By Ashley Reyes

As part of its mission to empower emerging leaders in the automotive aftermarket through networking and education, the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting its Professional Development Program (PDP) at the SEMA Garage Detroit, May 14-15, 2026.

The program, hosted in partnership with the globally recognized corporate training organization, Dale Carnegie Training, equips professionals with the skills to communicate effectively, lead confidently, and build stronger business relationships. Registration is open to all SEMA members at sema.org/fln-pdp.

"The Professional Development Program is part of FLN's commitment to the ongoing success of the aftermarket’s future leaders," said FLN Director Denise Waddingham. "We recognize the vital role that professional development plays in driving success, and we are thrilled to partner with Dale Carnegie to empower members to reach their full potential."

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics that are essential to improving organizational performance. At the end of the course, students will have the tools and knowledge to:

• Communicate confidently and professionally in business situations.
• Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
• Build quality relationships and deal with people in a multitude of scenarios.
• Gain willing cooperation from bosses and colleagues.
• Use emotional controls to sustain success.

"For more than a century, Dale Carnegie's methodologies have helped professionals and businesses reach new levels of success. We are excited to welcome Brett Campbell as this year's certified Dale Carnegie instructor for the fifth year in a row," added Waddingham. "Brett is highly regarded by past participants for his high-quality instruction and high-energy classes that emphasize real-world scenarios."

Through short, focused learning modules, attendees will learn the principles outlined in Dale Carnegie's book, "How to Win and Influence People," and take part in interactive breakouts and public speaking exercises that empower students to fine-tune their skills.

Additionally, the program offers dedicated time for quality networking and targeted conversation, enabling participants to engage with peers in the industry who have similar passions and goals.

Invest in Your Career

NEW FOR 2026: ALL SEMA members are eligible to register and attend FLN's Professional Development Program. The program is limited to only 25 SEMA members, with a discounted rate available to FLN members. FLN members can register at $960, and SEMA members can register at $1,060. The cost includes the training program, a certificate of completion, three nights' hotel accommodation (March 13-15), and food and beverage during the training.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

By Ashley Reyes

As deadlines pile up and priorities compete for attention, it's often a challenge to know what to focus on first.

To help professionals in the automotive aftermarket move past the feeling of being overwhelmed to make real progress on their goals, SEMA's Councils & Networks have teamed up to host a virtual education session on Tuesday, March 10, at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET focused on "The Maven Mindset."

During this session, seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist and creator of a leadership philosophy called The Maven Mindset, Jeni Bukolt, will help attendees break out of the cycle of feeling "busy and stuck" and gain clarity, confidence and momentum on professional and personal goals.

Attendees will learn:

• Why motivation alone isn’t enough to achieve meaningful goals.
• How curiosity and values alignment can unlock clarity and execution.
• How to break free from "busy but stuck" patterns.
• How to turn long-term vision into short-term, achievable action.
• How to re-energize through mindset shifts and accountability.

Whether balancing multiple commitments or striving towards a new goal, this session will offer guidance to reset and refocus in order to make real progress.

RSVP for the free webinar below:

This webinar is backed by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Future Leaders Network (FLN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC).

To view recordings of past SBN virtual education sessions, click here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA-supported nominee to run the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cleared an important hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted 11 to 9 to advance the nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to serve as the BLM director. Pearce's nomination now heads for a full Senate vote, which requires a simple majority. 
 

SEMA has sent a letter to the committee in support of Mr. Pearce's nomination prior to his confirmation hearing.
 

• In its letter of support for Pearce, SEMA highlighted “[he] understands that conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. Through collaborative land-use planning, meaningful stakeholder input, and science-based decision-making, the BLM can protect sensitive resources while preserving appropriate access for responsible motorized recreation and other multiple uses consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.” 

Pearce, a former seven-term congressman from New Mexico and Vietnam War veteran, during his Feb. 25 confirmation hearing outlined his vision for BLM, which oversees roughly 245 million acres of public land and is a central player in recreation and conservation policy. 
 

In his opening statement, Pearce described his personal connection to the land, from growing up on a small New Mexico farm to years of backpacking in wilderness areas and pledged to bring local engagement and adherence to the law to the BLM's work. He emphasized the importance of partnering with states, tribes, local communities and stakeholders on land management decisions, saying that "local input" is critical and that federal land decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live near and use these lands. 
 

Pearce also addressed concerns raised by committee members about his prior support for public land sales, reiterating that under current federal law, large-scale sales of public land are not allowable through the BLM itself, and he said he does not envision pursuing broad selloffs if confirmed.  

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager of federal government affairs, at JuanM@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on March 5, 2026.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA-supported nominee to run the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cleared an important hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted 11 to 9 to advance the nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to serve as the BLM director. Pearce's nomination now heads for a full Senate vote, which requires a simple majority. 
 

SEMA has sent a letter to the committee in support of Mr. Pearce's nomination prior to his confirmation hearing.
 

• In its letter of support for Pearce, SEMA highlighted “[he] understands that conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. Through collaborative land-use planning, meaningful stakeholder input, and science-based decision-making, the BLM can protect sensitive resources while preserving appropriate access for responsible motorized recreation and other multiple uses consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.” 

Pearce, a former seven-term congressman from New Mexico and Vietnam War veteran, during his Feb. 25 confirmation hearing outlined his vision for BLM, which oversees roughly 245 million acres of public land and is a central player in recreation and conservation policy. 
 

In his opening statement, Pearce described his personal connection to the land, from growing up on a small New Mexico farm to years of backpacking in wilderness areas and pledged to bring local engagement and adherence to the law to the BLM's work. He emphasized the importance of partnering with states, tribes, local communities and stakeholders on land management decisions, saying that "local input" is critical and that federal land decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live near and use these lands. 
 

Pearce also addressed concerns raised by committee members about his prior support for public land sales, reiterating that under current federal law, large-scale sales of public land are not allowable through the BLM itself, and he said he does not envision pursuing broad selloffs if confirmed.  

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager of federal government affairs, at JuanM@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on March 5, 2026.

From SEMA Market Research

Despite years of economic disruption, from pandemic shutdowns to tariffs and inflation, the U.S. consumer continues to power forward. Now in March 2026, SEMA's Market Research team has provided the following Q1 update to industry members:

The last several years have brought severe economic challenges--from COVID lockdowns, supply-chain constraints, inflation and tariffs. These successive shocks sowed uncertainty in the market and increased prices for consumers. Despite this, the U.S. consumer has been resilient, and spending has continued to climb. Personal consumption expenditures have shot up 20% from 2019 levels, adding nearly $10 trillion into the economy.

As we push into 2026, the economy is expected to continue to see some growth, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue to grow, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

Consumers continue to spend as disposable personal income rose by 15% over the last five years. Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow over the next couple of years. The unemployment rate has dropped into the "normal" range at 4.3% across the economy--and there was stronger-than-expected January job growth to start 2026.

The challenges for consumers continue to be prices and interest rates. Inflation has slowed to a forecast 2.4% rate, and price hikes in many core categories appear to be leveling off. But many prices remain high. For example, the average price of a new passenger vehicle is now >$50,000, a nearly 30% jump from pre-COVID levels. In addition, interest rates remain elevated when compared to the long streak of very low rates in the early 2010s.

The Federal Reserve System (Fed) has remained cautious in slowly reducing the prime rate, though a leadership change may accelerate rate cuts later in the year. High vehicle prices and interest rates put a strain on consumers, which may result in less disposable income for automobile customization. Although total U.S. debt balances have increased, incomes have risen, keeping consumer debt ratios aligned with historical norms. New-car sales in 2025 posted another gain to >16 million units, with consumers purchasing more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and shying away from electric vehicles (EVs).

Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow.

On the business front, cost pressures are expected to ease as the Producer Price Index is projected to fall below 2% this year. An industry study in late 2025 showed that tariffs and the economy are the biggest concerns on executives' minds.

Tariffs are expected to be less volatile in 2026, which would create price stability and foster easier inventory planning. The recently announced U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down tariffs authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act opens new uncertainty. As publish date, tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum remain in effect as they fall under separate authorities. It is unclear if the government will provide refunds and if the administration will reinstall tariffs under a different authority.   

The stock market continues to grow, with the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs during the week of February 16 at over 50,000. The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs. While day-to-day volatility remains, the index continues to show confidence in the market.

The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs.

While some volatility will remain across the economy, the forecast is for GDP and consumer spending to continue climbing and employment to remain strong. In our recent industry survey, 85% of manufacturers had some confidence in specialty-equipment market growth over the next two to three years. Unless these indicators take a sudden turn, we expect to see the industry returning toward the steady growth we experienced throughout the 2010s.

Get deeper insights into the trends shaping your business at the SEMA Market Research Center. Visit sites.sema.org/market-research/ to access the latest reports and tools to help you make smarter business decisions in 2026 and beyond.

From SEMA Market Research

Despite years of economic disruption, from pandemic shutdowns to tariffs and inflation, the U.S. consumer continues to power forward. Now in March 2026, SEMA's Market Research team has provided the following Q1 update to industry members:

The last several years have brought severe economic challenges--from COVID lockdowns, supply-chain constraints, inflation and tariffs. These successive shocks sowed uncertainty in the market and increased prices for consumers. Despite this, the U.S. consumer has been resilient, and spending has continued to climb. Personal consumption expenditures have shot up 20% from 2019 levels, adding nearly $10 trillion into the economy.

As we push into 2026, the economy is expected to continue to see some growth, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue to grow, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

Consumers continue to spend as disposable personal income rose by 15% over the last five years. Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow over the next couple of years. The unemployment rate has dropped into the "normal" range at 4.3% across the economy--and there was stronger-than-expected January job growth to start 2026.

The challenges for consumers continue to be prices and interest rates. Inflation has slowed to a forecast 2.4% rate, and price hikes in many core categories appear to be leveling off. But many prices remain high. For example, the average price of a new passenger vehicle is now >$50,000, a nearly 30% jump from pre-COVID levels. In addition, interest rates remain elevated when compared to the long streak of very low rates in the early 2010s.

The Federal Reserve System (Fed) has remained cautious in slowly reducing the prime rate, though a leadership change may accelerate rate cuts later in the year. High vehicle prices and interest rates put a strain on consumers, which may result in less disposable income for automobile customization. Although total U.S. debt balances have increased, incomes have risen, keeping consumer debt ratios aligned with historical norms. New-car sales in 2025 posted another gain to >16 million units, with consumers purchasing more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and shying away from electric vehicles (EVs).

Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow.

On the business front, cost pressures are expected to ease as the Producer Price Index is projected to fall below 2% this year. An industry study in late 2025 showed that tariffs and the economy are the biggest concerns on executives' minds.

Tariffs are expected to be less volatile in 2026, which would create price stability and foster easier inventory planning. The recently announced U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down tariffs authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act opens new uncertainty. As publish date, tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum remain in effect as they fall under separate authorities. It is unclear if the government will provide refunds and if the administration will reinstall tariffs under a different authority.   

The stock market continues to grow, with the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs during the week of February 16 at over 50,000. The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs. While day-to-day volatility remains, the index continues to show confidence in the market.

The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs.

While some volatility will remain across the economy, the forecast is for GDP and consumer spending to continue climbing and employment to remain strong. In our recent industry survey, 85% of manufacturers had some confidence in specialty-equipment market growth over the next two to three years. Unless these indicators take a sudden turn, we expect to see the industry returning toward the steady growth we experienced throughout the 2010s.

Get deeper insights into the trends shaping your business at the SEMA Market Research Center. Visit sites.sema.org/market-research/ to access the latest reports and tools to help you make smarter business decisions in 2026 and beyond.

By SEMA News Editors

NASCAR Unveils Format for 2026 All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway

Graphic courtesy of NASCAR

NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports officials announced Wednesday the format for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, including a 350-lap main event broken into in-race segments and an enhanced qualifying session featuring the Pit Crew Challenge.

The NASCAR Cup Series exhibition, which put a $1-million prize on the line--transitions from North Wilkesboro Speedway--which hosted the All-Star Race from 2023-25--to Delaware's "Monster Mile" on May 17. The 2026 edition of the exhibition will also include events for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In addition to a change of venue, the 2026 All-Star Race format itself will put a larger emphasis on May 16's qualifying. Competitors will take the green flag and run one full lap at speed around the 1-mile circuit. The second lap will feature the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge, where each pit crew will perform a single four-tire stop with no gas. Competitors will then race back to the start/finish line, with qualifying encompassing the total time from green flag to checkered flag. The pit crew with the fastest pit stop and no penalties will win the Pit Crew Challenge, with the results determining pit selection order for the All-Star Race.

In place of an All-Star Open, qualifying results will instead determine the full field for Segment 1, a 75-lap sprint as part of the 350-lap event. Following the conclusion of Segment 1, a second 75-lap dash will occur; the lineup for Segment 2 will be an inversion of Segment 1's top 26, with the remaining drivers lined up by finish.

The final 200-lap segment of the 2026 All-Star Race will consist of 26 drivers. The field for the final segment will include 2025 and 2026 Cup Series race victors, former Cup Series champions who compete full-time, a Fan Vote winner and remaining drivers based on the lowest combined finishing positions among Segments 1 and 2.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Formula DRIFT Reorganizes PRO-AM Affiliate Program

Photo by Larry Chen courtesy of Formula DRIFT
 

Formula DRIFT has reorganized its Pro-Am Affiliate Program for 2026, outlining new and expanded pathways for drivers seeking a competition license in either the PRO or PROSPEC championships.

Both the PRO and PROSPEC fields are capped at 40 drivers. In PROSPEC, the top 24 drivers in the previous season’s standings automatically retain their competition places, while in PRO the top 32 are secured. The remaining 16 PROSPEC and eight PRO spots are subject to relegation. Drivers who finish 25th or lower in PROSPEC, or 33rd or lower in PRO, risk losing their Formula DRIFT competition license unless they meet specific criteria or successfully petition the series to remain.

For drivers aiming to enter PROSPEC, Formula DRIFT has published a list of 10 qualifying multi-round Pro-Am championships whose winners will earn a PROSPEC license for the following season. Three new additions join the program for 2026: DMCC in Quebec, Gateway PROAM at Worldwide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, and Klutch Kickers in Alabama, which has been promoted from the Scouting Program. Other affiliated series include Drift Colorado (CO), East 10 Drift (GA and TN), Full Lock Drift (OK), Great Lakes ProAm (PN), ND Drift (ND), Spec D (Canada) and US Drift Circuit (FL).

In addition to the Pro-Am route, drivers may pursue a PROSPEC license through the Formula DRIFT Scouting Program. Participating series include Drift School USA (CA), Evergreen Drift (WA) and US DRIFT (VA, WV, NC and NJ). These organizations can recommend standout drivers for licensing consideration, though approval is not guaranteed. Drivers, particularly those from outside North America with current competition licenses, may also submit individual petitions.

There are three routes to obtain a PRO license. The most direct is a top-three finish in the PROSPEC championship, which guarantees eligibility to advance. Drivers can also qualify by winning Hotpit Autofest, a five-round championship in the Greater Los Angeles region, or by petitioning the series.

Formula DRIFT officials said the strengthened 2026 Affiliate Program is intended to maintain competitive standards while creating structured opportunities for emerging talent to enter the series.

For more information, visit formulad.com/pro-am.

MyRacePass Adds USAC National Series

Graphic courtesy of MyRacePass
 

USAC national racing will be available on MyRacePass for the entirety of the 2026 season, the organizations announced.

The partnership includes the full seasons for the USAC Silver Crown, AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship, which can be downloaded on the MyRaceApp.

"All of us at MyRacePass are excited to work with USAC to not only provide them with the suite of tools we offer but also learn from one of the most experienced and most diverse sanctioning bodies in the world to continue growing and improving our product for everyone," said Josh Holt, co-owner and co-founder of MyRacePass. "We work with the majority of tracks and traveling series in the United States and adding the United States Auto Club to the MyRacePass app will be great for all the current and future dedicated USAC race fans across the country."

The 2026 USAC national season began last month at Barberville, Florida’s, Volusia Speedway Park for the AMSOIL National Sprint Cars.

For more information, visit usacracing.com or myracepass.com.

For more racing industry news, visit the PRI website at performanceracing.com/magazine/industry-news.