By Ashley Reyes

Complex assemblies, such as engines, transmissions and suspension systems, often have tight tolerances and clearances. To successfully design these assemblies, product developers must understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and how to make manufacturable parts at a reasonable cost, while ensuring that their assemblies will always perform reliably. Calculating potential stack-ups during this process can be cumbersome and complex, but software can help. 

On Tuesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m. PST, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host the webinar "Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis Software" to introduce aftermarket engineers to the latest tools for optimizing GD&T to achieve profitable quality. 

In this session, John Zhang, technical product manager at Siemens, will provide an overview and demo of the capabilities of software tools in this space. Attendees will gain insight into available tools, how they work, and what the results of an analysis look like.  

Discussion topics include:  

• Can I stick to my "as-is" process? 
• How do I know this type of simulation is representative of reality? 
• How much time does it take to become an expert? 
• How much time does a typical study with the software take? 

Since 2007, Zhang has been focused on developing Model-Based Quality (MBQ)--a product portfolio from Siemens for GD&T design and realization--and has helped numerous manufacturers digitalize their dimensional management workflow and use cases. Don't miss this chance to tap into his expertise.

Register today.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Haley Frank, senior category analyst at Wheeler Fleet Solutions, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know Frank in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?  

Haley Frank: I have been with Wheeler for just less than a year and a half. This is my first company after my May 2023 graduation from Northwood University. What I enjoy most about my role is that I am always learning: learning different avenues of the industry, learning new tools to use for efficiency, learning ways to build a career for myself and attending continuing education courses. Just being in a position for growth and learning has been a huge blessing in my current role.

SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?  

HF: I have no experience working in a corporate job. Going from being a college student to the world of corporate can be daunting as you learn that there are layers to a signature, and corporate jargon that you only really learn with experience. It has been fun tackling these challenges and navigating a career at such a young age.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

HF: About one and a half years in the industry. My first job was also with Wheeler but as an eCommerce Product Data Analyst.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?  

HF: Perseverance--this is huge for me! Life does not always hand people a fair deck of cards but using that to your advantage and learning from and persevering through those hard situations has built who I am. This has benefited me greatly as it teaches me to never give up and keep pushing.

Leadership. Leadership was instilled in me from a very young age throughout the various sports and extracurriculars that I participated in. This has very much carried over into my adult life through college athletics and now my job in the aftermarket. Striving for the best out of my team, taking those unknowns head-on and leading those around you in the direction of success. This has benefited me because it has allowed me to stand out and advance in my career and life.

Kindness. I think this is one that sounds a little cliché but is so near and dear to me. You never know what someone is going through, what someone else's life looks like, so extending kindness in the form of support, help, opportunities, advice, etc. have definitely gotten me where I am today.

Nobody makes it where they want to go on their own so extending grace and kindness to others has shaped me into the friend that I am, the coworker that I am and the person I am. This has benefitted me because it has allowed me to make a lot of friends along the way. People don't remember what you looked like or what you said; they remember how you treated them. This has helped me tremendously in the growth of my network.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?  

HF: Being a woman in the industry and a young woman has taught me a lot of things. People of power will look past you, speak over you and repeat ideas that you already said just because you are a woman. Very early on, I experienced people not taking my word for things and needing validation on components that I was in charge of handling from my male boss. It definitely creates a lack of confidence in the work that you are doing.

The accomplishments that I can take from this are that now people reach out to me directly, they want time on my calendar and they respect me as a professional and not by my gender. Being so young in the industry, at first it was confusing, but sticking it out and working through it has built a confidence that I did not used to have in both myself and my work. Another thing that has really helped with this is having bosses who recognize this and stand up for me or encourage my participation in very high-level meetings to help establish myself and my confidence. Having a support system is huge for growing in an industry that women are not prominent in.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?  

HF: My main role model is Ariel Loza. He took a chance on hiring someone who--at the time--had zero aftermarket experience and has supported me in my career advancement, industry involvement and navigating a career that I had never had before. He has introduced me to the layers of experience he has from the manufacturing side, dealership side, eCommerce side and warehouse distributor side. With him, no question is a stupid question and that is a really good feeling for someone who asks a lot of questions!

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?  

HF: I think the best career advice I have received is to "work harder on yourself than you do your job." As my time progresses in the corporate world, I feel like people forget to prioritize themselves and sometimes lose themselves. This has been a good reminder that there is so much time in the day outside of the nine-to-five. Use that time to prioritize yourself, stimulate your mind, move your body and continue to work on yourself. A strong, energized, happy and healthy mind will create an output at work that it otherwise could not.

Work is just one part of your life so to be more productive at work--work on yourself and never stop working on yourself. This has helped advance me in my career because, if I was sad all the time and in a work/sleep/repeat mindset, my productivity would not be where it is in my day-to-day. I am fulfilled outside of work by things that make me happy so when I am working the output is stronger, better and higher quality. It is all a mindset thing, and filling my cup cultivates a better work ethic, stronger mindset, better habits and increased confidence in myself and the work that I am producing.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?  

HF: No. This was an opportunity that was presented to me and I took a blind leap of faith. I think what keeps me here is that it is the smallest large industry ever--if that makes sense. All the people are so welcoming and inviting, they want to see you win and they want to help shape the future of the aftermarket. There is a place for everyone in the aftermarket and I think that is what keeps me here.

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?  

HF: My mom is definitely the most influential person in reaching my goals, both personally and in my career. My mom fell very ill when I was a junior in college and ended up passing away of brain cancer--this lit a fire in me like no other. It made me realize that tomorrow is not promised so work for all the things that you want today. Growing up, she wanted so much more for me than what she had and provided me all the opportunities to get that for myself, and all I had to do was go get it. So, for now and forever I will be going and getting it, reaching for all my goals because with hard work, nothing is out of reach.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By SEMA News Editors

A new bill in California has been introduced in an effort to ease restrictions for classic car owners in the state. Senate Bill 712, if passed, would exempt vehicles 35 years or older from smog checks if they are insured as collector cars. The bill was introduced by Senator Shannon Grove last week. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses.

Tell legislators to pass the bill now (it only takes a minute)!

"California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state," said Senator Shannon Grove. "These rolling pieces of history are more than just vehicles—they have strong cultural ties in our communities and supply thousands of jobs in the aftermarket parts industry. Senate Bill 712 will update the current law to include all classic cars that are 35 years or older, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without burdensome restrictions that are driving some collectors and industry businesses out of the state."

Jay Leno, a lifelong collector and advocate for automotive culture, is backing the bill, which many are affectionately calling "Jay Leno's Law."

"California's rich classic car culture, sparked by the post-war hot-rod boom and boosted by Hollywood's love for chrome and horsepower, has made it a paradise for enthusiasts like me. From the start, California has been a driving force in shaping car culture, with deep ties to classic cars and a global reputation as a hub for these timeless machines," said Leno. "California's smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated—they vary too much from state to state, and California's rules don't match up with neighboring ones. Our classic cars are only driven for special occasions, weekend drives and car shows. I am excited to work with Senator Grove on SB 712 to make it simpler for us to preserve these pieces of history."

The legislation addresses smog check requirements that often hinder classic car owners. California's automotive legacy dates back over a century, with early manufacturers like Studebaker and Pontiac setting up shop in the state. Today, the aftermarket parts industry for these vehicles generates billions annually, supporting jobs and small businesses. SB 712 aims to safeguard this economic engine while honoring the state's pioneering role in car culture.

"SEMA is proud to support SB 712. Senator Grove's bill provides a practical solution for collector vehicle owners, allowing them to enjoy their passion without the burden of unnecessary regulations," said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. "These vehicles are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road. By exempting collector vehicles from smog checks, we can ensure that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations."

Representing the $52 billion specialty automotive aftermarket industry, SEMA is a trade association based in Diamond Bar, California, made up of approximately 7,000 small businesses nationwide, including 1,066 in California, that manufacture, market, and sell specialty automotive aftermarket products, including restoration, appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for motor vehicles.

California has a thriving specialty automotive aftermarket industry. This industry significantly contributes to the state's economy, generating $40.44 billion in economic impact. This translates to supporting 149,325 jobs, $13.47 billion in total wages and benefits, and $6.16 billion in taxes paid.

"From car shows to weekend cruises, classic cars bring people together and keep our history vibrant," added Senator Grove. "With Jay Leno's support, we're sending a clear message: California values its automotive roots and the communities that keep them running."

The bill is expected to move through the legislative process in the coming months, with strong backing from car clubs, industry leaders, and enthusiasts statewide. The first bill hearing will be in the Senate Transportation Committee in April. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses.

Tell legislators to pass the bill now (it only takes a minute)!

By SEMA News Editors

A new bill in California has been introduced in an effort to ease restrictions for classic car owners in the state. Senate Bill 712, if passed, would exempt vehicles 35 years or older from smog checks if they are insured as collector cars. The bill was introduced by Senator Shannon Grove last week. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses.

Tell legislators to pass the bill now (it only takes a minute)!

"California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state," said Senator Shannon Grove. "These rolling pieces of history are more than just vehicles—they have strong cultural ties in our communities and supply thousands of jobs in the aftermarket parts industry. Senate Bill 712 will update the current law to include all classic cars that are 35 years or older, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without burdensome restrictions that are driving some collectors and industry businesses out of the state."

Jay Leno, a lifelong collector and advocate for automotive culture, is backing the bill, which many are affectionately calling "Jay Leno's Law."

"California's rich classic car culture, sparked by the post-war hot-rod boom and boosted by Hollywood's love for chrome and horsepower, has made it a paradise for enthusiasts like me. From the start, California has been a driving force in shaping car culture, with deep ties to classic cars and a global reputation as a hub for these timeless machines," said Leno. "California's smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated—they vary too much from state to state, and California's rules don't match up with neighboring ones. Our classic cars are only driven for special occasions, weekend drives and car shows. I am excited to work with Senator Grove on SB 712 to make it simpler for us to preserve these pieces of history."

The legislation addresses smog check requirements that often hinder classic car owners. California's automotive legacy dates back over a century, with early manufacturers like Studebaker and Pontiac setting up shop in the state. Today, the aftermarket parts industry for these vehicles generates billions annually, supporting jobs and small businesses. SB 712 aims to safeguard this economic engine while honoring the state's pioneering role in car culture.

"SEMA is proud to support SB 712. Senator Grove's bill provides a practical solution for collector vehicle owners, allowing them to enjoy their passion without the burden of unnecessary regulations," said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. "These vehicles are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road. By exempting collector vehicles from smog checks, we can ensure that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations."

Representing the $52 billion specialty automotive aftermarket industry, SEMA is a trade association based in Diamond Bar, California, made up of approximately 7,000 small businesses nationwide, including 1,066 in California, that manufacture, market, and sell specialty automotive aftermarket products, including restoration, appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for motor vehicles.

California has a thriving specialty automotive aftermarket industry. This industry significantly contributes to the state's economy, generating $40.44 billion in economic impact. This translates to supporting 149,325 jobs, $13.47 billion in total wages and benefits, and $6.16 billion in taxes paid.

"From car shows to weekend cruises, classic cars bring people together and keep our history vibrant," added Senator Grove. "With Jay Leno's support, we're sending a clear message: California values its automotive roots and the communities that keep them running."

The bill is expected to move through the legislative process in the coming months, with strong backing from car clubs, industry leaders, and enthusiasts statewide. The first bill hearing will be in the Senate Transportation Committee in April. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses.

Tell legislators to pass the bill now (it only takes a minute)!

By SEMA News Editors

President Donald Trump has agreed to exempt goods and services that comply with the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)from the previously announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month. Following a call with top executives from General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, the administration first agreed to exempt auto imports that complied with USMCA from the tariffs imposed on March 4 before expanding the exemption to USMCA compliant products from Mexico and Canada. Click here for the White House fact sheet on tariff adjustments to minimize disruptions to the U.S. automotive industry.

"We are going to give a one-month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA... so they are not at a disadvantage," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. "Reciprocal tariffs will still go into effect on April 2."

More positive news for the automotive aftermarket: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previewed the exemption covering all USMCA-compliant goods and services.

"If you lived under Donald Trump's USMCA agreement, you will get a reprieve from these tariffs now. If you chose to go outside of that, you did so at your own risk, and today is when that reckoning comes," he told CNBC.

SEMA, in its recent "SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report" market research study, noted that tariffs have the potential to increase costs for OEMs, part manufacturers and consumers. The report notes that:

• Most of the tariff exposure is likely to small- and mid-sized parts manufacturers, particularly those who rely on international supply chains for some of their components and materials.
• Tariffs disproportionately impact businesses that pay upfront for goods and services, with small- and medium-sized companies potentially experiencing cash-flow issues, delayed payments, and reduced capacity and inventory.
• Competition to secure supplies of domestic steel, and thus lower costs, may be intense.

Read more about the SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report here. Questions? Contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

President Donald Trump has agreed to exempt goods and services that comply with the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)from the previously announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month. Following a call with top executives from General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, the administration first agreed to exempt auto imports that complied with USMCA from the tariffs imposed on March 4 before expanding the exemption to USMCA compliant products from Mexico and Canada. Click here for the White House fact sheet on tariff adjustments to minimize disruptions to the U.S. automotive industry.

"We are going to give a one-month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA... so they are not at a disadvantage," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. "Reciprocal tariffs will still go into effect on April 2."

More positive news for the automotive aftermarket: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previewed the exemption covering all USMCA-compliant goods and services.

"If you lived under Donald Trump's USMCA agreement, you will get a reprieve from these tariffs now. If you chose to go outside of that, you did so at your own risk, and today is when that reckoning comes," he told CNBC.

SEMA, in its recent "SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report" market research study, noted that tariffs have the potential to increase costs for OEMs, part manufacturers and consumers. The report notes that:

• Most of the tariff exposure is likely to small- and mid-sized parts manufacturers, particularly those who rely on international supply chains for some of their components and materials.
• Tariffs disproportionately impact businesses that pay upfront for goods and services, with small- and medium-sized companies potentially experiencing cash-flow issues, delayed payments, and reduced capacity and inventory.
• Competition to secure supplies of domestic steel, and thus lower costs, may be intense.

Read more about the SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report here. Questions? Contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

• At a Glance: SEMA and PRI continue to fight to stop unfair automotive technology mandates, most recently flying into Washington, D.C., to spread the word to lawmakers. Industry members are encouraged to join the cause.
• Get involved: To join the fight, visit SEMACRA.org to send a letter to your lawmaker.
• Use our tools: Amplify our messages with our toolkit, featuring social media assets you can deploy on your channels. 
   

SEMA Hits The Hill, Throws a Haymaker in Fight to Stop ICE Ban

Working on a tight deadline to stop California's internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, SEMA and PRI mustered a crack team of advocates to urge lawmakers to prevent California from enacting laws and mandates for the entire country. Congress is in the midst of a Congressional Review Act (CRA)-enabled examination of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver to California for the state's Advanced Clean Cars II regulation.

To amplify the message of technology-neutral government and vehicle choice, a team of 31 advocates, comprised of SEMA members and automotive content creators, descended on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers and their staff members. Over the course of seven hours, members impressed upon Congress why California's ICE ban should be struck down, furthering our position on this critical matter. SEMA and PRI have published a new toolkit of posters and social media assets to help spread the word on the fight to stop the ICE ban. (Find more on those resources at sema.org/advocacy/cra and below).

Background on the Congressional Review Act

SEMA and PRI's efforts to overturn EV mandates enacted by California are at a significant moment. Federal lawmakers will use the CRA to determine the legitimacy of Clean Air Act waivers for California's Advanced Clean Cars II policy, which would effectively ban ICE and related technology and innovations. SEMA and PRI oppose these waivers and support their immediate repeal by Congress.

These proposed mandates will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs. The specialty automotive aftermarket has led to technological innovation, making vehicles more fuel-efficient, safer and appealing to consumers.

In addition, large automakers are losing billions a year in their electric-vehicle (EV) programs despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they receive from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs.

Join the cause to end EV mandates and support automotive businesses by visiting semacra.org and sending a letter to your lawmakers. Be sure also to access the ready-to-print and ready-to-post assets available to industry members below.
 

SEMA and PRI Offer 'Stop the ICE Ban' Toolkit of Assets; Join the Cause

SEMA and PRI's CRA Social Media Toolkit is designed to help industry members share their opposition to EV mandates across their digital channels and in their shops or businesses. This comprehensive toolkit provides a variety of ready-to-use assets, including printable posters, social graphics, carousel assets and sample post copy, making it easy to share key messaging with your customers and industry peers. 

Join the cause, let industry members know where you stand, and access the CRA Social Media Toolkit at sema.org/advocacy/cra.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

• At a Glance: SEMA and PRI continue to fight to stop unfair automotive technology mandates, most recently flying into Washington, D.C., to spread the word to lawmakers. Industry members are encouraged to join the cause.
• Get involved: To join the fight, visit SEMACRA.org to send a letter to your lawmaker.
• Use our tools: Amplify our messages with our toolkit, featuring social media assets you can deploy on your channels. 
   

SEMA Hits The Hill, Throws a Haymaker in Fight to Stop ICE Ban

Working on a tight deadline to stop California's internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, SEMA and PRI mustered a crack team of advocates to urge lawmakers to prevent California from enacting laws and mandates for the entire country. Congress is in the midst of a Congressional Review Act (CRA)-enabled examination of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver to California for the state's Advanced Clean Cars II regulation.

To amplify the message of technology-neutral government and vehicle choice, a team of 31 advocates, comprised of SEMA members and automotive content creators, descended on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers and their staff members. Over the course of seven hours, members impressed upon Congress why California's ICE ban should be struck down, furthering our position on this critical matter. SEMA and PRI have published a new toolkit of posters and social media assets to help spread the word on the fight to stop the ICE ban. (Find more on those resources at sema.org/advocacy/cra and below).

Background on the Congressional Review Act

SEMA and PRI's efforts to overturn EV mandates enacted by California are at a significant moment. Federal lawmakers will use the CRA to determine the legitimacy of Clean Air Act waivers for California's Advanced Clean Cars II policy, which would effectively ban ICE and related technology and innovations. SEMA and PRI oppose these waivers and support their immediate repeal by Congress.

These proposed mandates will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs. The specialty automotive aftermarket has led to technological innovation, making vehicles more fuel-efficient, safer and appealing to consumers.

In addition, large automakers are losing billions a year in their electric-vehicle (EV) programs despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they receive from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs.

Join the cause to end EV mandates and support automotive businesses by visiting semacra.org and sending a letter to your lawmakers. Be sure also to access the ready-to-print and ready-to-post assets available to industry members below.
 

SEMA and PRI Offer 'Stop the ICE Ban' Toolkit of Assets; Join the Cause

SEMA and PRI's CRA Social Media Toolkit is designed to help industry members share their opposition to EV mandates across their digital channels and in their shops or businesses. This comprehensive toolkit provides a variety of ready-to-use assets, including printable posters, social graphics, carousel assets and sample post copy, making it easy to share key messaging with your customers and industry peers. 

Join the cause, let industry members know where you stand, and access the CRA Social Media Toolkit at sema.org/advocacy/cra.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA- and PRI-opposed bill in Arkansas that threatened to impose severe restrictions on local race tracks, has been withdrawn by its author.

This marks a significant victory for SEMA, PRI and the community of grassroots racing enthusiasts in Arkansas. To generate opposition to the bill, SEMA and PRI issued an urgent legislative alert to Arkansas motorsports businesses, race tracks and fans regarding House Bill (HB) 1564, which generated more than 7,000 letters to lawmakers. Additionally, SEMA and PRI worked with automotive celebrity Alex Taylor, an Arkansas native, on an Instagram reel promoting the letter-writing campaign, which garnered more than 400,000 views.

Arkansas lawmakers were considering HB 1564, which proposed onerous restrictions for race tracks, including new insurance requirements, limitations on noise levels, hours of operation and types of events that could be held. The bill, introduced by State Representative Wayne Long (R) and Senator Ronald Caldwell (R), sparked significant debate among legislators, community members and racing enthusiasts.

In a letter to the Arkansas lawmakers, Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director of state government affairs, highlighted that the proposed restrictions could have led to job losses and reduced economic activity in the regions where race tracks are located.

"We believe that this legislation creates unnecessary regulatory burdens that could stifle motorsports events and related businesses, risks job losses and revenue declines in communities that rely on motorsports tourism and events [and] sets a concerning precedent for government overreach into private business operations without clear justification," stated Robinson. The specialty-equipment industry contributes more than $3.42 billion in economic impact and supports nearly 15,000 jobs.

"HB 1564 threatened to undermine the positive impacts of motorsports on Arkansas's economy and community," said Robinson. "We are pleased that the bill has been pulled and urge lawmakers to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop policies that support both motorsports and local communities."

The decision to pull HB 1564 before the committee hearing is a significant win for the entire industry. The swift mobilization and the overwhelming response from the racing community played a crucial role in this outcome.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to protecting the racing community's interests and will continue to advocate for policies that support the industry and local economies. This victory demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for the motorsports community.

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA- and PRI-opposed bill in Arkansas that threatened to impose severe restrictions on local race tracks, has been withdrawn by its author.

This marks a significant victory for SEMA, PRI and the community of grassroots racing enthusiasts in Arkansas. To generate opposition to the bill, SEMA and PRI issued an urgent legislative alert to Arkansas motorsports businesses, race tracks and fans regarding House Bill (HB) 1564, which generated more than 7,000 letters to lawmakers. Additionally, SEMA and PRI worked with automotive celebrity Alex Taylor, an Arkansas native, on an Instagram reel promoting the letter-writing campaign, which garnered more than 400,000 views.

Arkansas lawmakers were considering HB 1564, which proposed onerous restrictions for race tracks, including new insurance requirements, limitations on noise levels, hours of operation and types of events that could be held. The bill, introduced by State Representative Wayne Long (R) and Senator Ronald Caldwell (R), sparked significant debate among legislators, community members and racing enthusiasts.

In a letter to the Arkansas lawmakers, Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director of state government affairs, highlighted that the proposed restrictions could have led to job losses and reduced economic activity in the regions where race tracks are located.

"We believe that this legislation creates unnecessary regulatory burdens that could stifle motorsports events and related businesses, risks job losses and revenue declines in communities that rely on motorsports tourism and events [and] sets a concerning precedent for government overreach into private business operations without clear justification," stated Robinson. The specialty-equipment industry contributes more than $3.42 billion in economic impact and supports nearly 15,000 jobs.

"HB 1564 threatened to undermine the positive impacts of motorsports on Arkansas's economy and community," said Robinson. "We are pleased that the bill has been pulled and urge lawmakers to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop policies that support both motorsports and local communities."

The decision to pull HB 1564 before the committee hearing is a significant win for the entire industry. The swift mobilization and the overwhelming response from the racing community played a crucial role in this outcome.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to protecting the racing community's interests and will continue to advocate for policies that support the industry and local economies. This victory demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for the motorsports community.

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.