By Ashley Reyes

Rated as one of the most valuable educational resources in the industry, the SEMA Show seminar program is now available at the click of a button. Recordings of the most popular sessions from the 2022 SEMA Show are available to SEMA members at no cost at

Check out the short clips from the sessions in the videos below, and click through to view the entire seminars at your convenience. (Logging in to your SEMA.org member account is required.)

How to Market and Sell in the Post-Pandemic World

The pandemic drastically altered the business world. In this seminar, you’ll gain an understanding of what drives customers’ purchasing decisions and how to influence their journey. Hear from Daniel Grissom, CEO of Deal Closer Coaching, and discover the tools and messaging that will position your company as a market leader.

Login to view the full seminar.

Women Who Build, Powered by SBN

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members modified an All-Female Ford Bronco Build in 2022. Get inspired by this panel of women who led the project as they share how their team of volunteers accomplished the SBN’s vision at the highest level.

You’ll hear from Jennifer Petraitis (Driven Lighting Group), Sherry Kollien (Motor City Solutions), Kathryn Reinhardt (Hemmings), Rebeca Olavarrieta (Roco 4x4) and Sara Morosan (LGE-CTS Motorsports).

Login to view the full seminar.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members are invited to a mixer at Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (EDT).

Taking place on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway, the mixer is the ideal event for members in the truck and off-road space to learn about what the council is working on. Attendees will engage in fun conversations, discuss new truck and off-road and industry trends and find out what volunteer opportunities are available in the industry.

If you’re a business in the truck and off-road market, register for the mixer now to discover the many benefits that TORA has to offer. TORA select committee leaders will be on site to answer questions.

RSVP here.

*Credentials are required to enter the Speedway. Obtain your credentials on-site at the Speedway entrance.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to connect with Daryl Sampson, vice president of marketing at Turn 14 Distribution, during the FLN Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, April 12, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).  

Sampson’s career has encompassed a multitude of roles throughout the aftermarket in the past 20 years—from sales manager of a prominent retail performance and sales installation facility to his current role at Turn 14 Distribution.  

During this live chat, Sampson will share his perspective on landscape shifts in the industry, particularly as they pertain to warehouse distributors. SEMA members will learn what the company is doing well to remain successful, changes that have impacted business and how EVs are affecting WDs.  

This is a great chance to hear from an aftermarket expert who has been on the cusp of industry-leading marketing and sales programs, and to learn about the state of the industry with WDs. Get your questions ready and join the live chat to tap into Sampson’s expertise.  

Live Chat location:  

• FLN Facebook page
• FLN Instagram live (@fln_sema) 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast or an industry professional, you can accomplish a lot on a vehicle with a toolbox. With lawmakers in Washington, D.C., currently debating key issues that impact our businesses from right to repair to motorized access to public lands to debating the future of the internal combustion engine, it is imperative that SEMA members shape the debate on the issues that matter most to our industry.

When used wisely and appropriately, one’s voice can be among the most powerful ways to influence politics. In this case, our voice is best in numbers. By law, SEMA may not use association funds to contribute to federal candidates; however, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) allows administrative and executive employees of SEMA-member companies to contribute their personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support our industry’s positions and initiatives. Government rules require SEMA PAC to ask your permission before it can ask for your support, a process known as becoming prior-approved. Join the conversation and become SEMA PAC prior approved today!

For more information, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The SEMA and PRI Government Affairs staff recently provided its members with an update on SEMA and PRI’s advocacy efforts during an open virtual meeting.

All SEMA and PRI members are invited to watch the webinar on-demand, where they will gain an understanding of how the government affairs team in Washington, D.C., is advocating for the industry and its businesses. Click here to watch the webinar.

Attendees received both federal and state legislative updates, including on the RPM Act, the REPAIR Act, the Right to Modify, the Preserving Choice in Motor Vehicle Purchases Act, tax incentives and liability reform for race tracks, off-road issues and protecting the right to purchase a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The webinar also highlighted the advocacy communications strategy that SEMA and PRI are utilizing to protect the industry.

*Any rebroadcast, retransmission, or account of this meeting, without the express written consent of SEMA, is prohibited.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Cares, the charity arm of SEMA that unites the automotive aftermarket’s efforts to support children in need, is hosting an online event to help members discover different ways to get involved.  

During the webinar “Ways to Support SEMA Cares’ Partners: Giving Back and Leveling Up Corporate Philanthropy,” May 23 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT), attendees will discover ways to give back while making a positive difference in young lives. Representatives from the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, Childhelp prevention and treatment of child abuse and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions will share the stories behind their organizations and some simple and often overlooked ways that businesses and individuals can support their efforts.   

This is a perfect opportunity for businesses that want to level up their charitable programs and for individuals who want to get more involved with giving back.  

Register here for the live online event. 

Three weeks following the announcement of the UTV industry's first factory racing program, Polaris Factory Racing was victorious at its first event, with a historic win at the 36th annual SCORE San Felipe 250. Veteran racer and team principal Craig Scanlon took the Pro UTV Open class victory behind the wheel of his race-modified RZR Pro R.

Scanlon got the Pro R over the finish line faster than any other UTV. However, a penalty administered after the race moved him to second overall, while maintaining his class victory. Rounding out the Pro UTV Open class podium were Polaris racers Wayne Matlock and Mike Cafro, both behind the wheel of race-modified RZR Pro Rs.

During the Polaris Factory Racing team’s  debut, factory racers Cayden MacCachren, Austin Weiland and Brock Heger, put their purpose-built RZR Pro R Factory vehicles to the ultimate test, navigating the rugged conditions of the 268-mile racecourse to finish fourth, sixth and 10th, respectively. Having all three drivers finish within the top 10 is a noteworthy accomplishment for an all-new program and vehicle in its first showing.

When the race got underway, all three factory drivers quickly made their way toward the front of the field, running 1-2-3 by the 50-mile marker. As the race progressed, Polaris supported driver Brandon Sims had taken over the lead, followed by Scanlon and MacCachren. The three racers were within minutes of each other, all pulling into the main pit stop at the halfway point nearly simultaneously.

By mile 150, MacCachren had taken over the lead and maintained it until the final miles of the race when Scanlon was able to navigate his way into the lead position. MacCachren nabbed a fourth place finish, while Weiland was steadfast all day, driving consistently throughout the 268-mile race to finish sixth and Heger crossed the finish line in 10th.

Polaris success this past weekend went beyond the Pro UTV Open Class. In the Pro UTV Naturally Aspirated class, Polaris racer Joe Bolton took the win, while Polaris Mexico racer Anibal Lopez claimed victory in the Pro Stock UTV class in a RZR Turbo R. The Polaris Factory Racing team will be back in action at the Baja 500 on May 31–June 4.

Hoonigan to Relaunch Ken Block’s Gymkhana Grid Competition  

Officials with automotive enthusiast brand Hoonigan have announced plans to relaunch Ken Block’s Gymkhana Grid competition, which has not hosted an event since the 2019 installment in Poland. Gymkhana Grid features rallycross and drifting champions competing alongside amateur racers across different classes. Races—held in different venues worldwide—take place on a symmetrical course with drivers making timed runs on each track. Courses with tight corners encourage drivers to apply drifting techniques and feature obstacles like barrels, tires and ship containers.

The event has visited Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale, California); Santa Pod Raceway (Podington, Bedfordshire, England); Ciudad del Rock (Arganda del Rey, Spain); Marathon, Greece; Carnival City, (Brakpan, South Africa); and the Ptak Warsaw Expo (Warsaw, Poland).

The announcement was part of Hoonigan’s 24-Hour Content Marathon in honor of Ken Block, who passed away earlier this year.

Nexen Tire Motorsports Announces 2023 Motorsports Program Seeking Championship Wins

Nexen Tire Motorsports has announced the kickoff of its 2023 U.S. motorsports program. In addition to partnering with some of last year’s elite Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers in Formula DRIFT, Nexen has added several new off-road racing drivers this year. Nexen Tire Motorsports has entered the 2023 racing season with several podium finishes in King of the Hammers and is looking to capitalize on its early success.

Formula DRIFT kicks off its 2023 season with the “Streets of Long Beach” PRO Championship event in Long Beach, California, April 7–8. Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers will compete using the company’s latest extreme ultra high-performance tire N’Fera Sport R.

Last month, Nexen Tire Motorsports kicked off the new year with early success in King of the Hammers where a handful of drivers earned top-10 and top-five placements. Drivers compete using the company’s premium off-road tire choices, including Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road tires as well as the company's latest all-terrain tire, Roadian ATX.

This year, Nexen Tire Motorsports has added a new racing endeavor to its motorsports program. Austin Hertel is one of Nexen Tire Motorsports’ latest driver additions. Hertel races in one of the most competitive grassroots racing series in the country, GRIDLIFE Touring Cup. Last month, Hertel competed in the season kickoff at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where he placed fifth overall. Hertel relies on N’Fera Sport R extreme ultra high-performance tires and drives a modified Nissan 370Z sponsored by True Performance Motorsport.

Competing in the Tire Rack CAM S Challenge Series, Mike Manikas of SAF Motorsports is a new Nexen Tire Motorsports' driver competing in autocross and time attack events. Manikas pilots a modified sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, known throughout the series as an SCCA Solo CAM car, and is set to compete throughout the Midwest this season.

Martelli Brothers Acquire Parker 400, Announce Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series

The Martelli Brothers—organizers of the BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 in Las Vegas, and the California 300 in Barstow, California—have acquired the historic Parker 400 off-road racing series based in Parker, Arizona. As part of the acquisition, officials announced the structuring of a brand-new desert off-road racing organization called Unlimited Off-Road Racing, which will include the Mint 400, the California 300, and now the Parker 400.  

Spanning across classes including youth, UTV, motorcycles, cars and trucks, Unlimited Off-Road Racing will allow teams to compete for cash, prizes, and a points championship across some of the most challenging and distinguished desert races in the sport. The Parker 400 will take place in January 2024, followed by the Mint 400 in March and the California 300 in October. More details are expected at a later date.

In related news, BLM has two off-road racing permits available in Parker and has issued the second permit to Legacy Racing of Las Vegas. The date for the Legacy Racing edition of the off-road race is slated for February 24, 2024.

For more information, visit themint400.com and thecalifornia300.com.

New F1-Spec Road Course Set to Open in Atlantic City

Officials in New Jersey have approved a $2.7 billion development proposal for a new road course and motorsports destination in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new facility would be located at the former Atlantic City Municipal Airport, also known as Bader Field, and would include a 2.44-mile Formula 1 specification track surrounded by condominiums and retail establishments. The project, headed by DEEM Enterprises, is expected to take six to nine years to complete. The project aims to “create a world-class motor course destination that embodies the speed, power, and design innovation of the motorsport universe.”

Mayor Marty Small Sr. called the approval process a “historic day” for the city, one that he and the state have been working towards for nearly two years, according to published reports. Next, developers will have six months of due diligence on the proposed track, housing and retail space. If all goes well, this will be followed by the signing of a redevelopment agreement where plans will move forward.

For more information, visit deem-enterprises.com.

Xtreme Outlaw-POWRi Challenge Series to Span 11 Races

Officials with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota and the POWRi National Midget League have announced both series will co-sanction 11 races in 2023 to form the Xtreme Outlaw-POWRi Challenge Series, a separate points championship with a $2,500 grand prize. The new miniseries will begin with the I-55 Outlaw Showdown weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevley, Missouri), April 14–15, and conclude at I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oklahoma City) on October 14.

For every Xtreme Outlaw and POWRi co-sanctioned race on the 2023 schedule, all competing drivers will earn points toward the Xtreme Outlaw and POWRi National standings as normal. In addition, drivers will also earn points toward the Challenge Series standings, which will tally points across each of the co-sanctioned races on the calendar.

A $2,500 check will be paid to the driver with the most points in the Challenge Series standings after the final race of the Xtreme Outlaw season. The champion does not have to compete full-time on either national tour, opening the Challenge Series up to a broader array of drivers. For more information, visit xtremeoutlawseries.com or powri.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Ashley Reyes

More than 200 top university students met and connected with industry professionals at the recent SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair, held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
The students, who are members of formula and Baja SAE competition teams, are among top prospects who have been challenged to design, fabricate and compete with Formula-style race cars. They had an opportunity to network, get a close-up look at resources available through the SEMA Garage and meet with established companies to discuss potential career opportunities. Students also gained feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations in advance of the forthcoming SAE competitions.

SEMA-member companies in attendance included Acceler8, Antigravity Batteries, Automotive Testing and Development Services, Battle Motors, California Air Resources Board, Closed Loop Engineering, Denso, Hellwig Products, High Expectations, Moog Aircraft, Motivo, Performance Machine, Rail Propulsion Systems, Redline Detection, Scorpion EV, Steamericas, Toyota and 4 Wheel Parts.

Participating schools included Cal Baptist, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State University Northridge, Long Beach State, USC, University of San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Chico State, Loyola Marymount University, Caltech and five high schools.

ETTN and SAE will host a second event on April 29 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. SEMA-member manufacturers in the area are invited to sign up their companies to participate in the career fair, where they will help students explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Sign up your company.

 By Douglas McColloch

Mike Burns came to the specialty-equipment market after launching a successful career in finance. A holder of an MBA from the University of Colorado, he has worked as an analyst for energy companies such as ConocoPhilips and as a budget and resource director for the U.S. Air Force. A 2018 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalist, Burns developed his ValvoMax Quick Twist Valve to facilitate easy oil changes without the use of tools. The ValvoMax has sold more than 50,000 units to date, and for his efforts, Burns was named SEMA’s 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year at last year’s 2022 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. The award recognizes young entrepreneurs (age 40 and under) for their innovations in the specialty-equipment market.

We spoke with Burns recently to learn some of his secrets of success. What follows has been edited for clarity and length.

SEMA News: What’s your latest project? What’s in your garage/driveway/studio?

Mike Burns: Our latest project is a tool for oil filter removal. Others have attempted to solve the problem with an accordion-style device, a puncture device or a filter funnel tool, but these all fall short because they still leave a mess, are difficult to operate or are too expensive. Look for the product release in the first quarter of this year.

SN: What was your very first job, and what did you take away from it?

MB: My first real job was at Owasso Lawn Care in Oklahoma. These were long days working in the summer heat with friends from my church, but I learned the virtues of hard work and discipline.

SN: What was the inspiration for the ValvoMax Oil Drain System? How long did it take to devise a working prototype?

MB: I was changing my oil back in 2013 and it spilled in my hands, ran down my arm and poured on my driveway. To make matters worse, I stepped into the used oil pan up to my ankles. Then I had no easy way to transport what oil was remaining to a recycling center. After this horrible experience, I visited every automotive retail shop in my hometown looking for a better solution. But to my surprise, no solution existed. So I hired an automotive engineer, and we came up with a set of drawings. We made a few prototypes and I gave 10 samples to family and friends to test. We iterated several times and about two years later had a workable product.

SN: You were a semifinalist at SEMA Launch Pad a few years ago. What lesson(s) did you learn from the experience, and how valuable was it in developing your business?

MB: Launch Pad was a game-changer for me. For the first time, I got my product out into the open where it was exposed to critiques and constructive feedback. As of today, I still talk frequently with the other Launch Pad attendees I met back then.

SN: Describe your first SEMA Show. What do you remember most about it?

MB: My first SEMA Show coincided with being a semi-finalist at the SEMA Launch Pad in 2018, and it was an eye-opening experience. The scale of the Show is simply mind-boggling. I’ve been back to the Show each year since then.

SN: You’ve worked on the finance side for a number of different companies. How much help was that experience when you were first developing a business model for your own company?

MB: I couldn’t have asked for a better background than finance to run my company. At the end of the day, every business comes down to a set of numbers. Flows of money, assets and ideas are all governed by price, and to be successful you must be able to determine the worth of things.

SN: What’s your daily driver, and what do you like most about it?

MB: My daily driver is a Ford F-150. Being the owner of an oil-change products company means that oftentimes your daily driver is the first test vehicle for new product ideas. I can say with confidence that no other vehicle in the state of Texas has had its oil changed as often as my truck!

SN: What does winning the Gen-III Innovator of the Year award mean to you, and to your business?

MB: I was humbled to win the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award, especially considering those who were also in the running for this award. My friends Alex Kay of RestorFX and Dustin Woolf of Woolfpack Racing, both finalists for the award, were equally deserving. They are both running great companies with cutting-edge products.

SN: For someone who’s thinking of starting their own automotive business, what advice would you offer them?

MB: As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.” First, build your education foundation. I believe your degree should be of an analytical nature. Second, think big. Create a vision as to what problem you want to solve. Third, don’t look in the rearview mirror. Look forward, not behind you. Fourth, take risks and bet on yourself. Helen Keller wrote, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition.” Finally, persevere against all odds. Calvin Coolidge wrote, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.”

SN: When you’re not working, where will we find you, and what will you be doing?

MB: I am active in my local church and our children’s school. I think it’s important to be involved in the community and give back to others. Aside from being involved in our church and school, I enjoy reading and spending time with family.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Thumper Fab as the council’s newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in SEMA's interview with Thumper Fab Vice President J.C. Kester below.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

J.C. Kester: Thumper Fab started out of necessity. After having our designs third-party manufactured and maxing out several capable vendors, we decided that in order to grow and dominate, we needed a big change. We brought everything in-house under one roof in 2019. All engineering and manufacturing are done in one facility in Marshall, Texas. From 3D scanning the vehicle, design, laser cutting, CNC press brake, powdercoating, to packaging—everything lives up to our high standards. We are now able to launch and produce products for the off-road industry that truly change the game!

SEMA: What was your company's breakthrough moment?

JK: We constantly work to push the bar for premium products. Our patents and patent-pending designs are true game changers and have been very well received.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now and projects you are working on.

JK: Our biggest undertaking has been suspension. After being known for premium-quality bumpers, audio roofs and roll cages, we set our sights and engineering power toward suspension. We began developing suspension systems with the goal of strength and ride quality that allowed “utility” vehicles to suddenly perform better than other “sport” vehicles on the market.

SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.

JK: One of our patent-pending designs allows for a single control arm to house either a ball joint or uniball. Historically this would mean changing out the entire system if the customer or dealer wanted to go ball joint versus uniball. Our design allows either to be used.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JK: Start early. Find a way to be involved with a club or even just turning wrenches. Get involved and never stop learning!

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.