From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

David MacNeil, founder and CEO of longtime SEMA member WeatherTech, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a significant role that will ensure the automotive aftermarket and other domestic manufacturers have a prominent ally in the administration.

"SEMA applauds President Trump's choice of David MacNeil to serve as an FTC commissioner. David is a tireless champion of the automotive aftermarket and domestic manufacturing, and proven time and time again that he understands how to level the playing field to ensure the prosperity of small American businesses," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola.

Illinois-based WeatherTech for decades has been a leader in the manufacturing and sale of aftermarket floor mats, growing to more than 1,300 employees through a combination of entrepreneurial vision, innovation and marketing savvy.

There are five FTC commissioners, each nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with a mission to promote competition and protect consumers from unfair business practices. The commissioners also shape policies that govern U.S. trade.

Previously, President Trump had nominated MacNeil to serve as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for industrial and manufacturing competitiveness. The Senate will now shift to considering MacNeil for this new role.

Image courtesy of WeatherTech

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

David MacNeil, founder and CEO of longtime SEMA member WeatherTech, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a significant role that will ensure the automotive aftermarket and other domestic manufacturers have a prominent ally in the administration.

"SEMA applauds President Trump's choice of David MacNeil to serve as an FTC commissioner. David is a tireless champion of the automotive aftermarket and domestic manufacturing, and proven time and time again that he understands how to level the playing field to ensure the prosperity of small American businesses," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola.

Illinois-based WeatherTech for decades has been a leader in the manufacturing and sale of aftermarket floor mats, growing to more than 1,300 employees through a combination of entrepreneurial vision, innovation and marketing savvy.

There are five FTC commissioners, each nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with a mission to promote competition and protect consumers from unfair business practices. The commissioners also shape policies that govern U.S. trade.

Previously, President Trump had nominated MacNeil to serve as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for industrial and manufacturing competitiveness. The Senate will now shift to considering MacNeil for this new role.

Image courtesy of WeatherTech

By SEMA News Editors

AMSOIL

Non-Chlorinated Brake and Parts Cleaner

AMSOIL has introduced a new Non-Chlorinated Brake and Parts Cleaner designed for modern brake system maintenance and operation. The cleaner removes oil, grease, brake fluid and other contaminants from brake parts and automotive components and requires no major disassembly and leaves no residue while providing clean, efficient braking systems, according to the manufacturer. Suitable for use on brake parts, brake pads, calipers, drums and more.

amsoil.com

MAHLE Motorsport

Drop-In POWERPAK Piston Kit

MAHLE Motorsport has launched its new Drop-In POWERPAK Piston Kit for the GM 602 Crate engines. Forged from 4032 alloy and designed as a drop-in replacement that does not require rebalancing the rotating assembly, the kit allows for rebuilding and refreshing of GM 602 Crate engines, according to MAHLE. This kit includes HV385 coated steel 1.5mm top ring, 1.5mm second ring and 3.0mm oil ring set, precision CNC-machined pin bores, and press-fit wrist pins. The pistons feature MAHLE GRAFAL skirt coating, along with slipper-style skirts for maximum strength.

mahlemotorsport.com

By SEMA News Editors

NASCAR Announces Return of 'The Chase' Championship Format

NASCAR is bringing back "The Chase" as its national series championship format beginning in 2026, marking a return of NASCAR's original postseason format that was in place from 2004-2013 in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The changes come after an extensive review that included collaboration between owners, drivers, OEMs, tracks, broadcast partners and fans.

"As NASCAR transitions to a revised championship model, the focus is on rewarding driver and team performance each and every race," said NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell. "At the same time, we want to honor NASCAR's storied history and the traditions that have made the sport so special. Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this format is designed to honor their passion every single race weekend."

The format follows an exhaustive Playoff Committee and fan-feedback review that put forward three key recommendations:

• A larger sample size for a championship
• Bolster the importance of each race
• Rewarding consistency while maintaining the importance of winning

NASCAR has implemented each of those pieces of feedback by making the following changes for 2026 and beyond: 

• The Chase is back. The driver with the most points after the postseason slate will be crowned the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion. The Chase will consist of the final 10 races for the NASCAR Cup Series; the final nine races for the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series; and the final seven races for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
   
• 'Win and you're in' is gone. A race win will no longer guarantee automatic entry into The Chase, increasing the importance of every event on the schedule. Winning is still valuable, but drivers must continue to perform at a high level throughout the regular season.
   
• Race-winning drivers earn more points. A win will now earn the race-winning driver 55 points. Previously, a win paid 40 points. The goal is to reward drivers who go for wins, not just strong points days, and ensure aggressive racing and strong team performance remain central to each weekend. Points for all other positions, including stage points, remain the same.
   
• The Chase will feature the top drivers in regular-season points. Returning to a points-based qualification system, The Chase in the NASCAR Cup Series will feature 16 drivers; the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series field will be set at 12 drivers, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series field at 10.
   
• The points leader after the regular season will receive a meaningful advantage. The top driver at the end of the regular season will earn a 25-point cushion over the second seed.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Image courtesy of NASCAR

Melling Engine Parts Celebrates 80 Years in 2026

Melling Engine Parts is celebrating 80 years in the automotive industry in 2026, the company announced.

Founded in 1946 by George Melling Sr. and his son Ben Melling, the company began selling precision oil pumps for older vehicles and has since grown into a global brand offering thousands of aftermarket and performance engine parts across 27 product lines.

"We are beyond grateful to welcome in 2026 and the 80th year of Melling Engine Parts," said Mark Melling, president and CEO. "Eighty years of family-owned business is not just a testament to current Melling employees, but [also to] those that have gone before. I am extremely proud of the work our team has done to get us to 80 years of service, and we are looking forward to celebrating many more anniversaries to come. We are a family business, and with the fifth generation joining the business this year, we plan to continue the legacy for decades to come. Thank you to our vendors and customers [who] have made it possible for us to achieve such a meaningful milestone."

For more information, visit melling.com.

CJ Olivares Appointed Group CEO of RACER Media & Marketing

Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. (RACER), the North American media company focused on motorsports and car culture, has announced the appointment of CJ Olivares as Group CEO. Olivares, who currently serves as president of RACER Network LLC (RACER Network), will expand his leadership to include strategic and day-to-day oversight of the operations of RACER. He succeeds RACER founder Paul Pfanner, who departs the CEO role after three decades.

A decorated 35-year media executive, Olivares brings a distinguished record of building and scaling high-growth digital, linear, FAST and streaming businesses. He is widely recognized for founding Fox Sports' FUEL TV, where he successfully transformed niche action sports into a dominant cultural force. In the last year, Olivares has spearheaded the integration and rebranding of the RACER Network (formerly MAVTV), driving significant gains in distribution and 50% year-over-year viewership growth through a commitment to diversified racing and automotive programming, as well as narratively driven storytelling that humanizes the stars of the sport.

"CJ's strategic expertise and operational depth make him the ideal leader to guide our unified and multifaceted RACER-branded platforms into the next era," said Chris Dyson, who serves as the chairman of the board of both RACER and the RACER Network. "His ability to marry the brand's outstanding reporting and unique storytelling with modern broadcast and digital delivery ensures that RACER will continue to lead the motorsports media landscape."

This step represents material progress in a multi-year effort to leverage the RACER companies' historically distinct media assets to create an integrated content and services powerhouse designed for the modern media era, and sets the stage for the more closely aligned RACER-branded properties to build on the 1.5 billion impressions delivered in 2025.

Olivares leads a RACER group platform encompassing a comprehensive suite of media and service offerings: the RACER Network (television and streaming), RACER Digital (web and app), RACER Podcasts, the RACER Creator Network, the authoritative and collectible RACER Magazine and the creative agency RACER Studio. This streamlined offering is designed to provide a seamless experience for fans and a 360-degree solution for commercial partners. 

"The media and marketing landscapes are evolving at a breakneck pace, and the RACER platform is now uniquely positioned to lead that charge in the motorsports and car culture space," said Olivares. "Our focus moving forward is twofold: diversify our content offering to engage the transformative influx of new racing fans and automotive enthusiasts and energize our revenue streams through innovative brand partnerships and aggressive subscription growth. We are building the definitive 'campfire' for motorsports and car culture."

Olivares' strategy emphasizes human-centric storytelling and digital-first accessibility. By leveraging the RACER Creator Network and the high-end production capabilities of RACER Studio, he aims to expand engagement across all platforms, from traditional broadcast to social media, ensuring the brand's continued dominance in both the motorsports and automotive space, according to the company.

For more information, visit racer.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is hosting an exclusive industry event to help companies tap into the next generation of automotive aftermarket talent, and SEMA members are invited to be a part of it.

Taking place Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. PST at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, the ETTN Career Fair will be held in partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers Southern California (SAE SoCal), offering a platform to connect directly with engineering students entering the workforce.  

Now in its fifth year, the Career Fair has been highly effective in uniting aftermarket businesses and industry professionals with passionate students. At the Career Fair, company representatives will share internship and job opportunities, offer career guidance and provide feedback on vehicles that the students are building for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions. Multiple hires from the event have been reported over the years, and last year, more than 425 students from 30 colleges attended, proving the impact and importance of the event.  

In addition to meeting students, attending the event is a powerful way to gain brand visibility and network with the broader aftermarket community. Attendees will also receive a tour of the SEMA Garage and its state-of-the-art equipment supporting product development. 

Attending the event is free for SEMA members, and lunch will be provided.   

Reserve your table today. 

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Honda, SEMA Garage is hosting an exclusive measuring session next month for the new '26 Honda Prelude.

Scheduled for February 10-11 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, the measuring session will give participants an exclusive first-look at the highly anticipated vehicle and access to critical dimensions for product development.

Aftermarket manufacturers can reserve a time slot now, but don't wait because space is limited.

Advance RSVP is required. Only RSVP for one session per company.

SEMA Garage Honda Prelude Measuring Session

February 10 - 11, 2026

1577 Valley Vista Dr.

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

View on Google Maps

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, honoring individuals whose career-long contributions have significantly enhanced the automotive aftermarket industry. 

The Hall of Fame is one of SEMA's longest-standing traditions, shining a light on those whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have left a profound mark on the specialty-equipment industry. Since 1969, the prestigious honor has recognized business leaders, innovators, media members and volunteers across the SEMA ecosystem who have shaped progress and created opportunities for future generations. 

"The SEMA Hall of Fame represents the industry's most influential leaders who have dedicated their careers to making a difference, both on and off the road," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "Without their passion and commitment, the industry would not be where it is today."   

Nominations are open until Friday, March 13, at www.sema.org/hof. Nominations should provide detailed examples of the nominee's impact on the industry, including specific achievements, leadership roles and contributions that demonstrate long-term influence and distinction. 

Nominee qualifications include: 

• The candidate must have made contributions that extend beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the specialty-equipment industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
• The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
• The candidate must be 50 years of age or older by the 2026 SEMA Show or they may be any age if deceased and the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous. 

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July. 

Contact SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar at josee@sema.org with any questions.   

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Industry members are invited to participate in the 2026 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally, taking place in our nation's capital on May 5-6, 2026. 

• The SEMA and PRI Washington Rally is one of our industry's most important events. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports parts industries with members of Congress. 

With the 2026 mid-term election in November and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it's more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry. Whether it's protecting the right to modify vehicles, creating tax certainty for race tracks, expanding motorized access to federal government lands or another policy issue that's important to your business, there are many important issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation's capital.  

While in Washington, D.C., you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues in the automotive aftermarket industry, meet with your members of Congress and their staff to discuss critical issues and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation helps ensure that our industry's concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 
 

2026 Washington Rally Itinerary (All times EDT) 

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 

SEMA and PRI PAC Reception 

5:30-6:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room and Terrace (Penthouse Level) 

• A PAC contribution for the suggested amount of $250 per individual is required to attend this event. If you have already made your 2026 SEMA and PRI PAC contribution, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC membership benefits. Please direct questions to Eleanor Rollings, SEMA director of PAC development, at eleanorr@sema.org. 

Washington Rally Congressional Dinner 

6:30-8:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 

Breakfast and Welcome Briefing 

7:30-8:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Morning Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 
 

Congressional Luncheon 

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Club 
 

Afternoon Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 

Hotel Accommodations 

There are a limited number of rooms available in a SEMA/PRI block at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, for $409 per night, plus tax. A link to book a room is provided upon completion of the registration process. 

For more information on the Washington Rally, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Industry members are invited to participate in the 2026 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally, taking place in our nation's capital on May 5-6, 2026. 

• The SEMA and PRI Washington Rally is one of our industry's most important events. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports parts industries with members of Congress. 

With the 2026 mid-term election in November and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it's more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry. Whether it's protecting the right to modify vehicles, creating tax certainty for race tracks, expanding motorized access to federal government lands or another policy issue that's important to your business, there are many important issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation's capital.  

While in Washington, D.C., you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues in the automotive aftermarket industry, meet with your members of Congress and their staff to discuss critical issues and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation helps ensure that our industry's concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 
 

2026 Washington Rally Itinerary (All times EDT) 

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 

SEMA and PRI PAC Reception 

5:30-6:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room and Terrace (Penthouse Level) 

• A PAC contribution for the suggested amount of $250 per individual is required to attend this event. If you have already made your 2026 SEMA and PRI PAC contribution, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC membership benefits. Please direct questions to Eleanor Rollings, SEMA director of PAC development, at eleanorr@sema.org. 

Washington Rally Congressional Dinner 

6:30-8:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 

Breakfast and Welcome Briefing 

7:30-8:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Morning Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 
 

Congressional Luncheon 

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Club 
 

Afternoon Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 

Hotel Accommodations 

There are a limited number of rooms available in a SEMA/PRI block at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, for $409 per night, plus tax. A link to book a room is provided upon completion of the registration process. 

For more information on the Washington Rally, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Industry members are invited to participate in the 2026 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally, taking place in our nation's capital on May 5-6, 2026. 

• The SEMA and PRI Washington Rally is one of our industry's most important events. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports parts industries with members of Congress. 

With the 2026 mid-term election in November and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it's more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry. Whether it's protecting the right to modify vehicles, creating tax certainty for race tracks, expanding motorized access to federal government lands or another policy issue that's important to your business, there are many important issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation's capital.  

While in Washington, D.C., you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues in the automotive aftermarket industry, meet with your members of Congress and their staff to discuss critical issues and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation helps ensure that our industry's concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 
 

2026 Washington Rally Itinerary (All times EDT) 

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 

SEMA and PRI PAC Reception 

5:30-6:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room and Terrace (Penthouse Level) 

• A PAC contribution for the suggested amount of $250 per individual is required to attend this event. If you have already made your 2026 SEMA and PRI PAC contribution, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC membership benefits. Please direct questions to Eleanor Rollings, SEMA director of PAC development, at eleanorr@sema.org. 

Washington Rally Congressional Dinner 

6:30-8:30 p.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 

Breakfast and Welcome Briefing 

7:30-8:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom (Penthouse Level) 
 

Morning Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 
 

Congressional Luncheon 

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Club 
 

Afternoon Meetings with Congressional Lawmakers and Staffs 

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., House and Senate Office Buildings 

Hotel Accommodations 

There are a limited number of rooms available in a SEMA/PRI block at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, for $409 per night, plus tax. A link to book a room is provided upon completion of the registration process. 

For more information on the Washington Rally, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.