By SEMA News Editors

Ford Debuts Red Bull Ford F1 Car, Announces New Mustang for Cup Series, WEC Details

Ford made several major announcements regarding its participation in multiple series at the unveiling of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team's livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

In addition to unveiling the liveries for both the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team and Racing Bulls team, marking the Blue Oval's return to Formula 1 for the first time in 22 years, Ford also announced the powertrain for its factory-backed FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) effort, as well as the team's driver lineup, and revealed that the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027

Under the moniker "Red Bull Ford Powertrains," the automaker is supporting the build of the Formula 1 team's power unit for the 2026 season. Using advanced manufacturing to cut lead times by more than half, Ford Racing is currently fabricating unique components for the combustion engine, charge air system and energy recovery systems for the team's power units.

Ford Racing also announced its driver lineup for its FIA WEC Hypercar team, which will consist of veteran sportscar drivers and current members of the Ford stable, Sebastian Priaulx and Mike Rockenfeller, as well as former Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant.

Set to begin competition in 2027, Ford's ORECA-based Hypercar will be powered by Ford's naturally aspirated 5.8L V8 Coyote engine, which is already found under the hood of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, GT4 and GT3 competitors.

In other news, Ford will debut the Mustang Dark Horse SC in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027. Based on the newly revealed street car powered by a supercharged 5.2L V8, the Dark Horse SC will make its official debut in the 2027 Daytona 500.

For more information, visit fordracing.com.

Images courtesy of Ford

RCR Announces Cup Series Leadership Appointments

Welcome, North Carolina-based Richard Childress Racing has announced several key appointments to its NASCAR Cup Series competition leadership team.

Mike Dillon has been named chief operating officer, a position that will focus heavily on competition administrative functions, according to the team's announcement. Dillon will provide forward thinking and direction in all areas of performance and operations, with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining top talent in the industry.

He has served in key roles such as vice president of competition, director of team operations, driver and spotter. Dillon helped launch RCR's successful NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program in the late '90s and has been instrumental in RCR's driver development program over the years.

John Klausmeier will focus on competition leadership for RCR as technical director, overseeing all technical engineering activities with a focus on vehicle systems engineering, design and metrology, and will continue to provide departmental oversight for RCR's engineers and crew chiefs. Klausmeier has more than 20 years of motorsports experience. All competition departments report to Klausmeier, while Klausmeier reports to Dillon.

Andy Street has been named performance director for RCR, focusing on research and development and increasing overall on-track performance across the company. He will also serve as crew chief for RCR's part time No. 33 Chevrolet entry in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026.

Additionally, Richard Boswell will continue as crew chief for the No. 3 Chevrolet Cup Series team and Jim Pohlman will work as crew chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet Cup Series team.

For more information, visit rcrracing.com.

Images courtesy of Richard Childress Racing

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

• SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170.

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "Detroit" tab). Can't make it in February? Stay tuned for more training opportunities later in 2026.

The most recent SEMA Garage AUTEL sessions sold out quickly, so organizers recommend signing up NOW!

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

• SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170.

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "Detroit" tab). Can't make it in February? Stay tuned for more training opportunities later in 2026.

The most recent SEMA Garage AUTEL sessions sold out quickly, so organizers recommend signing up NOW!

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

By Ashley Reyes

In a little over a week, attendees of the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, will be treated to a panel discussion focused on career opportunities in the hot-rod industry.

Happening Friday, January 30, at 12:00 p.m. PST in Building 9, the discussion features moderator Brand Fanshaw and panelists Chip Foose of Foose Design, Bogi Lateiner of Bogi's Garage, Rick Love of Vintage Air, Dave Marek of American Honda and Jimmy Shine of Shine Speedshop.   

Together, these industry experts will share their insight into skills and career pathways shaping the hot-rod industry, while giving attendees an up-close look at how a passion for custom cars can evolve into rewarding, long-term careers. Participants will gain practical advice, be able to ask questions and learn how the automotive aftermarket continues to innovate and expand. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a lifelong enthusiast, this discussion is your chance to gain invaluable insight and networking opportunities that can drive your career forward. Don't miss it!  

Want to learn more about the Grand National Roadster Show or need tickets? Visit here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Shawna Bacon, senior executive support at Oracle Lighting, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Bacon was nominated by Oracle Lighting CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein. Get to know Bacon through Hartenstein's interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Shawna contributed to her company? 

Tiffanie Hartenstein: Shawna has been a cornerstone of operational excellence in our organization. As a senior executive support professional, she works closely with multiple high-level executives, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. From coordinating complex travel schedules to managing sensitive communications and streamlining executive workflows, Shawna's contributions go far beyond administrative tasks--she is a strategic partner who keeps the leadership team functioning smoothly. Her ability to anticipate needs and solve problems before they arise makes her indispensable to the company's daily success. 

SN: How has Shawna shown leadership in the industry or business? 

TH: Shawna's leadership is defined not by a title, but by her proactive involvement, influence and commitment to the growth of others. In addition to mentoring junior support staff and sharing best practices internally, she actively contributes to the broader automotive aftermarket community through volunteer work on multiple SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) committees. Her participation helps shape initiatives that support and elevate women in the industry. She also attends the Women's Leadership Forum (WLF), where she engages in professional development, brings back valuable insights and shares them with her colleagues to help foster growth across the team. Whether she's improving internal workflows or championing industry-wide collaboration, Shawna leads with purpose and impact. 

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Shawna. 

TH: During one of the busiest times of the year, multiple team members unexpectedly left the company, creating significant operational gaps across executive support. Without hesitation, Shawna stepped in to take on additional responsibilities, supporting not only her own executives but also covering for others to ensure continuity and minimize disruption. She quickly familiarized herself with new systems, re-prioritized workloads and maintained clear communication with all stakeholders. Her ability to adapt, stay composed under pressure and keep everything running smoothly was a major reason the team remained effective during a challenging period. Shawna's initiative and resilience turned a potential setback into a testament of her reliability and leadership. 

SN: How many years has Shawna been in the industry? 

TH: More than three years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Shawna and why? 

TH: Shawna's most admirable quality is her reliability. In an industry that moves fast and demands precision, she is the person everyone trusts to follow through, no matter the circumstances. Whether she's juggling multiple executive priorities or stepping in to assist during a staffing gap, Shawna shows up fully and consistently. 

SN: Why do you think Shawna is a role model in the industry? 

TH: Shawna is a role model because she exemplifies what it means to lead from any seat. In an industry often focused on technical or executive roles, she demonstrates that operational excellence, empathy and behind-the-scenes leadership are just as critical to success. She elevates those around her, drives standards higher and does so with humility and grace. Her work may not always be in the spotlight, but her impact is undeniable, and it's leaders like Shawna who quietly build the foundation of industry success. 

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 Ashley Reyes

Women working in any corner of the automotive industry have limited time left to secure their spot for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Virtual General Membership Meeting, taking place Tuesday, January 20, at 12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT.

This free, interactive session is a great chance to connect with fellow women in the industry and gain insight into the programs, tools and community designed for career advancement.

During the meeting, SBN select committee leaders will share updates on:

• Networking opportunities available throughout the year
• Volunteer and leadership pathways within SBN
• Professional development resources, including webinars and recognition programs
• What's ahead for 2026, including details on the Women's Leadership Forum in March

Open to current SBN members and those interested in getting involved, this meeting will highlight how SBN supports professional growth and helps women build meaningful connections across the industry.

SBN membership is free and open to all women employed by a SEMA member company. If this sounds like you, don't miss your chance to attend the meeting to connect with a powerful, supportive community.

Save your spot here or click below.

To learn more about SBN, visit sema.org/sbn.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Building off a successful 2025, when race track protections were secured in North Carolina and Iowa, SEMA and PRI have expanded their efforts to protect America's local race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits driven by surrounding development that arrives after a facility is already established.

Four states are already on board with newly introduced bills: Indiana (HB 1415), Kansas (HB 2416), Ohio (HB 639) and Oklahoma (SB 1195).

Each bill advances a simple, common-sense principle: when a race track was there first and is operating lawfully, new neighbors and developers should not be able to use nuisance litigation to restrict or shut down the track.

Each "Right to Race" bill aims to give long-established race tracks more stability and predictability, enabling them to continue hosting events, supporting local jobs and serving the motorsports community. Together, these proposals reflect a growing, pro-motorsports approach in statehouses to protect the places where grassroots racing happens and where the next generation of racers and builders get their start.

The SEMA and PRI legislative approach has already taken checkered flags in other states. Recently passed laws in North Carolina and Iowa have shown that lawmakers can preserve motorsports heritage and community institutions while maintaining oversight. These four new bills build on that momentum and signal a coordinated, multi-state push to keep grassroots racing alive.

WHY THESE BILLS MATTER

Local race tracks are far more than weekend entertainment, serving as the backbone of the American motorsports industry. Local tracks are small businesses and community institutions that annually contribute $69 billion to the United States economy through local jobs, tourism, charitable activity and the next generation of racers, engineers and automotive innovators. They also serve as safe, regulated outlets for motorsports participation. When established tracks are forced to curtail operations or close due to nuisance litigation pressure, communities lose a vital part of their cultural identity, and the broader racing and aftermarket ecosystem loses a critical pipeline.

TAKE ACTION: HELP PROTECT THE TRACKS IN YOUR STATE

SEMA and PRI encourage race track owners, racers, local businesses and enthusiasts to engage early by educating lawmakers and community leaders about the value of racing facilities. Hosting a facility tour for local officials, sharing local economic impact data and community contributions, and building a broad coalition of supporters can help advance commonsense protections and keep racing alive for future generations.

• Stay informed and take action when it matters most by connecting with SEMA Action at semahq.org.

For more information and to get involved in race track nuisance-protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@sema.org. For state-specific questions, contact one of our senior managers for state government affairs:

• Tierra Hubbard (Indiana and Ohio) at tierrah@sema.org
• Victor Muñoz (Kansas and Oklahoma) at victorm@sema.org

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Bruce Alan Bennett 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Building off a successful 2025, when race track protections were secured in North Carolina and Iowa, SEMA and PRI have expanded their efforts to protect America's local race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits driven by surrounding development that arrives after a facility is already established.

Four states are already on board with newly introduced bills: Indiana (HB 1415), Kansas (HB 2416), Ohio (HB 639) and Oklahoma (SB 1195).

Each bill advances a simple, common-sense principle: when a race track was there first and is operating lawfully, new neighbors and developers should not be able to use nuisance litigation to restrict or shut down the track.

Each "Right to Race" bill aims to give long-established race tracks more stability and predictability, enabling them to continue hosting events, supporting local jobs and serving the motorsports community. Together, these proposals reflect a growing, pro-motorsports approach in statehouses to protect the places where grassroots racing happens and where the next generation of racers and builders get their start.

The SEMA and PRI legislative approach has already taken checkered flags in other states. Recently passed laws in North Carolina and Iowa have shown that lawmakers can preserve motorsports heritage and community institutions while maintaining oversight. These four new bills build on that momentum and signal a coordinated, multi-state push to keep grassroots racing alive.

WHY THESE BILLS MATTER

Local race tracks are far more than weekend entertainment, serving as the backbone of the American motorsports industry. Local tracks are small businesses and community institutions that annually contribute $69 billion to the United States economy through local jobs, tourism, charitable activity and the next generation of racers, engineers and automotive innovators. They also serve as safe, regulated outlets for motorsports participation. When established tracks are forced to curtail operations or close due to nuisance litigation pressure, communities lose a vital part of their cultural identity, and the broader racing and aftermarket ecosystem loses a critical pipeline.

TAKE ACTION: HELP PROTECT THE TRACKS IN YOUR STATE

SEMA and PRI encourage race track owners, racers, local businesses and enthusiasts to engage early by educating lawmakers and community leaders about the value of racing facilities. Hosting a facility tour for local officials, sharing local economic impact data and community contributions, and building a broad coalition of supporters can help advance commonsense protections and keep racing alive for future generations.

• Stay informed and take action when it matters most by connecting with SEMA Action at semahq.org.

For more information and to get involved in race track nuisance-protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@sema.org. For state-specific questions, contact one of our senior managers for state government affairs:

• Tierra Hubbard (Indiana and Ohio) at tierrah@sema.org
• Victor Muñoz (Kansas and Oklahoma) at victorm@sema.org

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Bruce Alan Bennett 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

T Sportline

Product Manager in Atlanta, Georgia

The product and project manager will support the full lifecycle of T Sportline's physical products, from concept and design through sourcing, launch and ongoing management.

BluePrint Engines

Customer Service Technician in Kearney, Nebraska

This position communicates proactively with customers, handling inbound and outbound calls and emails, and answering customer questions about quality, product specifications and warranty coverage.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Gorodenkoff

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

On the market since summer 2021, Mercedes' all-electric EQS flagship is about to receive a facelift in 2026. SEMA News sources caught a prototype of the revised model undergoing cold-climate tests in northern Sweden. Modified will be the entire front, including the bumper, grille and headlights. Similar to the taillights of the all-electric CLA, the inner graphics of the new EQS will incorporate Mercedes' three-pointed star. The prototype's taillights, however, are unchanged, although the rear might receive a new bumper and the LED strip connecting the rear lamp units could be removed.

The biggest changes, however, will be under the metal. Rumours suggest Mercedes will upgrade its EQE and EQS electric models from a 400-volt electric system to an 800-volt electric system from 2025, enabling higher charging capacities than 200 kW. The switch to an 800-volt system is part of a major upgrade of the EVA2 platform, which will then be known as EVA2M.

Today's electric motors from Valeo will be replaced by the eATS 2.0 drive developed by Mercedes-Benz itself, which operates with an 800-volt onboard electrical system. The EVA2M will also utilise new SiC power electronics and a new type of battery cell. The SiC power electronics alone should increase range by 5% due to lower heat losses.

The change to an 800-volt system means the current upper limit of 200 kW no longer applies. As the CCS charging standard is limited to a current of 500 amps, no more than 200 kW is possible at 400 volts. With batteries beyond 100 kWh in EQS models, this did not allow for particularly short charging times. However, it is still unknown how far charging capacity will increase or how much charging times will decrease.

It is also clear that the switch to 800 volts is not the end. A good charging curve with 400 volts can also enable acceptable charging times in practice, especially with the relatively long ranges of the aerodynamically optimized Mercedes sedans, where a break is usually necessary anyway. However, the fact that e-GMP-based Hyundai or Kia models, which are half as expensive, can arrive at the charging station later and still reach 80% charge earlier than the expensive Mercedes models is not always likely to please the luxury customers of the Stuttgart-based company.

Mercedes has already incorporated a number of improvements into the 400-volt version of the EVA2, including a heat pump, a 22 kW onboard charger and a decoupling unit for the front electric motor in all-wheel-drive variants. These changes should ensure a better customer experience through a longer practical range or shorter AC charging times. With the major upgrade to the EVA2M, a bigger change will be on the cards.

The question is what impact reports and speculation about such extensive changes will have on demand for Mercedes-Benz's top electric models. The EQS sedan has been on sale since August 2021. A facelift after around four years was expected, but not necessarily how extensive it would be.