By SEMA News Editors

Update on March 5, 2025:

HB 1564 was officially withdrawn as of March 5, 2025. SEMA and PRI thank industry members for their efforts supporting this important cause.
 

Original article: 

PRI and SEMA are currently waging a significant fight to derail HB 1564, legislation that would create new restrictions for rural race tracks in Arkansas, including new insurance requirements, limitations on noise levels, hours of operation and types of events that venues can hold. 

What PRI and SEMA Are Doing:  

• We mobilized quickly, submitting testimony to the committee and activating the SEMA and PRI Action Network.  
• Because of our advocacy campaign, more than 6,000 letters have been sent to elected officials opposing the bill.  
• The SEMA Action Network released an explainer video, while noted racing celebrity Alex Taylor was compelled to create an Instagram post promoting our letter-writing campaign. Both videos have been viewed more than 400,000 times. PRI and SEMA members are urged to share these videos to spread the message.  

Next Steps:  

• The PRI and SEMA Washington, D.C. office anticipates a hearing on Wednesday, March 5, in which the bill could be heard. This will be the third time HB 1564 is on the agenda. If the bill is not heard this week, it will be moved to the "deferred list," making it much more difficult to move the bill.  

How You Can Help:  

• PRI and SEMA have made it easy to get engaged. Please share the link to our letter-writing campaign on your social media accounts and share the videos above.

 

 

 

 

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

Women employed in the automotive aftermarket industry still have time to sign up for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum (WLF), happening next week, March 11-13, in Orlando, Florida. The highly anticipated conference will bring together female executives, marketers, managers and shop owners for an unmatched opportunity to develop new skills and gain essential insights for career growth. Registration is open at sema.org/sbn-wlf.  

"This WLF offers an environment unlike any other for women to come together to support one another, learn new skills and stay ahead of the curve on leadership trends that are transforming the aftermarket industry," said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. "Attendees will hear from expert speakers, participate in brand new seminars, and connect through networking opportunities that are tailored to their success."  

Register today and don't miss out on:   

• Inspiring Keynotes: Keynote speeches will offer exclusive insights from industry leaders who have proven experience in building strong organizational cultures. Join them to learn the secrets to empowering your team to take risks and innovate, optimizing personal success, unlocking competitive advantage with generative AI, and building skills that transform the employee experience. 
• Interactive Breakouts: Attendees can choose between breakout sessions that align with their leadership goals. These breakouts will focus on transforming your innovation pipeline, accelerating people's performance with emotional intelligence, managing conflict and unlocking organizational success.   
• Action Planning Sessions: Each day will conclude with an action planning session, during which attendees will transform what they've learned into personalized action plans. This will help them set clear goals, track progress and stay on course for success after the event concludes.  
• Networking Opportunities: This year features varied networking activities that will enable attendees to grow their network further and foster valuable career connections. These relationships can develop into mentorships, friendships and partnerships that can offer advice and serve as support in the future.  

SBN members receive the added benefit of a discounted rate of $599, compared to the non-member rate of $799. Visit sema.org/sbn-wlf to learn more and secure your spot today.  

Contact SBN Director Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org with any questions.   

By SEMA News Editors

MotorTrend Names Hyundai President and CEO as 2025 Person of the Year

MotorTrend has named Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz as its 2025 Person of the Year and the highest rank of its 50-person 2025 MotorTrend Power List.

According to MotorTrend, "José Muñoz steps into the history books as the first non-Korean to lead the conglomerate that includes Hyundai and Genesis… (and) has been a driving force, leading Hyundai through years of record growth in North American sales, market share, revenue, and profitability. Muñoz has more than earned his top spot on our Power List, and he shows no signs of slowing down or making major missteps."

The 2025 MotorTrend Power List also includes Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group executive chair (who was named Person of the Year in 2023); SangYup Lee, Hyundai executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis global design; Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group chief creative officer; Claudia Márquez, Hyundai Motor America chief operating officer and Karim Habib, head of KIA global design and the KIA Design Center.

"I am extremely honored to be recognized among such a talented group of industry leaders," said Muñoz. "This recognition is due to the vision and support of our executive chair, the hard-working women and men of Hyundai, our outstanding dealer partners, our customers, and so many others who work tirelessly for Hyundai and Genesis in this competitive and dynamic industry. It's a great time to be with Hyundai!"

For more information, read the MotorTrend article here.
 

Petersen Automotive Museum Announces New Ken Block Tribute Exhibit

Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has announced that the "People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" exhibit is now open. Located on the second floor in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery, the new exhibit honors the late motorsports icon Block, who passed away in early 2023 after a snowmobile accident.

A motorsports icon and pioneer of automotive content in the age of online media, rally driver and DC Shoes co-founder Ken Block utilized his marketing acumen, driving expertise and automotive enthusiasm to create the enormously popular "Gymkhana" video series and Hoonigan, an automotive lifestyle brand and production company that has captivated audiences for more than a decade.

By the time of Block's tragic death in 2023, the series' multiple films had amassed hundreds of millions of views. The vehicles had improved from modified street machines to one-of-a-kind, purpose-built Gymkhana monsters. The locations had progressed from empty airfields and dockyards to closed roads in metropolitan areas and perilous mountain passes. Additional shows on the Hoonigan YouTube channel, such as "Daily Transmission," "Build Breakdown," and "The Unprofessionals," showcased unique vehicle builds, high-performance driving, and the automotive antics of the Hoonigan staff. Block and the Hoonigan Media Machine team revolutionized motorsports filmmaking and became a pillar of automotive culture by producing authentic, enthusiast-centered media that was tailor-made for online viewing.

This exhibit will honor Block's legacy through a display of his most iconic vehicles and memorabilia, such as racing suits, helmets, wheels, DC Shoes and Hoonigan merchandise, from key moments in his career.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Petersen Automotive Museum website here.

Image courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum, petersen.org.

Holley Performance Brands Expands Into Mexico

Holley Performance Brands is growing its global footprint by expanding into Mexico.

The company is entering Mexico in a phased approach, beginning with its modern truck and off-road consumer vertical that encompasses Jeeps, Ford Broncos, mid-size pickups and other highly customized vehicle fitments in the region. Products and platform package solutions from Holley-owned brands like ADS, Baer, Edge, DiabloSport, Flowmaster, Superchips, Holley, ACCEL and MSD are already available in Mexico through authorized distributors, including Auto Zone locations, as well as through job shops.

Holley's entrance into Mexico officially kicked off on February 1 with an event in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, attended by distributors, job shops, enthusiasts and Holley Performance Brands leadership. To support its growing presence in the Mexico region, Holley has launched a dedicated website and social media channels, the company said.

Holley plans to launch its Domestic Muscle product portfolio in Mexico later this spring--including high-performance brands such as AEM, Mr. Gasket and Holley EFI--with its Safety & Racing brands to follow later this year, including Stilo, Simpson, RaceQuip and Hans.

For more information on Holley Mexico, visit holley.com/mexico.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, are now open through the official hotel block and housing partner, onPeak. SEMA and onPeak have negotiated the best possible rates, giving Showgoers cost-saving benefits alongside a myriad of benefits, like fully flexible booking, possible hotel rewards points and group reservations at the best hotels in Las Vegas. SEMA Showgoers can only get the discounted rates when booking through the only official hotel provider, onPeak, here.

Following is a sampling of the discounts you can expect to find in the SEMA Show hotel block for the 2025 event.

Save more than $100 a night by staying at these hotels:

• Aria
• Caesars Palace
• Embassy Suites Convention Center
• Encore at Wynn
• Fontainebleau
• Harrah’s
• Horseshoe
• MGM Grand
• New York New York
• Park MGM
• Renaissance
• Springhill Suites Convention Center
• The Cosmopolitan
• The Cromwell
• The Palazzo
• The Venetian
• Trump
• Vdara
• Waldorf Astoria
• Wynn

Save more than 50% per night at these hotels:

• Aria
• Encore at Wynn
• Fontainebleau
• Horseshoe
• MGM Grand
• Park MGM
• The Palazzo
• The Venetian
• Wynn

In addition, when you book in the official SEMA Show hotel block, not only do you benefit from cost-saving rates, exclusive amenities, and outstanding service, but you are also showing support for the SEMA Show. The more rooms booked in the block, the more we can negotiate lower room rates and more concessions, which allows the SEMA Show management team to meet the needs of attendees better.

These discounts can only be secured via the SEMA Show and onPeak booking site here. Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show will open on Monday, April 28.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Scholarship Program is seeking passionate individuals to volunteer as SEMA Scholarship judges. Signups are open now through March 21 at this link.

The SEMA Scholarship Program supports career development and access into the automotive industry by offering financial awards to students preparing for careers in the automotive field.  

Volunteer judges play a vital role in reviewing scholarship applications and assisting with selecting deserving winners. It's a rewarding opportunity to make a difference and read inspiring stories from passionate students who are eager to enter the automotive aftermarket.     

Hours are flexible and can be performed around the volunteer's schedule. If selected, judging begins on March 31 and continues until May 23. Learn more and apply to volunteer here.   

To learn more about the SEMA Scholarship program, visit sema.org/scholarships. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Sheena Dixon, category manager at AutoZone, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know Dixon 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?  

Sheena Dixon: I am a seven-year AutoZoner. The first line of AutoZone's pledge and values is that AutoZoners always put customers first. Finding ways to better service our customers and their needs is the most fulfilling part of my job.

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

SD: The most challenging part of running my category is controlling the unknown. There are so many factors, such as weather, inflation and lack of discretionary income, which all could affect the performance of my business. However, the key to success is being able to pivot and find ways to drive the business, with the end goal to always satisfy the customer.

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

SD: I have been in the retail business for more than 20 years. After college, I started on the supplier side as an account manager for a heating company. When I first started out, the importance of building your brand and networking was never part of my vocabulary. I have later learned these concepts are particularly important in whatever career path you chose. Your brand will follow you forever.

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

SD: "Just be yourself," is what my dad has always taught me, and I have carried his saying with me in everything that I do. Another quality that I value is humility. Others see humility as weakness. I, however, embrace it. Finally, there's ambition. If you can see, you can achieve it.

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

SD: Biggest challenge with being a woman in the industry is constantly having to prove your worth. There is nothing more insulting than people who automatically assume that you lack automotive knowledge just because you are a woman. I deal with this challenge daily.

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

SD: I have taken on many mentors, both males and females, throughout my years in the industry. All my mentors are people that I grew to trust and respect before they became my mentor. I have learned that not every mentor is created equal. My advice is to find a mentor that truly has your best interest at heart.

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

SD: "Build your brand," is the best career advice that I have ever received. How you represent yourself to your peers, your vendor partners and your friends and family are especially important. Perception is reality.

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

SD: Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would work in the automotive industry. Prior to AutoZone, anything automotive was daunting to me. Fortunately, there are organizations like SBN, Women in Auto Care and WOCAN, that provide safe spaces for women to learn, grow and become experts in their craft.

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

SD: Until I met Rosa Laxamana later in my career, I had never met someone who was so genuine and kind, yet firm and assertive. Rosa thrived on helping others succeed and I admire her for that. The retail industry, in general, can be extremely competitive and not everyone wants to see you be successful. Individuals like Rosa exemplify everything that I strive to be every day: a better version of myself.

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 Ellen McKoy

Are you concerned about government regulations that may have a far-reaching impact on the future of the aftermarket industry? Want to engage with automotive enthusiasts to expand your company's reach and boost your brand?

Suppose you answered yes to either or both of these questions. In that case, the new SEMA+ individual membership program presents a value-added opportunity to connect with consumers and support SEMA's legislative agenda.

Some may recall that in 2021, the SEMA Board of Directors approved a landmark new membership category: SEMA Individual Membership (SIM), and for the first time in the association's history, individuals were allowed to join SEMA.

Fast forward to 2024, and SEMA+ was rolled out prior to the SEMA Show in November. In rebranding and reimagining the membership program, SEMA aimed to bring greater value to both consumers and the industry. In keeping with its mission, SEMA+ is centered on harnessing the passion and power of a broad-based enthusiast community, uniting their voices on issues that affect the industry and fostering connectivity to SEMA.

"Investing in SEMA+ is an investment in the future of our industry," said AJ Carney, SEMA director of membership. "By welcoming car and truck enthusiasts into the SEMA community, we unite a collective voice that strengthens our foundation."

Crafting Connections, Amplifying Advocacy

That collective voice includes businesses, employees, industry pros, everyday consumers and die-hard enthusiasts who share a common passion for the automotive lifestyle and for preserving the right to customize their vehicles. The dues are just $40. Membership includes access to legislative alerts, a dedicated industry newsletter, industry and lifestyle discounts from participating benefit partners and engagement through social media platforms.

For SEMA business members, the program offers an opportunity to interact directly with end users. Case in point: The benefit partner component puts the participating companies front and center. The current list runs the gamut, from recognized industry brands to well-known providers of lifestyle, entertainment and travel services, among others.

By providing a direct connection to end users who buy their products or services, business members gain an effective marketing edge, which in turn helps to build brand recognition and consumer awareness of both the industry and the association.

For Trim Illusion, SEMA+ offers a direct pipeline to consumers while building its brands and supporting SEMA's advocacy agenda. 

"What I like about SEMA+ is that it engages both enthusiasts and manufacturers looking to create consumer awareness," said Trim Illusion's President Colby McLaughlin. "Being a benefit partner is great marketing for your brand and your business. It's a great way to bring enthusiasts into SEMA and get your brand in front of consumers year-round." 

A proponent of SEMA's legislative advocacy, McLauglin also sees SEMA+ as a way to educate and engage. "Whether you're in the business or an enthusiast, being aware of legislation that could impact your hobby or your company is very important. SEMA+ provides the infrastructure that makes it easy for everybody to have a voice and help SEMA be more successful in its advocacy efforts that benefit our industry," he said.

At the same time, by providing a forum that cultivates and encourages consumer engagement, both SEMA+ and SEMA are able to marshal grassroots support, creating a unified voice to address a challenging regulatory landscape and amplify the association's advocacy agenda.

"Whether you're a manufacturer, retailer, installer, builder, enthusiast or consumer, SEMA+ offers something for everyone," said Carney. "It's an individual membership that unites us and ensures our industry thrives for generations to come. Together, we share ideas and build connections, ensuring the automotive aftermarket remains strong, dynamic and ready for any challenges ahead."

To learn more about SEMA+ or to join, visit sema.org/plus and click "join." Questions? Email AJ Carney at ajc@sema.org.
 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

USAC Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced the USAC Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

USAC's 12th Hall of Fame class includes driver and car owner Jack Bowsher, driver Dave Darland, car owner and official Bob Estes, car owner and crew chief Bob Hampshire, promoters Roger and Linda Holdeman, official Tommy Hunt and driver Gordon Johncock.

The official 2025 USAC Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana, on Wednesday, July 2, during the BC39 festivities for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Championship at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

For more information, including a biography on each inductee, visit usacracing.com.

IMS Museum Announces Chuck Jones Named to Board Ahead of April Reopening

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced Chuck Jones as the new chairman of the Museum's board of directors. Jones currently serves as the chief design officer at GE HealthCare and was the recipient of the White House-sponsored Smithsonian National Design Award. He is also a noted vintage Indy car restoration expert and racer, and has served on the IMS Museum board since 2019. He succeeds Rob Dyson in the position, ushering in a new era called "The Stories Behind the Spectacle Capital" campaign.

The announcement comes before the reimagined IMS Museum, which will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 2. The facility has been closed since November 2023 while undergoing a transformation of its space and experiences. 

General admission tickets for the IMS Museum are officially on sale beginning Tuesday, March 4, at imsmuseum.org. With exciting, educational and interactive new exhibits, the Museum brings the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to life.

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests, the Museum has moved to a timed ticket entry system. Guests should plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their timed entry reservation.

With a general admission ticket, visitors will have full access to all exhibits and display areas of the Museum–40,000 sq. ft. of additional space–including the lower level, an area previously restricted to only select tours, and the newly added mezzanine featuring artifacts on view for the first time.

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is excited to welcome guests back to our reimagined space when we reopen in April," IMS Museum President Joe Hale said. "Guests will not only enjoy visiting some of their favorite objects but will be able to explore significantly more exhibit space and have fun testing their skills in our immersive Qualifying Zone."

For more information, including ticket pricing and available memberships, visit the IMS announcement here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association Introduces New Presidential Cabinet

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association has elected new officers, from left to right: Justin McAllister, Shayla McAllister, Dennis Sullivan, Vern Taylor and James Reeser.

The Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA)—the organization founded in 1976 to preserve the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, and motorsports events at the historic venue—has appointed a new presidential cabinet following elections.

The new USFRA officers are Dennis Sullivan (president), Justin McAllister (vice president), Shayla McAllister (treasury), Vern Taylor (Sargent of Arms) and James Reeser (secretary).

In addition, USFRA has announced the 39th annual World of Speed is set for September 5-8, 2025, at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Participant event registration is available online here. USFRA will also host a test and tune event on June 27-29.

For more information, visit saltflats.com.

Image courtesy of USFRA

For more racing news, visit performanceracing.com/industry-news.

From SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Announced earlier this week, SEMA is requesting industry members sign a letter to federal lawmakers to demand Congressional action on unfair electric vehicle (EV) mandates. This letter explains why Congress should pass a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. (Have questions about the CRA process? Learn more here).

In short, Congress now has an opportunity to stop California's disastrous regulation, which requires 100% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California and 11 other states to be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035, pushing aside other viable technologies and innovations in the aftermarket. 

Click below to act now and add your name to the list! 

SIGN THE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS HERE. 

Congress is owed the opportunity to determine whether a single state should be empowered to enact a heavy-handed policy that would have broad, national implications for the economy, the entire automotive-aftermarket industry and consumers. 

If not stopped by Congress, the Clean Air Act waiver that the EPA granted in December would enable California to implement its EV mandates and ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Congress, though, can use the CRA to nullify the waivers, thus preserving vehicle choice for consumers and halting a policy that would have a disastrous effect on the automotive aftermarket industry. 

To sign your name to this important cause, complete SEMA's quick form here.

Want more information or to help spread the word? Read and share this new infographic on Congress' new tool to end EV mandates (and what you can do about it). 

From SEMA's Washington, D.C., office

Announced earlier this week, SEMA is requesting industry members sign a letter to federal lawmakers to demand Congressional action on unfair electric vehicle (EV) mandates. This letter explains why Congress should pass a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. (Have questions about the CRA process? Learn more here).

In short, Congress now has an opportunity to stop California's disastrous regulation, which requires 100% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California and 11 other states to be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035, pushing aside other viable technologies and innovations in the aftermarket. 

Click below to act now and add your name to the list! 

SIGN THE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS HERE. 

Congress is owed the opportunity to determine whether a single state should be empowered to enact a heavy-handed policy that would have broad, national implications for the economy, the entire automotive-aftermarket industry and consumers. 

If not stopped by Congress, the Clean Air Act waiver that the EPA granted in December would enable California to implement its EV mandates and ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Congress, though, can use the CRA to nullify the waivers, thus preserving vehicle choice for consumers and halting a policy that would have a disastrous effect on the automotive aftermarket industry. 

To sign your name to this important cause, complete SEMA's quick form here.

Want more information or to help spread the word? Read and share this new infographic on Congress' new tool to end EV mandates (and what you can do about it).