From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect racetracks from NIMBY-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here’s the latest: 

Right-to-race legislation in Wisconsin continues to enjoy positive momentum, with the Wisconsin State Assembly recently passing AB 880 with no opposition. 

The bill protects long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought by nearby property owners who moved into the area after the tracks were already established.  

• The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it must pass the Senate Transportation and Local Government Committee before it reaches the Senate floor. 

In Wisconsin, SEMA and PRI emphasized that many motorsports facilities are small, multi-generational businesses built through decades of hard work, as well as personal and community investment. 

Learn more about the Right to Race campaign here. 

For more information, contact SEMA and PRI Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Tierra Hubbard at tierrah@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Aaron of L.A. Photography

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect racetracks from NIMBY-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here’s the latest: 

Right-to-race legislation in Wisconsin continues to enjoy positive momentum, with the Wisconsin State Assembly recently passing AB 880 with no opposition. 

The bill protects long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought by nearby property owners who moved into the area after the tracks were already established.  

• The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it must pass the Senate Transportation and Local Government Committee before it reaches the Senate floor. 

In Wisconsin, SEMA and PRI emphasized that many motorsports facilities are small, multi-generational businesses built through decades of hard work, as well as personal and community investment. 

Learn more about the Right to Race campaign here. 

For more information, contact SEMA and PRI Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Tierra Hubbard at tierrah@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Aaron of L.A. Photography

By Jack Haworth

Photography by Kyle Kuhnhausen

 

To make a name for yourself at the annual SEMA Show, you need to think, design and build beyond convention. Surface-level aesthetics may generate casual attention, but true credibility is earned with thoughtful engineering, precise execution and detailed craftsmanship.

Within the aftermarket community, Kyle Kuhnhausen is quickly becoming a household name.

In 2018, he showed up to the SEMA Show with his "InZanity" '72 Datsun 240z build, earning him a Top 4 spot and Top Young Gun Award in the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). In 2020, his Ballistic Beige '64 Corvette Stingray earned him a BOTB Top 12 spot, as well as the attention of a new client looking to build a nice Pro Touring car, but one that was "kind of the run-of-the-mill thing you'd see at Barrett-Jackson."

Five years and 10,000 hours of work later, that nice Pro Touring car was ready for its big debut -- at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

It was Kuhnhausen's most impressive and ambitious build yet -- "Serious66," a modernized '66 C2 Corvette masterpiece, "conceived to merge American heritage with European refinement."

"Five years of uncompromising work distilled into a singular vision: the essence of a '66 C2 elevated with modern engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and cohesive design," writes Kuhnhausen on his website. "Every surface, seam and system has been re-imagined from one-off body details and integrated glass, to an LT4/ZF8HP drivetrain and hand-built interior. Serious66 is not just restored, it's comprehensively re-engineered -- a study in restraint, innovation and execution."

Kuhnhausen said he dubbed his project Serious66 to reflect the nature of the build, "serious thought, serious hardware and serious execution." It wasn't the type of build that begs for cheap attention, but one that confidently unveils its brilliance through countless small details that add up to a serious achievement.

"Each decision balanced subtle restraint with bold execution, producing a Corvette that feels both instantly familiar and entirely new," he notes.

 

At first glance, the C2 silhouette does look familiar. But its refined finish disguises an engineering marvel, "one that preserves the midyear silhouette while advancing every other aspect to the highest standards of performance and craftsmanship."

Kuhnhausen's craftsmanship was acknowledged with a 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award -- a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, beyond just physical appearance.

According to Kuhnhausen, the success of Serious66 is best experienced behind the wheel.

"Driving this car is actually the greatest part of the whole experience. It truly drives like a new car with the 8HP transmission and the direct-injected LT4. The gearbox knows exactly what you want to do, the ride is plush but sporty, you can have a conversation in the cabin at freeway speeds. It really all comes together and as close as I've ever felt to driving a 911 GT3 Porsche is in this car."

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION

Kuhnhausen credits his client with shaping several of Serious66's distinctive design features, inspired by a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and their exhibit of '60s European cars.

"He was sending me pictures day and night of all these key factors of iconic '60s European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing," said Kuhnhausen. "The common theme of those was they all had these smooth rockers, where the rocker seamlessly transitions to the ground and rolls under the car a little bit."

Integrating elements of European refinement into a classic American sports car would be a unique challenge, but Kuhnhausen was up for it.

 

"The guiding philosophy became refinement without erasure, to honor the C2's essence while elevating it with uninterrupted surfaces, integrated engineering, and timeless detail. More than 3,600 hours were dedicated to bodywork alone, with hundreds of one-off, CNC-machined and fabricated parts and vacuum-formed components developed to execute the vision."

Intricate solutions are implemented throughout the car, helping to refine the vehicle's overall aesthetic and performance. For example, even the fuel fill unit has been completely redesigned.

"The fuel fill location is moved to display the central body line uninterrupted," says Kuhnhausen. "It is now packaged in a fully bespoke CNC-machined assembly under the rear emblem."

MILLIMETERS TO SPARE

Serious66 has been upgraded with all cutting-edge modern systems. This includes creature comforts like A/C and stereo and excellent Pro-Touring performance created by a direct injected dry-sump oiled LT4 and ZF8HP-70 eight-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly communicates with the engine ECU via CAN-bus network.

"Function is always the driving factor," says Kuhnhausen. "We don't build anything that isn't made to drive and use as intended. But to do that, you need substantially more hardware than most people put into these things."

The challenge lies with the platform itself; the C2 Corvette offers notoriously little room for even modest modifications.

"I've done a Datsun 240Z, which is a really small car, and I feel like it had a lot more room for stuff than a C2 Corvette," said Kuhnhausen. "C2s are one of the hardest packaging cars ever, when you start interjecting modern tech and you have five different computers. I had to get super creative."

To further intensify the challenge, he needed to fit a very tall driver into this very small car -- 6-ft. 5-in. tall.

 

"The firewall is completely custom and recessed 4 in. in the center for engine clearance and bellhousing access, along with the driver's footwell being protruded into the engine bay up to 6 in. over stock in portions and downwards to more comfortably accommodate the driver with full brake pedal swing."

Electronics were another major problem, but Kuhnhausen managed to solve it with creative solutions. He repurposed the glovebox as an electronics access point, with a custom steel liner to house the fuel pump PWM controller, engine harness fuse panel and diagnostic port, and TurboLamik transmission controller.

Additionally, he utilized one aspect of his client's vision for dual purpose.

"The suitcase was so instrumental in the vibe that the client wanted [it] based off the Mercedes Gullwing, just something really timeless and classy. But then I interjected and found a way to make it a functional piece of the car. So, it has a removable faux floor in a plaid covering, and that's where I hide a lot of the electronics."

Once it was time to put the car on the chassis, the clearances were minimal.

"We're talking millimeter-space constraints once it's all said and done because we didn't pull any punches on the performance aspect," Kuhnhausen explains. "That was very important to me; that we didn't build a show car."

THE GREAT EQUALIZER

Kuhnhausen created hundreds of one-off components to address packaging constraints, improve performance and refine the overall build. While fabrication remains his specialty, CAD programming and 3D printing has elevated the work to another level.

 

"I'm on the computer almost as much as I am behind a welding hood nowadays," says Kuhnhausen. "I'll 3D print the prototype in-house just to make sure the dimensions are right, and then I'll send it to SendCutSend and I'll get a metal part back in a few days. I don't have a million-dollar 12-kW fiber laser, but I get results like that and it doesn't slow up my workflow too much. It's really equalized the industry."

Kuhnhausen is well-skilled in the traditional methods of fabricating by hand. He built a C2 similar to Serious66 in 2019, using minimal CAD programming at the time.

"I've done it by hand, but now that I have all these tools at my disposal, there's no going back," asserts Kuhnhausen. "It just creates such a better product and gives me the ability to build off of the platform I just created. I have all those parts in CAD, so if I want to do another one, I don't have to start from zero."

Kuhnhausen's utilization of CAD and 3D printing began to increase around the time he launched the Serious66 project in 2020. Now he has four 3D printers that are "pretty much going 24 hours a day," building tools to sell online and prototyping his latest ideas.

"It just gets crazier every year. Now we can do 3D printing in metal and in engineering-grade materials. You can build anything you want to build and do it on a fairly reasonable budget. A 3D scanner is under $5,000 and you can get a good 3D printer for a $1,000. It's really scaled down to something that's utilizable."

As shops continue to expand their use of this technology, Kuhnhausen is seeing an explosion of creativity unleashed across the industry.

"Every big hot-rod shop now is building incredibly badass stuff that wasn't even something you could think about 10 years ago. Most shops now have a staff engineer versus fabricators. The precision has just gone through the roof, and the technology has followed to where we're building darn near aerospace-grade hot rods. It's just wild."

 

While a hot-rod space race may initially sound like a disadvantage for the small shops, that hasn't proven to be the case. Online fabrication services like SendCutSend have also helped even the playing field.

"SendCutSend just got into CNC five-axis milling. You can have a one-off part CNC five-axis milled and have it at your doorstep in under a week versus what used to be probably 10 times the cost and five times the lead time. It was basically priced out of being an option, whereas now it's the standard."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

This new standard is unleashing the potential of talented builders like Kyle Kuhnhausen.

While his cars consistently attract attention at the SEMA Show, they are built alongside his father in a modest 1,200-sq.-ft. shop in rural Oregon. No large staff or million-dollar machines, just a father and son working together to produce some of the most innovative builds in the industry.

"My dad owned a mechanics and bodyshop, and he did a lot of drag racing on the weekends," said Kuhnhausen. "There are pictures of me at six months old sitting on the air cleaner of his drag car. I just recreated that with my daughter on top of the motor of Serious66, so it came full circle. It's just in my blood; I grew up fully immersed in it my whole life."

Kyle is only 34 years old, but the two have been working together for more than 20 years. He got his first job at his dad's shop when he was 12, the same age he learned to MIG weld. Today those roles are reversed. Kyle owns the shop -- Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts -- and his "semi-retired" dad is his only employee.

"My dad is my best friend and my mentor. Even back when I was 12 and I got my first job working for him, the loose idea was to always build hot rods together. So, to be able to realize that and do it at the scale we do, it's such a blessing. We do what we love every day so it's not really work, though Serious66 is probably one of the most challenging things you could ever do."

READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE

SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven't claimed yours yet? Here's how:

• Claim your coupon voucher HERE
• Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests
• Subscribe
• Download the SEMA magazine app
• Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge
• Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By Jack Haworth

Photography by Kyle Kuhnhausen

 

To make a name for yourself at the annual SEMA Show, you need to think, design and build beyond convention. Surface-level aesthetics may generate casual attention, but true credibility is earned with thoughtful engineering, precise execution and detailed craftsmanship.

Within the aftermarket community, Kyle Kuhnhausen is quickly becoming a household name.

In 2018, he showed up to the SEMA Show with his "InZanity" '72 Datsun 240z build, earning him a Top 4 spot and Top Young Gun Award in the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). In 2020, his Ballistic Beige '64 Corvette Stingray earned him a BOTB Top 12 spot, as well as the attention of a new client looking to build a nice Pro Touring car, but one that was "kind of the run-of-the-mill thing you'd see at Barrett-Jackson."

Five years and 10,000 hours of work later, that nice Pro Touring car was ready for its big debut -- at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

It was Kuhnhausen's most impressive and ambitious build yet -- "Serious66," a modernized '66 C2 Corvette masterpiece, "conceived to merge American heritage with European refinement."

"Five years of uncompromising work distilled into a singular vision: the essence of a '66 C2 elevated with modern engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and cohesive design," writes Kuhnhausen on his website. "Every surface, seam and system has been re-imagined from one-off body details and integrated glass, to an LT4/ZF8HP drivetrain and hand-built interior. Serious66 is not just restored, it's comprehensively re-engineered -- a study in restraint, innovation and execution."

Kuhnhausen said he dubbed his project Serious66 to reflect the nature of the build, "serious thought, serious hardware and serious execution." It wasn't the type of build that begs for cheap attention, but one that confidently unveils its brilliance through countless small details that add up to a serious achievement.

"Each decision balanced subtle restraint with bold execution, producing a Corvette that feels both instantly familiar and entirely new," he notes.

 

At first glance, the C2 silhouette does look familiar. But its refined finish disguises an engineering marvel, "one that preserves the midyear silhouette while advancing every other aspect to the highest standards of performance and craftsmanship."

Kuhnhausen's craftsmanship was acknowledged with a 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award -- a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, beyond just physical appearance.

According to Kuhnhausen, the success of Serious66 is best experienced behind the wheel.

"Driving this car is actually the greatest part of the whole experience. It truly drives like a new car with the 8HP transmission and the direct-injected LT4. The gearbox knows exactly what you want to do, the ride is plush but sporty, you can have a conversation in the cabin at freeway speeds. It really all comes together and as close as I've ever felt to driving a 911 GT3 Porsche is in this car."

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION

Kuhnhausen credits his client with shaping several of Serious66's distinctive design features, inspired by a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and their exhibit of '60s European cars.

"He was sending me pictures day and night of all these key factors of iconic '60s European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing," said Kuhnhausen. "The common theme of those was they all had these smooth rockers, where the rocker seamlessly transitions to the ground and rolls under the car a little bit."

Integrating elements of European refinement into a classic American sports car would be a unique challenge, but Kuhnhausen was up for it.

 

"The guiding philosophy became refinement without erasure, to honor the C2's essence while elevating it with uninterrupted surfaces, integrated engineering, and timeless detail. More than 3,600 hours were dedicated to bodywork alone, with hundreds of one-off, CNC-machined and fabricated parts and vacuum-formed components developed to execute the vision."

Intricate solutions are implemented throughout the car, helping to refine the vehicle's overall aesthetic and performance. For example, even the fuel fill unit has been completely redesigned.

"The fuel fill location is moved to display the central body line uninterrupted," says Kuhnhausen. "It is now packaged in a fully bespoke CNC-machined assembly under the rear emblem."

MILLIMETERS TO SPARE

Serious66 has been upgraded with all cutting-edge modern systems. This includes creature comforts like A/C and stereo and excellent Pro-Touring performance created by a direct injected dry-sump oiled LT4 and ZF8HP-70 eight-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly communicates with the engine ECU via CAN-bus network.

"Function is always the driving factor," says Kuhnhausen. "We don't build anything that isn't made to drive and use as intended. But to do that, you need substantially more hardware than most people put into these things."

The challenge lies with the platform itself; the C2 Corvette offers notoriously little room for even modest modifications.

"I've done a Datsun 240Z, which is a really small car, and I feel like it had a lot more room for stuff than a C2 Corvette," said Kuhnhausen. "C2s are one of the hardest packaging cars ever, when you start interjecting modern tech and you have five different computers. I had to get super creative."

To further intensify the challenge, he needed to fit a very tall driver into this very small car -- 6-ft. 5-in. tall.

 

"The firewall is completely custom and recessed 4 in. in the center for engine clearance and bellhousing access, along with the driver's footwell being protruded into the engine bay up to 6 in. over stock in portions and downwards to more comfortably accommodate the driver with full brake pedal swing."

Electronics were another major problem, but Kuhnhausen managed to solve it with creative solutions. He repurposed the glovebox as an electronics access point, with a custom steel liner to house the fuel pump PWM controller, engine harness fuse panel and diagnostic port, and TurboLamik transmission controller.

Additionally, he utilized one aspect of his client's vision for dual purpose.

"The suitcase was so instrumental in the vibe that the client wanted [it] based off the Mercedes Gullwing, just something really timeless and classy. But then I interjected and found a way to make it a functional piece of the car. So, it has a removable faux floor in a plaid covering, and that's where I hide a lot of the electronics."

Once it was time to put the car on the chassis, the clearances were minimal.

"We're talking millimeter-space constraints once it's all said and done because we didn't pull any punches on the performance aspect," Kuhnhausen explains. "That was very important to me; that we didn't build a show car."

THE GREAT EQUALIZER

Kuhnhausen created hundreds of one-off components to address packaging constraints, improve performance and refine the overall build. While fabrication remains his specialty, CAD programming and 3D printing has elevated the work to another level.

 

"I'm on the computer almost as much as I am behind a welding hood nowadays," says Kuhnhausen. "I'll 3D print the prototype in-house just to make sure the dimensions are right, and then I'll send it to SendCutSend and I'll get a metal part back in a few days. I don't have a million-dollar 12-kW fiber laser, but I get results like that and it doesn't slow up my workflow too much. It's really equalized the industry."

Kuhnhausen is well-skilled in the traditional methods of fabricating by hand. He built a C2 similar to Serious66 in 2019, using minimal CAD programming at the time.

"I've done it by hand, but now that I have all these tools at my disposal, there's no going back," asserts Kuhnhausen. "It just creates such a better product and gives me the ability to build off of the platform I just created. I have all those parts in CAD, so if I want to do another one, I don't have to start from zero."

Kuhnhausen's utilization of CAD and 3D printing began to increase around the time he launched the Serious66 project in 2020. Now he has four 3D printers that are "pretty much going 24 hours a day," building tools to sell online and prototyping his latest ideas.

"It just gets crazier every year. Now we can do 3D printing in metal and in engineering-grade materials. You can build anything you want to build and do it on a fairly reasonable budget. A 3D scanner is under $5,000 and you can get a good 3D printer for a $1,000. It's really scaled down to something that's utilizable."

As shops continue to expand their use of this technology, Kuhnhausen is seeing an explosion of creativity unleashed across the industry.

"Every big hot-rod shop now is building incredibly badass stuff that wasn't even something you could think about 10 years ago. Most shops now have a staff engineer versus fabricators. The precision has just gone through the roof, and the technology has followed to where we're building darn near aerospace-grade hot rods. It's just wild."

 

While a hot-rod space race may initially sound like a disadvantage for the small shops, that hasn't proven to be the case. Online fabrication services like SendCutSend have also helped even the playing field.

"SendCutSend just got into CNC five-axis milling. You can have a one-off part CNC five-axis milled and have it at your doorstep in under a week versus what used to be probably 10 times the cost and five times the lead time. It was basically priced out of being an option, whereas now it's the standard."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

This new standard is unleashing the potential of talented builders like Kyle Kuhnhausen.

While his cars consistently attract attention at the SEMA Show, they are built alongside his father in a modest 1,200-sq.-ft. shop in rural Oregon. No large staff or million-dollar machines, just a father and son working together to produce some of the most innovative builds in the industry.

"My dad owned a mechanics and bodyshop, and he did a lot of drag racing on the weekends," said Kuhnhausen. "There are pictures of me at six months old sitting on the air cleaner of his drag car. I just recreated that with my daughter on top of the motor of Serious66, so it came full circle. It's just in my blood; I grew up fully immersed in it my whole life."

Kyle is only 34 years old, but the two have been working together for more than 20 years. He got his first job at his dad's shop when he was 12, the same age he learned to MIG weld. Today those roles are reversed. Kyle owns the shop -- Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts -- and his "semi-retired" dad is his only employee.

"My dad is my best friend and my mentor. Even back when I was 12 and I got my first job working for him, the loose idea was to always build hot rods together. So, to be able to realize that and do it at the scale we do, it's such a blessing. We do what we love every day so it's not really work, though Serious66 is probably one of the most challenging things you could ever do."

READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE

SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven't claimed yours yet? Here's how:

• Claim your coupon voucher HERE
• Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests
• Subscribe
• Download the SEMA magazine app
• Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge
• Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By Jack Haworth

Photography by Kyle Kuhnhausen

 

To make a name for yourself at the annual SEMA Show, you need to think, design and build beyond convention. Surface-level aesthetics may generate casual attention, but true credibility is earned with thoughtful engineering, precise execution and detailed craftsmanship.

Within the aftermarket community, Kyle Kuhnhausen is quickly becoming a household name.

In 2018, he showed up to the SEMA Show with his "InZanity" '72 Datsun 240z build, earning him a Top 4 spot and Top Young Gun Award in the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). In 2020, his Ballistic Beige '64 Corvette Stingray earned him a BOTB Top 12 spot, as well as the attention of a new client looking to build a nice Pro Touring car, but one that was "kind of the run-of-the-mill thing you'd see at Barrett-Jackson."

Five years and 10,000 hours of work later, that nice Pro Touring car was ready for its big debut -- at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

It was Kuhnhausen's most impressive and ambitious build yet -- "Serious66," a modernized '66 C2 Corvette masterpiece, "conceived to merge American heritage with European refinement."

"Five years of uncompromising work distilled into a singular vision: the essence of a '66 C2 elevated with modern engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and cohesive design," writes Kuhnhausen on his website. "Every surface, seam and system has been re-imagined from one-off body details and integrated glass, to an LT4/ZF8HP drivetrain and hand-built interior. Serious66 is not just restored, it's comprehensively re-engineered -- a study in restraint, innovation and execution."

Kuhnhausen said he dubbed his project Serious66 to reflect the nature of the build, "serious thought, serious hardware and serious execution." It wasn't the type of build that begs for cheap attention, but one that confidently unveils its brilliance through countless small details that add up to a serious achievement.

"Each decision balanced subtle restraint with bold execution, producing a Corvette that feels both instantly familiar and entirely new," he notes.

 

At first glance, the C2 silhouette does look familiar. But its refined finish disguises an engineering marvel, "one that preserves the midyear silhouette while advancing every other aspect to the highest standards of performance and craftsmanship."

Kuhnhausen's craftsmanship was acknowledged with a 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award -- a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, beyond just physical appearance.

According to Kuhnhausen, the success of Serious66 is best experienced behind the wheel.

"Driving this car is actually the greatest part of the whole experience. It truly drives like a new car with the 8HP transmission and the direct-injected LT4. The gearbox knows exactly what you want to do, the ride is plush but sporty, you can have a conversation in the cabin at freeway speeds. It really all comes together and as close as I've ever felt to driving a 911 GT3 Porsche is in this car."

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION

Kuhnhausen credits his client with shaping several of Serious66's distinctive design features, inspired by a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and their exhibit of '60s European cars.

"He was sending me pictures day and night of all these key factors of iconic '60s European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing," said Kuhnhausen. "The common theme of those was they all had these smooth rockers, where the rocker seamlessly transitions to the ground and rolls under the car a little bit."

Integrating elements of European refinement into a classic American sports car would be a unique challenge, but Kuhnhausen was up for it.

 

"The guiding philosophy became refinement without erasure, to honor the C2's essence while elevating it with uninterrupted surfaces, integrated engineering, and timeless detail. More than 3,600 hours were dedicated to bodywork alone, with hundreds of one-off, CNC-machined and fabricated parts and vacuum-formed components developed to execute the vision."

Intricate solutions are implemented throughout the car, helping to refine the vehicle's overall aesthetic and performance. For example, even the fuel fill unit has been completely redesigned.

"The fuel fill location is moved to display the central body line uninterrupted," says Kuhnhausen. "It is now packaged in a fully bespoke CNC-machined assembly under the rear emblem."

MILLIMETERS TO SPARE

Serious66 has been upgraded with all cutting-edge modern systems. This includes creature comforts like A/C and stereo and excellent Pro-Touring performance created by a direct injected dry-sump oiled LT4 and ZF8HP-70 eight-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly communicates with the engine ECU via CAN-bus network.

"Function is always the driving factor," says Kuhnhausen. "We don't build anything that isn't made to drive and use as intended. But to do that, you need substantially more hardware than most people put into these things."

The challenge lies with the platform itself; the C2 Corvette offers notoriously little room for even modest modifications.

"I've done a Datsun 240Z, which is a really small car, and I feel like it had a lot more room for stuff than a C2 Corvette," said Kuhnhausen. "C2s are one of the hardest packaging cars ever, when you start interjecting modern tech and you have five different computers. I had to get super creative."

To further intensify the challenge, he needed to fit a very tall driver into this very small car -- 6-ft. 5-in. tall.

 

"The firewall is completely custom and recessed 4 in. in the center for engine clearance and bellhousing access, along with the driver's footwell being protruded into the engine bay up to 6 in. over stock in portions and downwards to more comfortably accommodate the driver with full brake pedal swing."

Electronics were another major problem, but Kuhnhausen managed to solve it with creative solutions. He repurposed the glovebox as an electronics access point, with a custom steel liner to house the fuel pump PWM controller, engine harness fuse panel and diagnostic port, and TurboLamik transmission controller.

Additionally, he utilized one aspect of his client's vision for dual purpose.

"The suitcase was so instrumental in the vibe that the client wanted [it] based off the Mercedes Gullwing, just something really timeless and classy. But then I interjected and found a way to make it a functional piece of the car. So, it has a removable faux floor in a plaid covering, and that's where I hide a lot of the electronics."

Once it was time to put the car on the chassis, the clearances were minimal.

"We're talking millimeter-space constraints once it's all said and done because we didn't pull any punches on the performance aspect," Kuhnhausen explains. "That was very important to me; that we didn't build a show car."

THE GREAT EQUALIZER

Kuhnhausen created hundreds of one-off components to address packaging constraints, improve performance and refine the overall build. While fabrication remains his specialty, CAD programming and 3D printing has elevated the work to another level.

 

"I'm on the computer almost as much as I am behind a welding hood nowadays," says Kuhnhausen. "I'll 3D print the prototype in-house just to make sure the dimensions are right, and then I'll send it to SendCutSend and I'll get a metal part back in a few days. I don't have a million-dollar 12-kW fiber laser, but I get results like that and it doesn't slow up my workflow too much. It's really equalized the industry."

Kuhnhausen is well-skilled in the traditional methods of fabricating by hand. He built a C2 similar to Serious66 in 2019, using minimal CAD programming at the time.

"I've done it by hand, but now that I have all these tools at my disposal, there's no going back," asserts Kuhnhausen. "It just creates such a better product and gives me the ability to build off of the platform I just created. I have all those parts in CAD, so if I want to do another one, I don't have to start from zero."

Kuhnhausen's utilization of CAD and 3D printing began to increase around the time he launched the Serious66 project in 2020. Now he has four 3D printers that are "pretty much going 24 hours a day," building tools to sell online and prototyping his latest ideas.

"It just gets crazier every year. Now we can do 3D printing in metal and in engineering-grade materials. You can build anything you want to build and do it on a fairly reasonable budget. A 3D scanner is under $5,000 and you can get a good 3D printer for a $1,000. It's really scaled down to something that's utilizable."

As shops continue to expand their use of this technology, Kuhnhausen is seeing an explosion of creativity unleashed across the industry.

"Every big hot-rod shop now is building incredibly badass stuff that wasn't even something you could think about 10 years ago. Most shops now have a staff engineer versus fabricators. The precision has just gone through the roof, and the technology has followed to where we're building darn near aerospace-grade hot rods. It's just wild."

 

While a hot-rod space race may initially sound like a disadvantage for the small shops, that hasn't proven to be the case. Online fabrication services like SendCutSend have also helped even the playing field.

"SendCutSend just got into CNC five-axis milling. You can have a one-off part CNC five-axis milled and have it at your doorstep in under a week versus what used to be probably 10 times the cost and five times the lead time. It was basically priced out of being an option, whereas now it's the standard."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

This new standard is unleashing the potential of talented builders like Kyle Kuhnhausen.

While his cars consistently attract attention at the SEMA Show, they are built alongside his father in a modest 1,200-sq.-ft. shop in rural Oregon. No large staff or million-dollar machines, just a father and son working together to produce some of the most innovative builds in the industry.

"My dad owned a mechanics and bodyshop, and he did a lot of drag racing on the weekends," said Kuhnhausen. "There are pictures of me at six months old sitting on the air cleaner of his drag car. I just recreated that with my daughter on top of the motor of Serious66, so it came full circle. It's just in my blood; I grew up fully immersed in it my whole life."

Kyle is only 34 years old, but the two have been working together for more than 20 years. He got his first job at his dad's shop when he was 12, the same age he learned to MIG weld. Today those roles are reversed. Kyle owns the shop -- Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts -- and his "semi-retired" dad is his only employee.

"My dad is my best friend and my mentor. Even back when I was 12 and I got my first job working for him, the loose idea was to always build hot rods together. So, to be able to realize that and do it at the scale we do, it's such a blessing. We do what we love every day so it's not really work, though Serious66 is probably one of the most challenging things you could ever do."

READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE

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• Claim your coupon voucher HERE
• Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests
• Subscribe
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• Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge
• Start reading!

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By Jack Haworth

Photography by Kyle Kuhnhausen

 

To make a name for yourself at the annual SEMA Show, you need to think, design and build beyond convention. Surface-level aesthetics may generate casual attention, but true credibility is earned with thoughtful engineering, precise execution and detailed craftsmanship.

Within the aftermarket community, Kyle Kuhnhausen is quickly becoming a household name.

In 2018, he showed up to the SEMA Show with his "InZanity" '72 Datsun 240z build, earning him a Top 4 spot and Top Young Gun Award in the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). In 2020, his Ballistic Beige '64 Corvette Stingray earned him a BOTB Top 12 spot, as well as the attention of a new client looking to build a nice Pro Touring car, but one that was "kind of the run-of-the-mill thing you'd see at Barrett-Jackson."

Five years and 10,000 hours of work later, that nice Pro Touring car was ready for its big debut -- at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

It was Kuhnhausen's most impressive and ambitious build yet -- "Serious66," a modernized '66 C2 Corvette masterpiece, "conceived to merge American heritage with European refinement."

"Five years of uncompromising work distilled into a singular vision: the essence of a '66 C2 elevated with modern engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and cohesive design," writes Kuhnhausen on his website. "Every surface, seam and system has been re-imagined from one-off body details and integrated glass, to an LT4/ZF8HP drivetrain and hand-built interior. Serious66 is not just restored, it's comprehensively re-engineered -- a study in restraint, innovation and execution."

Kuhnhausen said he dubbed his project Serious66 to reflect the nature of the build, "serious thought, serious hardware and serious execution." It wasn't the type of build that begs for cheap attention, but one that confidently unveils its brilliance through countless small details that add up to a serious achievement.

"Each decision balanced subtle restraint with bold execution, producing a Corvette that feels both instantly familiar and entirely new," he notes.

 

At first glance, the C2 silhouette does look familiar. But its refined finish disguises an engineering marvel, "one that preserves the midyear silhouette while advancing every other aspect to the highest standards of performance and craftsmanship."

Kuhnhausen's craftsmanship was acknowledged with a 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award -- a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, beyond just physical appearance.

According to Kuhnhausen, the success of Serious66 is best experienced behind the wheel.

"Driving this car is actually the greatest part of the whole experience. It truly drives like a new car with the 8HP transmission and the direct-injected LT4. The gearbox knows exactly what you want to do, the ride is plush but sporty, you can have a conversation in the cabin at freeway speeds. It really all comes together and as close as I've ever felt to driving a 911 GT3 Porsche is in this car."

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION

Kuhnhausen credits his client with shaping several of Serious66's distinctive design features, inspired by a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and their exhibit of '60s European cars.

"He was sending me pictures day and night of all these key factors of iconic '60s European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing," said Kuhnhausen. "The common theme of those was they all had these smooth rockers, where the rocker seamlessly transitions to the ground and rolls under the car a little bit."

Integrating elements of European refinement into a classic American sports car would be a unique challenge, but Kuhnhausen was up for it.

 

"The guiding philosophy became refinement without erasure, to honor the C2's essence while elevating it with uninterrupted surfaces, integrated engineering, and timeless detail. More than 3,600 hours were dedicated to bodywork alone, with hundreds of one-off, CNC-machined and fabricated parts and vacuum-formed components developed to execute the vision."

Intricate solutions are implemented throughout the car, helping to refine the vehicle's overall aesthetic and performance. For example, even the fuel fill unit has been completely redesigned.

"The fuel fill location is moved to display the central body line uninterrupted," says Kuhnhausen. "It is now packaged in a fully bespoke CNC-machined assembly under the rear emblem."

MILLIMETERS TO SPARE

Serious66 has been upgraded with all cutting-edge modern systems. This includes creature comforts like A/C and stereo and excellent Pro-Touring performance created by a direct injected dry-sump oiled LT4 and ZF8HP-70 eight-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly communicates with the engine ECU via CAN-bus network.

"Function is always the driving factor," says Kuhnhausen. "We don't build anything that isn't made to drive and use as intended. But to do that, you need substantially more hardware than most people put into these things."

The challenge lies with the platform itself; the C2 Corvette offers notoriously little room for even modest modifications.

"I've done a Datsun 240Z, which is a really small car, and I feel like it had a lot more room for stuff than a C2 Corvette," said Kuhnhausen. "C2s are one of the hardest packaging cars ever, when you start interjecting modern tech and you have five different computers. I had to get super creative."

To further intensify the challenge, he needed to fit a very tall driver into this very small car -- 6-ft. 5-in. tall.

 

"The firewall is completely custom and recessed 4 in. in the center for engine clearance and bellhousing access, along with the driver's footwell being protruded into the engine bay up to 6 in. over stock in portions and downwards to more comfortably accommodate the driver with full brake pedal swing."

Electronics were another major problem, but Kuhnhausen managed to solve it with creative solutions. He repurposed the glovebox as an electronics access point, with a custom steel liner to house the fuel pump PWM controller, engine harness fuse panel and diagnostic port, and TurboLamik transmission controller.

Additionally, he utilized one aspect of his client's vision for dual purpose.

"The suitcase was so instrumental in the vibe that the client wanted [it] based off the Mercedes Gullwing, just something really timeless and classy. But then I interjected and found a way to make it a functional piece of the car. So, it has a removable faux floor in a plaid covering, and that's where I hide a lot of the electronics."

Once it was time to put the car on the chassis, the clearances were minimal.

"We're talking millimeter-space constraints once it's all said and done because we didn't pull any punches on the performance aspect," Kuhnhausen explains. "That was very important to me; that we didn't build a show car."

THE GREAT EQUALIZER

Kuhnhausen created hundreds of one-off components to address packaging constraints, improve performance and refine the overall build. While fabrication remains his specialty, CAD programming and 3D printing has elevated the work to another level.

 

"I'm on the computer almost as much as I am behind a welding hood nowadays," says Kuhnhausen. "I'll 3D print the prototype in-house just to make sure the dimensions are right, and then I'll send it to SendCutSend and I'll get a metal part back in a few days. I don't have a million-dollar 12-kW fiber laser, but I get results like that and it doesn't slow up my workflow too much. It's really equalized the industry."

Kuhnhausen is well-skilled in the traditional methods of fabricating by hand. He built a C2 similar to Serious66 in 2019, using minimal CAD programming at the time.

"I've done it by hand, but now that I have all these tools at my disposal, there's no going back," asserts Kuhnhausen. "It just creates such a better product and gives me the ability to build off of the platform I just created. I have all those parts in CAD, so if I want to do another one, I don't have to start from zero."

Kuhnhausen's utilization of CAD and 3D printing began to increase around the time he launched the Serious66 project in 2020. Now he has four 3D printers that are "pretty much going 24 hours a day," building tools to sell online and prototyping his latest ideas.

"It just gets crazier every year. Now we can do 3D printing in metal and in engineering-grade materials. You can build anything you want to build and do it on a fairly reasonable budget. A 3D scanner is under $5,000 and you can get a good 3D printer for a $1,000. It's really scaled down to something that's utilizable."

As shops continue to expand their use of this technology, Kuhnhausen is seeing an explosion of creativity unleashed across the industry.

"Every big hot-rod shop now is building incredibly badass stuff that wasn't even something you could think about 10 years ago. Most shops now have a staff engineer versus fabricators. The precision has just gone through the roof, and the technology has followed to where we're building darn near aerospace-grade hot rods. It's just wild."

 

While a hot-rod space race may initially sound like a disadvantage for the small shops, that hasn't proven to be the case. Online fabrication services like SendCutSend have also helped even the playing field.

"SendCutSend just got into CNC five-axis milling. You can have a one-off part CNC five-axis milled and have it at your doorstep in under a week versus what used to be probably 10 times the cost and five times the lead time. It was basically priced out of being an option, whereas now it's the standard."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

This new standard is unleashing the potential of talented builders like Kyle Kuhnhausen.

While his cars consistently attract attention at the SEMA Show, they are built alongside his father in a modest 1,200-sq.-ft. shop in rural Oregon. No large staff or million-dollar machines, just a father and son working together to produce some of the most innovative builds in the industry.

"My dad owned a mechanics and bodyshop, and he did a lot of drag racing on the weekends," said Kuhnhausen. "There are pictures of me at six months old sitting on the air cleaner of his drag car. I just recreated that with my daughter on top of the motor of Serious66, so it came full circle. It's just in my blood; I grew up fully immersed in it my whole life."

Kyle is only 34 years old, but the two have been working together for more than 20 years. He got his first job at his dad's shop when he was 12, the same age he learned to MIG weld. Today those roles are reversed. Kyle owns the shop -- Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts -- and his "semi-retired" dad is his only employee.

"My dad is my best friend and my mentor. Even back when I was 12 and I got my first job working for him, the loose idea was to always build hot rods together. So, to be able to realize that and do it at the scale we do, it's such a blessing. We do what we love every day so it's not really work, though Serious66 is probably one of the most challenging things you could ever do."

READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE

SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven't claimed yours yet? Here's how:

• Claim your coupon voucher HERE
• Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests
• Subscribe
• Download the SEMA magazine app
• Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge
• Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By SEMA News Editors

Air Lift Company

ProSeries Air Spring Kit for '24-'25 Ford Ranger 4WD

 

Air Lift Company has released its new ProSeries Air Spring Kit for the '24-'25 Ford Ranger 4WD (all trims except Raptor) to deliver up to 5,000 lbs. or load-leveling support. The ProSeries system features double-bellow air springs with upper and lower roll plates, as well as ultra-high-strength nylon end caps. The kit works in conjunction with the Ranger's factory suspension to reduce rear-end sag, improve steering response, correct headlight aim, and minimize body roll and bottoming out when the vehicle is fully loaded, according to the company.

airliftcompany.com

 

Synergy Manufacturing

Jeep JL/JLU/JT Titan Series Tie Rod

 

Synergy Manufacturing recently announced the release of its new Jeep JL/JLU/JT Titan Series Tie Rod. Engineered for off-road and daily-driver applications, the steering upgrade features 1.75-in. heat-treated chromoly construction and metal-on-metal tie-rod ends. Bolts to factory locations and is fully adjustable while installed in the vehicle.

synergymfg.com

 

 

Westin Automotive

Power Retractable Tonneau Cover

 

Westin has announced its new Power Retractable Tonneau Cover Is now available, offering all-weather protection and a low-profile OE look, according to the company. Built from heavy-duty aluminum, the tonneau cover supports up to 500 lbs. of evenly distributed weight and opens and closes remotely with a key fob. A compact roll-up canister conserves bed space while integrated T-slot channels allow for accessory mounting and a built-in LED bed light provides extra visibility.

westinautomotive.com

By SEMA News Editors

New this year, exhibitors must activate or create an account in our new CRM before submitting their 2026 SEMA Show Exhibit Space Rental Application (ESRA).

 

SEMA has launched a new customer management system ahead of this year's SEMA Show, November 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas.

To improve how SEMA engages with exhibitors and serves the industry year-round, the association has migrated to a new customer management system powered by Salesforce.

What This Means for 2026 SEMA Show Exhibitors

New this year, exhibitors must activate or create an account in our new customer relationship management (CRM) system before submitting their 2026 SEMA Show Exhibit Space Rental Application (ESRA). Once an account is set up, industry members will be able to:

• Reserve exhibit space.
• Download invoices, complete online payments and access exhibitor resources.

How to Get Started

Getting set up in the new SEMA Show exhibitor platform is simple:

• Visit services.semashow.com.
• Returning exhibitors:
  • Enter the email you've used to purchase a SEMA Show booth before to receive a password reset link (click here).
• New exhibitors or returning exhibitors using a new email: 
  • Create a new account (click here)

Once logged in, exhibitors are ready to reserve an exhibit space.

Having Issues Reserving Your Exhibit Space? 

If you're not receiving a password reset email or can't set up a new account, it's possible your record has more than one email address on file. In that case, our team will need to assist you with setting up your account.

SEMA is providing hands-on support to ensure a smooth transition for every exhibitor. 

Call: 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362)

Email: customercare@sema.org

SEMA's stellar customer care team will walk you through account setup, password resets or answer any question

Note: updating your account does not affect exhibitors' account history or SEMA Show seniority.

We're excited to share what we've been working on--and we look forward to helping you make the most of it.

---

In related news, SEMA has opened registration for the 2026 Exhibitor Summit, a must-attend and complimentary event for all exhibitors, including first-timers and long-timers. Learn more about that here.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | DC Studio

By SEMA News Editors

 

BMR Suspension Acquires Heidts Suspension

 

BMR Suspension, based in Lakeland, Florida, has acquired hot-rod and musclecar parts manufacturer Heidts Suspension of Lake Zurich, Illinois.

The acquisition allows BMR Suspension to further its mission of providing innovative, quality-oriented American-made suspension and chassis products at an affordable price, the company said.

"BMR Suspension and Heidts Suspension are like two sides of the same coin," says Allan Miller, president of BMR Suspension. "BMR dominates the American late-model market and Heidts dominates the American musclecars and street rods, so this synergy is perfect for our two companies and customers moving forward."

"This acquisition combines decades of engineering expertise, US manufacturing capabilities and a deep focus on quality," states Wallace Leyshon, president and CEO of Heidts Suspension. "Moving forward, this partnership ensures that we will expand our commitment to American craftsmanship while developing innovative suspension solutions for the vehicles our customers love."

The sale of Heidts to Miller Performance Products was facilitated by Hart Marx Advisors. The financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Both BMR and Heidts will continue to operate independently of each other, continuing to serve the needs of their respective customers. BMR Suspension will continue to expand upon its established lineup for Ford, GM and Mopar offerings, while BMR and Heidts will collaborate closely to create new product lines.

For more information, visit heidts.com or bmrsuspension.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Wirestock Creators

 

Design Engineer Josh Cooper Joins Skyjacker Suspension

 

Skyjacker Suspension has hired Josh Cooper to join its design engineering team.

Cooper brings more than 23 years of diverse experience in the off-road and automotive aftermarket industry to Skyjacker with a background that includes sales management, custom shop ownership, collaboration with Ultra4 racing teams and several years dedicated specifically to engineering.

Cooper was most recently involved with an Ultra4 team has kept him at the forefront of cutting-edge off-road performance, durability, 3D modeling/scanning and race-proven designs, the company said, and brings a practical, trail-tested approach to product development that aligns with Skyjacker's commitment to performance and reliability.

"Having someone with this level of experience, passion and character on our team is truly exciting," said Lonnie McCurry Jr., president of Skyjacker Suspension. "He understands our customers because he is one of them. His technical knowledge, industry insight and approachable personality make him a tremendous addition to our engineering department."

For more information, visit skyjacker.com.

By SEMA News Editors

 

Formula DRIFT Changes Qualifying Format for 2026 Season

 

Formula DRIFT will change its qualifying format for the 2026 season following driver feedback and the introduction of a new telemetry-based scoring system, the series announced.

After two seasons using the all-tandem seeding bracket format to set the Top 32 grid, most PRO Championship drivers voted to eliminate it, while PROSPEC drivers voted to retain the format during two summits held with series drivers. As a result, PRO will return to a two-run qualifying format, while PROSPEC will continue using seeding bracket qualifying.

Series officials said reverting to two-run qualifying created scheduling challenges, particularly on combined weekends when both championships share track time. To address this, Formula DRIFT partnered with Australian company Race Data Labs to implement its Universal Drift Scoring Method (UDSM), a telemetry-driven judging system.

Under the new structure, approximately 80% of a PRO driver's qualifying score will be generated automatically. The UDSM system will fully score drift line and angle using vehicle data. The remaining 20%, covering style, will continue to be judged by Formula DRIFT's three-judge panel. Style scoring has been separated from the other categories to allow judges to weigh difficulty and driver errors independently.

The Race Data Labs system will be installed in all competition cars throughout each event weekend. In addition to qualifying, judges will be able to reference telemetry data during tandem battles, including proximity between cars, comparative angle and speed, deceleration patterns and off-course excursions. The system is also designed to clarify fault in contact incidents.

"We're finally able to give our judges the tools they've been asking for, empowering them to make the right decisions with greater certainty and in a shorter time," said Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage. "In partnership with RDL, we're able to provide information about the incredibly complex dynamics of 1,200hp PRO drift cars at high speed that's invisible to the naked eye and has been extremely difficult to analyze and interpret despite the help of our multiple camera angles."

Formula DRIFT plans to integrate portions of the telemetry data into its livestream broadcasts beginning with the season opener in Long Beach on April 10–11.

For more information, visit formulad.com.

 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route

 

Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty today officially announced the complete route and overnight stops for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA). For the milestone edition, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will truly cross the United States, starting in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2026, and concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 9, 2026.

The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be book-ended by trips to two iconic Speedway Motorsports (SM) racetracks, Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and will see Petty lead roughly 150 motorcycles over 3,400 miles across 11 states in just nine days to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction--a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Since 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children's charities.

Spectators and race fans along the 2026 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride's nine overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia, collect autographs and make donations to Victory Junction.

The start and end points for the 30th Anniversary Ride also replicates the first route taken by Kyle Petty and friends during the initial Ride in 1995. The first Ride kicked off May 8, 1995, following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and wrapped up in Charlotte eight days later.

Applications for the 2026 Ride are closed, and all riders have been selected. The Ride accepted 26 new riders, and applications for the 30th Anniversary Ride filled up in record-setting time--less than 72 hours after applications were distributed. All told, there will be riders from 35 different states, plus two Canadian provinces, taking part in this year's Ride.

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.