AK: I'd love to see continued growth and support for grassroots and short-track racing. There's so much raw talent at the local level that deserves more recognition and with the right exposure it can really thrive. I also hope to see more brands recognize how valuable dirt track racing truly is--not only for helping rising stars but for supporting the facilities that the next generation of racers rely on. It's great to sponsor drivers but without race tracks there are no racers. Supporting the sport means supporting the tracks themselves, whether that's through sponsoring a series, backing an event or simply showing up on a Saturday night to buy a ticket and enjoy a delicious dirt track hamburger. As content creation and streaming continue to grow, the sport has a huge opportunity to reach new fans and attract new partners while keeping the heart and authenticity that make dirt racing so special.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C, office

Following a herculean effort to modernize California's smog-check process to better support vehicle collectors, SEMA has honored the two state senators who pushed Leno's Law forward in 2025.

California Senators Shannon Grove and Dave Cortese at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, were named as the recipients of the SEMA Lawmaker of the Year Award, a recognition of their bipartisan leadership of Senate Bill (SB) 712, known as "Leno's Law." The award, given annually, honors lawmakers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the specialty-automotive aftermarket and the enthusiasts it serves.

Authored by Sen. Grove and named in honor of legendary entertainer and automotive enthusiast Jay Leno, SB 712 sought to provide a fair-and-reasonable modernization of existing state laws to provide a pathway to exempt modern classic cars from California's smog-check process. The bill drew national attention thanks to their passionate advocacy for protecting California's car culture and their work with lawmakers and SEMA to promote common sense reform for enthusiasts and small businesses alike.

Sen. Cortese, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, joined as principal coauthor and helped guide the bill through critical hearings. Together with Sen. Grove, they built a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, industry leaders and enthusiasts to support a balanced reform that protects the state's car culture.

Although SB 712 was ultimately held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the measure marked the most significant progress on California's collector vehicle smog laws in more than two decades. The bill's advancement represented an important step toward modernizing outdated rules that have frustrated owners of rare and historic vehicles. Through their collaboration, Sens. Grove and Cortese helped elevate awareness of the specialty-equipment industry and its economic and cultural importance to the state.

"Sens. Grove and Cortese exemplify what this award stands for," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Their partnership showed that common sense solutions and bipartisan cooperation are still possible in Sacramento. Their leadership on Leno's Law made real progress for enthusiasts and small businesses, and it laid the foundation for continued work to protect California's automotive heritage."

The SEMA Lawmaker of the Year Award recognizes policymakers who show exceptional leadership in promoting innovation and enthusiasm for automotive culture.

SEMA will continue working with Sens. Grove, Cortese and their colleagues in the year ahead to build on the progress made in 2025 and ensure that California remains a place where enthusiasts can enjoy, preserve and share their vehicles for generations to come.

For more information contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C, office

Following a herculean effort to modernize California's smog-check process to better support vehicle collectors, SEMA has honored the two state senators who pushed Leno's Law forward in 2025.

California Senators Shannon Grove and Dave Cortese at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, were named as the recipients of the SEMA Lawmaker of the Year Award, a recognition of their bipartisan leadership of Senate Bill (SB) 712, known as "Leno's Law." The award, given annually, honors lawmakers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the specialty-automotive aftermarket and the enthusiasts it serves.

Authored by Sen. Grove and named in honor of legendary entertainer and automotive enthusiast Jay Leno, SB 712 sought to provide a fair-and-reasonable modernization of existing state laws to provide a pathway to exempt modern classic cars from California's smog-check process. The bill drew national attention thanks to their passionate advocacy for protecting California's car culture and their work with lawmakers and SEMA to promote common sense reform for enthusiasts and small businesses alike.

Sen. Cortese, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, joined as principal coauthor and helped guide the bill through critical hearings. Together with Sen. Grove, they built a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, industry leaders and enthusiasts to support a balanced reform that protects the state's car culture.

Although SB 712 was ultimately held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the measure marked the most significant progress on California's collector vehicle smog laws in more than two decades. The bill's advancement represented an important step toward modernizing outdated rules that have frustrated owners of rare and historic vehicles. Through their collaboration, Sens. Grove and Cortese helped elevate awareness of the specialty-equipment industry and its economic and cultural importance to the state.

"Sens. Grove and Cortese exemplify what this award stands for," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Their partnership showed that common sense solutions and bipartisan cooperation are still possible in Sacramento. Their leadership on Leno's Law made real progress for enthusiasts and small businesses, and it laid the foundation for continued work to protect California's automotive heritage."

The SEMA Lawmaker of the Year Award recognizes policymakers who show exceptional leadership in promoting innovation and enthusiasm for automotive culture.

SEMA will continue working with Sens. Grove, Cortese and their colleagues in the year ahead to build on the progress made in 2025 and ensure that California remains a place where enthusiasts can enjoy, preserve and share their vehicles for generations to come.

For more information contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish recognizes the top vehicle builders in the world, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship and passion within the automotive aftermarket industry.

Troy Trepanier was crowned the overall winner of the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition with his stunning creation, a '36 Ford roadster named "Fenderless." Trepanier won the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category and edged out three other class champions, Tim Franklin (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Ron Jones (Off-Road) and Thomas Dickerson (BFGoodrich Young Guns), to secure the overall title.

Trepanier, a fixture in the custom car world, returned to the top of the industry's most prestigious builder competition eight years after winning the Battle of the Builders title in 2017. His latest build captivated judges and fans alike at the 2025 SEMA Show with its flawless craftsmanship, balanced design and innovative engineering.

Troy Trepanier's latest build captivated judges and fans alike at the 2025 SEMA Show with its flawless craftsmanship, balanced design and innovative engineering.

"It was great to be back in the SEMA Battle of the Builders contest. It has grown a lot since we first won the event eight years ago," said Trepanier. "We finally had a car worthy of being back in the competition. There were so many great cars this year. Everybody was a winner: the Top 40, Top 12 and especially the final four."

Completed in January 2025, Fenderless is a completely scratch-built vehicle designed to resemble a vintage Ford roadster, but with every dimension reworked to achieve ideal proportions as an open-wheel car. Every major component of the project was fabricated in-house by Trepanier at Rad Rides in Manteno, Illinois, including the body, chassis, suspension and all machined parts.

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders winning vehicle features:

• A '57 McCullough-supercharged 312-cid Ford Y-block engine.
• A Bowler 4R70W transmission.
• A quick-change rear axle with torsion bar suspension.

The bodywork, paint and interior were handled entirely by Trepanier's team, which finished the roadster with a modified Porsche Aventurine Green Metallic color to radiate elegance.

"Trepanier's vehicle is a testament to the level of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation that define the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition," said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. "This program celebrates the builders who push the boundaries of what's possible and inspire the next generation of automotive visionaries."

SEMA Battle of the Builders recognizes the top vehicle builders in the world, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship and passion within the automotive aftermarket industry. Franklin won Sport Compact/Import Performance with a 1960 Porsche Custom 356 that was in absolutely terrible condition before going through a transformation that resulted in contoured body/rolled rocker panels and a fresh streamlined look. Jones' Off-Road-winning 1973 VW Thing was created from the ground up with a one-off chromoly long-travel tube chassis and featuring more than 350 machined pieces. Dickerson earned the BFGoodrich Young Guns title with a 1967 Chevrolet C10 that he built on his own with a custom engine bay, glass, headlights and interior.

Troy Trepanier was crowned the overall winner of the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition with his stunning creation, a '36 Ford roadster named "Fenderless."

Keep an eye on SEMA News later this week for a deeper dive into Trepanier's superb '36 Ford Roadster, and read the related articles below:

• SEMA Battle of the Builders Field Narrowed to Top Four
• SEMA Announces 2025 Battle of the Builders Top 12
• Battle of the Builders Top 40 Confirmed, Find Out Top 12 Today

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition and this year's winners, visit sema.org/botb.

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show wrapped up four dynamic days in Las Vegas, reinforcing its role as the automotive aftermarket's most influential business event.

With industry professionals, exhibiting brands and media members descending on the SEMA Show from around the Globe, the aftermarket's premier industry event delivered a concentrated environment for innovation, collaboration and growth, and served as the epicenter of automotive culture and lifestyle, connecting the aftermarket to millions of enthusiasts worldwide growing interest and demand for industry products.

Driving Global Business Forward

The SEMA Show serves as a dynamic crossroads for commerce and creativity, where the industry's top innovators and brands gather to define the future of automotive performance and personalization. This year spotlighted ingenuity and resilience, offering a launchpad for product debuts, strategic partnerships and forward-looking insights.

"The SEMA Show is a global pop-up marketplace where business and culture intersect," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "This year highlighted the industry's ability to adapt and innovate, from emerging propulsion technologies to next-generation customization trends. By connecting manufacturers, buyers and enthusiasts in one dynamic environment, and extending the connection well beyond the Show itself, it continues to shape the future of automotive performance, personalization and industry direction."

Innovation to Power the Future

Innovation ran through every hall and activation. A broad spectrum of propulsion technologies, from internal combustion and hybrids to hydrogen and battery-electric platforms, stood alongside advancements in materials, connectivity, and design. Between the Show floor and New Products Showcase, organized into 15 distinct product categories, thousands of new innovations were debuted, underscoring the industry's relentless drive to evolve and push boundaries. The future of ADAS was also on display from market leaders introducing the latest tools and equipment to repair and modify vehicles, and conversations about the future were facilitated in in the new ADAS Showcase feature.

The Pinnacle of Personalization

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mother's Polish celebrated the industry's most innovative custom builds. This year's category winners included Troy Trepanier's handcrafted '36 Ford Roadster (Overall Champion), Tim Franklin's refined '60 Porsche 356, Thomas Dickerson's standout '67 Chevrolet C10, and Ron Jones' radically reimagined '73 VW Thing, each setting new benchmarks for creativity and craftsmanship.

Headline Reveals and Cultural Impact

OEMs leveraged the Show to launch bold concepts blending heritage with innovation, reinforcing commitments to performance, personalization and alternative propulsion.

• Ford showcased its Ford Custom Garage packages, including performance accessories for the F-150 Raptor R and previews of future customization options.
• Honda highlighted race-inspired builds under its HRC Performance Parts banner, reinforcing its motorsports heritage.
• Mopar/Stellantis drew attention with the Ram 1500 "The Dude," a retro sport truck concept, and the Dodge Sixpack Charger concept--a 550-hp twin-turbo build featuring carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements.
• Nissan introduced off-road and performance concepts, including a rugged Frontier Project Adventure and a track-focused Z NISMO showcase, complemented by immersive experiences and branded merchandise.
• Toyota unveiled the Camry GT-S, Tacoma H2-Overlander, and revived the Scion name with the Scion 01 hybrid side-by-side, emphasizing creativity and versatility across segments and powertrains.

These reveals reflect a broader vision: connecting enthusiasts through factory-backed customization, alternative fuels, and storytelling that resonates across generations.

Celebrity Influence and Industry Leadership

Automotive legends, entertainers, and business leaders elevated the Show's cultural energy. Jay Leno and Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands at Stellantis, opened the week with a fireside chat on design and propulsion strategies at the annual Kickoff Breakfast. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem joined SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the opening of the 2025 SEMA Show and reinforcing its global significance. Earlier this year, the two organizations announced a strategic partnership focused on advancing mobility policy and safety standards worldwide.

Motorsports icons including Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Tony Stewart and Lia Block connected with fans, while Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias unveiled his custom VW Bus and car care kit alongside Leno. Sung Kang brought star power and industry engagement, promoting his upcoming movie Drifter, hosting the SEMA Industry Honors event, re-envisioned in a new format at the BleauLive Theater in the Fontainebleau, and meeting fans at his booth featuring several of his personal builds.

Connecting Passion and Business

SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public bridged the gap between industry and enthusiasts, creating immersive experiences that celebrated car culture and inspired future builders. At SEMA Fest, Fans enjoyed live music from Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes and Neon Trees, motorsports demonstrations, and car displays, while inside the Show, consumers connected with brands and custom builders. These activations reinforced the Show's role as a cultural and business hub, where passion fuels progress.

Millions of enthusiasts around the globe were able to follow and engage with the Show through 31 hours of content livestreamed on SEMA Live, solidifying the Show as the center of automotive universe during the most powerful week of the year.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 SEMA Show was a launchpad for ideas that will shape the automotive landscape in the years ahead. By uniting global leaders, breakthrough technologies, and cultural energy under one roof, the event reaffirmed that innovation is the heartbeat of the aftermarket.

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Another successful SEMA Show came to a close in a way only the SEMA Show can, with a Friday night full of tire-shredding drifts, adrenaline-pumping burnouts and a stellar musical performance from three chart-topping bands during the third-ever SEMA Fest.

Together with headliners Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes and Neon Trees treated SEMA Fest attendees to a trio of high-energy sets punctuated by high-horsepower motorsports activations, including demos from Hoonigan, Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem, HorsePower Rodeo, OPTIMA Unleashed and the Urias Family's Original Globe of Death.

The incredible combination of musical acts and heart-pounding automotive demonstrations provided Showgoers and Fest attendees with an unforgettable conclusion to the SEMA Show, including some fellow event organizers who traveled from Argentina to get a glimpse of the SEMA Show.

"We're really grateful to be here [at SEMA Fest]," said Ricardo Rafael, of La Oxidada, an annual car exhibition event in Saladillo near Buenos Aires, Argentina. "As event organizers, we can tell everything is perfect and organized." 

"Here at SEMA Fest, we're delighted. Everyone is relaxed with a good vibe. All the people we've talked to are just in a good mood. I think with the cars drifting, nobody can be in a bad mood. You combine the drifting and the music, you have a perfect event," said Pilar Colmenero, also of La Oxidada. Both Rafael and Colmenero purchased their Fest tickets as part of the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" package, allowing them to walk the aisles of the industry's largest trade event earlier in the day. 

You can relive all of the electrifying 2025 SEMA Fest action with the photo gallery below:

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has named Rare Parts, Inc. as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Rare Parts' president Danny Burgess below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start? 

Danny Burgess: It all started with the voice of the customer back in 1981. Customers were lining up at their local alignment shop only to learn that the worn-out parts on their vehicles were no longer available. Rare Parts was created by the customers' demand for obsolete chassis parts. The goal was clear: to manufacture all obsolete chassis parts. "Making obsolete, obsolete." 

Today, approximately 44 years later, Rare Parts has grown year over year with our Diamond Series and Fab Series lines. We have become very diversified across all segments of the automotive industry, supplying chassis parts to multiple markets for classic cars, daily drivers, motorhomes, trucks and Jeep/off-road. 

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?  

DB: In the late '80's Rare Parts started purchasing their own equipment and began manufacturing in-house, no longer needing to depend on other manufacturers and local machine shops. This allowed us to control production and increase quality by setting our own standards and manufacturing procedures. 

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on. 

DB: Rare Parts is proud to call itself a Lean manufacturer and prides itself on a culture of continual improvement and growing our people. We have been practicing Lean since 2020, allowing us to reduce waste in processes, continue to create standards and focus on the voice of the customer, delivering quality products at a fair price. 

SN: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of. 

DB: Rare Parts has multiple new products designed, prototyped and produced monthly. One being an all-new steel-on-steel heavy-duty idler arm bushing for the late '60s early '70s Ford Econolines. This is just one of many obsolete parts that we are making available to the aftermarket, and it is proudly manufactured here in our U.S. facility, holding true to our motto, "Making obsolete, obsolete!" 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive restoration segment? 

DB: Be passionate about your job and make sure you enjoy what you do. Always be willing to grow, listen and try new things. And most importantly, be curious! 

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the winners of its coveted Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year awards. Presented during the SEMA Industry Honors at the 2025 SEMA Show, these awards recognize industry members for their significant and transformative contributions to the automotive aftermarket during the past year.

"To all the SEMA Show attendees, thank you for bringing your energy to Las Vegas this week. To our SEMA members, you are the backbone of this industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Together, we will continue to move this industry forward. That’s what defines us! Tonight, we celebrate the people making it happen: the innovators, the visionaries, the builders of the future."

Person of the Year: Dean Case (Motivo Engineering)

An unwavering advocate for SEMA and the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Case played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between the aftermarket industry and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) community in 2025.

Case was pivotal to the success of the ETTN/SAE student career event at the SEMA Garage, the largest career fair the association has ever hosted. The impact of this event extended far beyond attendance numbers; it also created meaningful connections with students and educators, helping to attract fresh talent into the industry.

Thanks to Case's contributions, the event brought together a diverse range of experts, actively engaged schools and was carefully documented through professional videography, amplifying SEMA's mission to a wider audience.

Content Creator of the Year: Westen Champlin 

The SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates a content creator's exceptional dedication to enriching automotive culture. This accolade applauds Champlin's significant impact in shaping a vibrant community and fostering a positive environment among automotive enthusiasts. Garnering more than 4 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.8 million followers on TikTok, 2.5 million followers in Instagram and 3.3 million followers on Facebook, his creative efforts on social media have not only elevated the discourse around automotive passions but have also inspired a deeper appreciation for the art and innovation within the industry.

Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Andrius Liskus (LABA7, UAB)

Liskus solved a major barrier in advanced suspension testing: accessibility. High-speed, high-precision damper testing typically requires large, stationary machines with high-voltage, high-amperage power inputs, which limits their use to specialized R&D facilities. With the EMA, or Electromagnetic Damper Test System, Liskus and his team developed a solution that delivers lab-grade performance--up to 7,000 mm/s velocity, 100 G acceleration and 150 Hz frequency--while running from a standard 110V socket. The system condenses energy using supercapacitors to drive electromagnetic motors efficiently and with precision. 

This means cutting-edge damper testing no longer needs to be tied to infrastructure-heavy environments. Race teams, independent developers and workshops can now run the same level of dynamic testing that was once only available inside OEM labs. The EMA is even transportable, making it viable for on-site testing and trackside diagnostics.

Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award: Don 'Big Daddy' Garlits

The Petersen Automotive Museum honored drag racing legend Don Garlits with its Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 SEMA Industry Honors event. Garlits, known as "Big Daddy," is a pioneer in drag racing, having accumulated 35 NHRA national event victories and three NHRA Top Fuel national championships across more than 50 years in motorsports. Garlits built the first rear-engine Top Fuel dragster and was known as the first builder to incorporate aerodynamics into his fuel dragster body designs. In addition, his "Swamp Rat XXX" was the industry's first fully enclosed dragster, while he was also among the first drag racers to surpass milestones including 200, 250, and 270 miles per hour marks on the quarter-mile strip.

"Don Garlits set the standard for what a true drag racer could and should be," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "He is a legend both on and off the dragstrip, and we look forward to presenting him with this award."

Named after the founder of the Petersen Automotive Museum, previous recipients of the award include Dan Gurney, Art Chrisman, Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Andy Granatelli, The Ford Family, Vic Edelbrock, Jack Roush, Ed Iskenderian, SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, William Clay Ford Jr., Richard Petty, Wally Parks, Roy Brizio and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme.

"I am so honored to be recognized by the Petersen Automotive Museum and to join such a distinguished group of past recipients," said Garlits, who established the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida. "There is so much racing history in Southern California, and the Petersen has done an amazing job bringing together the entire automotive world in the heart of Los Angeles."

SEMA Chair Service Award: Wade Kawasaki (The Wheel Group)

The chair of the SEMA Board of Directors has the opportunity to present the Chair Service Award to one outstanding industry member. At this year's SEMA Industry Honors, SEMA Chair Melanie White presented this prestigious award--which is not awarded annually--to The Wheel Group CEO Wade Kawasaki for his decades of service to SEMA and the industry at large.

A longstanding supporter of SEMA, Kawasaki previously served as chair of the SEMA Board of Directors from 2017 to 2019 and as the executive director of SEMA and PRI PAC, overseeing the political organization's efforts to advocate for the aftermarket and motorsports industries. Kawasaki was also inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2013 and was honored as SEMA Person of the Year in 2007.

SEMA President's Award: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin was named the first-ever recipient of the President's Award for supporting automotive innovation and leading government-industry collaboration. 

A new honor presented earlier in Show Week by SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, the award recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing automotive technology and fostering strong partnerships between government and industry. 

Spagnola hailed Zeldin's continued role as a catalyst for technological advancement and cooperative problem-solving, helping to ensure the automotive aftermarket’s evolution while benefitting society, industry and the American economy.

The SEMA Show is the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills.

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Nick Svec, owner of DV8 Customs LLC, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Svec in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Nick Svec: I spent 18 years on the retail side of the automotive industry. After COVID, I decided it was time for a new direction, but I still wanted to stay connected to cars. Being a creative, driven person, I realized the perfect fit was the restyling industry, where we get to bring people's visions to life every day. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?  

NS: PRO and SEMA are incredible organizations that do so much for our industry; they really set the standard. For me, it was a no-brainer to want to be a part of it. The impact they create is unmatched, with a reach and reputation far beyond what anyone could achieve alone. I believe that influence will continue to be endless. 

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

NS: Create a vision and go after it. Just as important: really listen. There are so many great people in this industry who are always willing to help. Two minds are always better than one. 

SN: What is your dream vehicle?  

NS: A Ferrari FS90 Spider.  

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

NS: "Don't be afraid to fail, just don't fail the same way twice." 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

NS: Passion. I truly love what I do and that is motivation in itself.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

NS: Playing golf or at a car show! 

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 Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is calling on the aftermarket community to recognize outstanding journalists who amplify the passion, innovation and progress of the motorsports industry. Nominations are now open for the prestigious Robert E. Petersen Media Award, honoring storytellers whose work continues to shape and support the future of motorsports. Nominate here.  

As the founder of Hot Rod magazine in 1948, Petersen helped spark the nation's fascination with hot-rodding culture and helped motorsports evolve into a global phenomenon. His legacy expanded further with the establishment of the Petersen Automotive Museum in 1994--an enduring tribute to automotive history, innovation and community. 

The MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors his legacy by recognizing those who carry the torch forward. Nominees must be automotive or motorsports journalists--whether in print, online or broadcast media--who have delivered influential, positive coverage within the last year while maintaining a long-term dedication to the motorsports community. 

The award winner will be announced at the MPMC Reception during the 2026 Media Trade Conference, January 27-29 in Anaheim, California. 

If you know a journalist whose work has helped elevate motorsports, now is the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.  

Nominate today!