From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA's efforts to ensure technology-neutral government policies are enshrined in states' laws took a major step forward in West Virginia last week.

The West Virginia legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting the state from restricting the use, purchase or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source, i.e. electric-vehicle (EV) mandates that would ban internal-combustion engines. The "ban the ban" bill will now make its way to Governor Patrick Morrisey's desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law.

SEMA is not anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts at the federal and state levels to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA's efforts to ensure technology-neutral government policies are enshrined in states' laws took a major step forward in West Virginia last week.

The West Virginia legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting the state from restricting the use, purchase or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source, i.e. electric-vehicle (EV) mandates that would ban internal-combustion engines. The "ban the ban" bill will now make its way to Governor Patrick Morrisey's desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law.

SEMA is not anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts at the federal and state levels to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

DeatschWerks

Compact 430LPH Pump

DeatschWerks has introduced its new 430LPH compact 38mm pump, which features optimized impeller blade count and angle for peak efficiency at the target flow rate, as well as advanced carbon matrix commutators for increased durability in E85 and race fuels. The pump's fluid dynamics are engineered to eliminate turbulence and reduce restrictions, while an integrated check valve helps to keep the fuel system pressurized and avoid hard starts.

deatschwerks.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is seeking women-owned businesses and organizations to partner on an interactive SBN booth at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. 

The 20x30-sq.-ft. SBN booth will unite women in the industry, as well as provide them with networking and educational opportunities that are not accessible at other industry events. SBN is seeking organizations that can provide interactive education and/or networking activations at the booth during the entire week of the SEMA Show. SBN hopes to have several partners in the booth to provide an action-packed week for all women and allies.

"We are looking to partner with organizations that are committed to empowering women and providing opportunities that support education, professional development and awareness," said SBN Chair Sara Morosan. "These companies will be able to connect with thousands of automotive enthusiasts, professionals and members of the media all in one place while gaining significant industry exposure." 

Interested organizations must be a SEMA member company, be female-owned or -operated (51% owned and involved in the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making), and be dedicated to supporting women in the automotive aftermarket industry.

"We are excited to provide a dedicated space where women can expand their professional networks, feel connected and grow in this industry," added Morosan. "By coming together, we can highlight the many ways that women advance, educate and contribute to the success of the aftermarket." 

The deadline to submit applications is May 10. Learn more and apply here. 

Contact SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at 909-323-2149 or nicoleb@sema.org with any questions.  

By SEMA News Editors

This year’s Bin Program is in full swing, and we want to make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show’s 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors. 

In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, you get to display and distribute your publication at the 2025 SEMA Show. 

Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers--act now!

Submit your details here. 

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on April 10, 2025. Submissions for the Bin Program at the 2025 SEMA Show are now closed. Questions? Contact Lynne Johnson, SEMA Marketing Director, Agency and Creative Services, at lynnej@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Marissa Halee

Instagram: @marissahalee

TikTok: @marissahalee

Facebook: @marissahale

Follower counts: 11k on Instagram; 4.5k on TikTok; 107 on Facebook

Focus: Fords and classic Mustangs and cars

Marissa Halee is a content creator and passionate Ford enthusiast who's carving out her place in the classic car scene—one Mustang moment at a time. With a love for vintage that started at car shows during childhood and a growing online audience across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, she's using her platform to inspire others to dive into the world of classic cars, no matter their gender, age or background. And recently, she brought that passion to Washington, D.C., to join SEMA/PRI in the fight to stop the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE).

Get to know Marissa Halee in her interview with SEMA News below.

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

MH: I started going to car shows and races with my dad when I was little, and Mustangs were instantly my favorite. Back in the day, my mom had a white '65 Mustang coupe, and both of my parents had muscle cars when they were younger, but I don't think that influenced my gravitational pull to the pony car. I got my first Mustang through a conversation with a family friend in Washington when I was 17, looking to buy my first car. I never planned to get a classic Mustang, but it fell into my lap and was meant to be.

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

MH: [My favorite part is] how many genuine connections I make on a daily basis. When people stop to share a story with me at the gas station about a car they had like mine, or when people message me about how my car is inspiring them to work on theirs, it fills me with so much joy. Life can be busy, and you forget how many others are around you going through it just the same. Those little moments of connection are so special.

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

MH: To really inspire people that it is never too late, too expensive or too daunting to own a classic car! When I got my car, I was a 17-year-old girl who knew nothing about cars. I had just graduated high school and was working part-time. So, if you want it hard enough, you can make it happen. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions! And do not be afraid to buy a classic if you are young or a woman.

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

MH: Personal enjoyment! Driving my car, working on my car and even talking about cars to other people is like therapy to me. The growth I have seen in myself from being able to learn and do something I am so passionate about, share my passion with others, and connect with my followers has humbled and inspired me to continue pushing hard. I cannot imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't bought that car almost 10 years ago and I am so excited to see where I will be in 10 years from now.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

MH: Advocating for my biggest passion comes so naturally, and it is important to make sure you are using your voice. It is something so innately American to have a choice and a right to be heard.

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

I am thanking my lucky stars on a daily basis to be able to do what I do. Being able to meet the CEO of Ford personally and show him my Mustang absolutely tops the list (thank you, Friends of Ford!). Editor's Note: Friends of Ford is a community of passionate Ford fans.

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

MH: I am honestly not sure what is in store for me, but all I can say is that I am so excited, and I am ready! I fully feel with my heart and soul that the automotive industry is where I belong, careerwise. I am excited to plan more car shows with Ford, continue my automotive sponsorships and build my Mustang further, attend SEMA and other fun events, and meet more industry members!

Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Marissa Halee

Instagram: @marissahalee

TikTok: @marissahalee

Facebook: @marissahale

Follower counts: 11k on Instagram; 4.5k on TikTok; 107 on Facebook

Focus: Fords and classic Mustangs and cars

Marissa Halee is a content creator and passionate Ford enthusiast who's carving out her place in the classic car scene—one Mustang moment at a time. With a love for vintage that started at car shows during childhood and a growing online audience across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, she's using her platform to inspire others to dive into the world of classic cars, no matter their gender, age or background. And recently, she brought that passion to Washington, D.C., to join SEMA/PRI in the fight to stop the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE).

Get to know Marissa Halee in her interview with SEMA News below.

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

MH: I started going to car shows and races with my dad when I was little, and Mustangs were instantly my favorite. Back in the day, my mom had a white '65 Mustang coupe, and both of my parents had muscle cars when they were younger, but I don't think that influenced my gravitational pull to the pony car. I got my first Mustang through a conversation with a family friend in Washington when I was 17, looking to buy my first car. I never planned to get a classic Mustang, but it fell into my lap and was meant to be.

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

MH: [My favorite part is] how many genuine connections I make on a daily basis. When people stop to share a story with me at the gas station about a car they had like mine, or when people message me about how my car is inspiring them to work on theirs, it fills me with so much joy. Life can be busy, and you forget how many others are around you going through it just the same. Those little moments of connection are so special.

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

MH: To really inspire people that it is never too late, too expensive or too daunting to own a classic car! When I got my car, I was a 17-year-old girl who knew nothing about cars. I had just graduated high school and was working part-time. So, if you want it hard enough, you can make it happen. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions! And do not be afraid to buy a classic if you are young or a woman.

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

MH: Personal enjoyment! Driving my car, working on my car and even talking about cars to other people is like therapy to me. The growth I have seen in myself from being able to learn and do something I am so passionate about, share my passion with others, and connect with my followers has humbled and inspired me to continue pushing hard. I cannot imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't bought that car almost 10 years ago and I am so excited to see where I will be in 10 years from now.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

MH: Advocating for my biggest passion comes so naturally, and it is important to make sure you are using your voice. It is something so innately American to have a choice and a right to be heard.

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

I am thanking my lucky stars on a daily basis to be able to do what I do. Being able to meet the CEO of Ford personally and show him my Mustang absolutely tops the list (thank you, Friends of Ford!). Editor's Note: Friends of Ford is a community of passionate Ford fans.

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

MH: I am honestly not sure what is in store for me, but all I can say is that I am so excited, and I am ready! I fully feel with my heart and soul that the automotive industry is where I belong, careerwise. I am excited to plan more car shows with Ford, continue my automotive sponsorships and build my Mustang further, attend SEMA and other fun events, and meet more industry members!

Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In the latest indication that states are growing weary of tethering themselves to California's oppressive emissions policies, Maryland is making a significant change to its compliance with the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order late last week delaying enforcement of the state's adoption of ACC II, which bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. ACC II begins phasing in with model-year '26, requiring 35% of new vehicle sales to be electric. 

Maryland is one of 11 states that have adopted ACC II, but the new order acknowledges that the state isn't ready to fully implement the rule. It pauses penalties for manufacturers that miss electric vehicle sales targets in 2027 and 2028 and establishes a working group to recommend ways to make the mandate more workable. 

While this delay does not repeal ACC II, it nonetheless signals serious concerns about the regulation's rollout. SEMA, which is a champion of technology-neutral government policy, continues to oppose mandates that restrict consumer choice and threaten small businesses in the specialty automotive aftermarket. 

The specialty-equipment industry is a key driver of Maryland's economy, contributing $3.24 billion in total economic output, supporting 14,946 jobs and generating more than $530 million in state and local taxes.  

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In the latest indication that states are growing weary of tethering themselves to California's oppressive emissions policies, Maryland is making a significant change to its compliance with the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order late last week delaying enforcement of the state's adoption of ACC II, which bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. ACC II begins phasing in with model-year '26, requiring 35% of new vehicle sales to be electric. 

Maryland is one of 11 states that have adopted ACC II, but the new order acknowledges that the state isn't ready to fully implement the rule. It pauses penalties for manufacturers that miss electric vehicle sales targets in 2027 and 2028 and establishes a working group to recommend ways to make the mandate more workable. 

While this delay does not repeal ACC II, it nonetheless signals serious concerns about the regulation's rollout. SEMA, which is a champion of technology-neutral government policy, continues to oppose mandates that restrict consumer choice and threaten small businesses in the specialty automotive aftermarket. 

The specialty-equipment industry is a key driver of Maryland's economy, contributing $3.24 billion in total economic output, supporting 14,946 jobs and generating more than $530 million in state and local taxes.  

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Jack Haworth

In late 2023, fabricator Riccardo Salatino and his customer-turned-business partner, Jason Zimmerman, launched Blazin' Rodz—a custom car building shop in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The duo wasn't interested in easing into the new business; they wanted to make a statement.
"What do we need to do to put ourselves on the map right away?" asked Zimmerman.

A daunting question for a brand-new business, but Salatino had a radical idea for what to do with a '70 Chevrolet Chevelle. This would not be a sleek restomod, but a mind-bending design that pushed the boundaries of custom car building—a classic car that possesses the handling of a Porsche, the power of a drag-racing car and the luxury of a modern sports car.

"I gave this idea to the guys and said, 'Let's all brainstorm this together to make this thing just an absolute monster,'" said Salatino. "That's how the Chevelle was born."

At 370 days and $2.8 million later, the masterpiece dubbed "Doughboy" was ready for its debut at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Once the Blazin' Rodz team rolled their creation onto the show floor, there was an immediate buzz.

The heavily modified '70 Chevelle drew plenty of attention from SEMA Showgoers and media, all trying to get a closer look of the radical build that combines a twin-turbo Chevy-based big-block delivering 2,800 hp, a full coach-built steel widebody, front suspension geometry from a C7 Corvette, custom CNC-machined billet components throughout, and dozens of 3D-printed parts for both the exterior and interior.

To celebrate their ingenuity and design, Blazin' Rodz was presented with the 2024 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award—a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

"It was really nice to be able to step back and watch how much people enjoyed it," said Salatino. "Our crazy idea came to fruition; I couldn't put into words how we all felt [at SEMA]."

It took long hours, embracing new technology, and the creative synergy of a talented team, but Salatino's "crazy idea" proved to be just the answer their team was looking for.

Blazin' Rodz is officially on the map.

Building a Monster

Salatino began his career in the off-road industry, before eventually changing course to pursue his passion for classic cars and hot rods. He opened his own shop in 2019—RFS Motorsports—where Zimmerman became one of his customers.

Impressed by his work, Zimmerman offered to help...

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Photography courtesy of Blazin' Rods