By Ashley Reyes

 

SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Blue Collar Muscle Rods & Custom as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Blue Collar Muscle Rod & Custom owner Eric Leroy below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start? 

Eric Leroy: I started working on a business plan in 2018, funding was obtained in November 2019 (finally) and construction started in January of 2020. Through several covid shutdown delays, the construction was completed 99% in December 2020 and we opened for business in January 2021. It's amazing that five years have passed so quickly and our workload has been very consistent.

SN: What are your thoughts on the popularity of the hot rod industry around the world?

EL: It's surprising to see the love of American cars all over the world. It's even more surprising to see people out of the USA plan their vacations (even retirements) around coming to the United States to participate in the HOT ROD Power Tour or HOT ROD Drag Week or attend a motorsports event like the Indy 500, US Nationals or Daytona 500. The machine shop I use has an overseas connection to build American V8 engines, the liaison drops off a bunch of engines, they are rebuilt, and then a carrier shows up and takes them all to export them. It's interesting to see such a strong desire for American vehicles.

SN: What is something that most people don't know about Blue Collar Muscle Rods and Custom you think is interesting?

EL: The variety of work that we do. Not everything we work on is a ground-up build. We work on just about anything 25 years old and older where we have the expertise to provide the vehicle what it needs in a reasonable amount of time. We have worked on Model As, Packards, Avanti's, '30s commercial dump trucks, pro-street and road-course cars. Our location is out of town in a farming area; we have corn, soybean and hay fields in every direction.

SN: Tell us about your business now in 2026 and what you're focused on?

EL: We had a busy winter and now we have nine hot rods that need road testing before going home to their owners in time for cruising season. Those nine vehicles include the following: 

• '65 Ford Mustang Convertible
• '72 Oldsmobile Cutlass
• '69 Chevrolet Camaro
• '67 Chevrolet Impala
• '69 Chevrolet El Camino
• '73 Pontiac GTO
• '62 Chevrolet Corvette
• '70 Oldsmobile F85
• '63 Ford Thunderbird

An interesting note about the '65 Mustang and the '72 Cutlass: both cars were purchased new by the parents of the current owners, and both cars were full ground-up builds. A new group of vehicles will come in such as a '69 Chevrolet Suburban, '69 Ford Mustang, '67 Ford Mustang, '69 Chevrolet Corvette, '66 Ford Thunderbird and a '84 Chevrolet S-10 truck. Other cars currently moving through the shop include a '70 Dodge Challenger, '33 Ford 4 Door Sedan, '70 Chevrolet K10 truck, all three ground-up, a '65 Ford Galaxie convertible––a frame-on build, and an automatic transmission to a five-speed standard transmission in a '54 Chevrolet 3100 truck so the owner can tow it behind his motorhome.

SN: Tell us about a project you are proud of.

EL: We have taken on more complex and large projects. Our number of ground-up builds is increasing rather than just offering an overall paint job. Our quality and attention to detail have increased significantly. We fabricate more things when there is no good aftermarket solution and we are refining how we build our vehicles to match how the customer intends to use the vehicle. For example, an owner who wants to one-up his golfing buddies is a different build than a grandpa who wants to attend the Wednesday night cruise-in and take along his grandkids. Some customers have an unlimited budget; they know what they want and can fund it to the end.

Other customers have financial limitations, and we collaborate with them to stretch their budget so that at the end, they have a running and drivable car. They may have to forgo the $8,000 set of wheels, but in the end, we will find a wheel that is a good compromise that leaves money for the air conditioning installation. It will do no good if the paint is perfect, but the interior is so ratty, it keeps the car in the garage or the engine won't run reliably enough to get you home.

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

EL: Two things: honesty and communication. Honesty––When a car comes in that has been parked for 57 years and you know it will cost $35,000 to service everything it needs, that's the number you tell your customer, not $20,000 because you don't want to chase them away. As the owner of the shop, you are also the salesman for the shop; explain to the customer why the expense will be $35,000.

Communication––Every invoice that I send to a customer is coupled with a brief update of the progress that has been made and photos, regardless of if you text or email the photos; customers love seeing progress and knowing what their money is paying for. A scope of work contract should detail the work that will be done and in language that the customer understands. The word "restoration" needs to be discussed and detailed on the scope of work because an overall paint job and interior refresh is not the same as a rotisserie build––both customers will use the word "restoration."

Additionally, when the vehicle arrives in the shop, discuss the scope of work with all of your technicians, allow them to clarify things and put the printed scope of work in a clear vinyl envelope and put the envelope in the vehicle so the technicians can refer to it at any time. Sometimes shop owners forget important build information that should be communicated to the technicians working on the vehicle.

Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA's social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Nolan Jamora, chief operating officer at Isky Racing Cams, as its newest allyship honoree.

Learn how Jamora supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. 

SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?

Nolan Jamora: Being raised around powerful women, my mom Bettie was very involved in California State politics, and my Aunt Joan McCraw was vice president at USA Today, publishing director at National Geographic and finally publisher of Los Angeles Magazine. Working with both, I was naturally exposed to talented and diverse leadership teams composed mainly of women. I was also exposed to the difficulties these high-value women faced in male dominated fields and the above and beyond work they had to do to just be treated as equals. The experiences I had led me to always support women's empowerment to the fullest and to have an ally mindset when looking to fill positions or support women. 

SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?  

NJ: We can start with someone who has risen through the ranks of our industry and is now the SEMA Vice President of Technology, Data & Strategic Initiatives Gigi Ho. I first met Gigi in 2002 when she was starting a company called Digital Performance. Isky was looking to build a website and get set up in ecommerce and we met with her and her partner Tom. I immediately understood she was highly capable and would be the main person setting up eCataloging, eCommerce and eMarketing at Digital Performance. Being one of the icon companies in the industry, they felt that if they could work with Isky as one of its first customers it would show they were a capable company because Isky has always been very cautious on who they work with. I made the decision to go with them, and it went very well for both of us. Gigi and Tom were able to work with many companies, and Gigi started to grow a reputation as the data goddess. To this day we are very good friends, and it's great to see her success.

The other examples would be Alex Taylor and more recently Megan Taylor. Alex Taylor is well known in the industry, but four to five years ago she was still growing. I was introduced to her and saw how she worked with her family, was a real racer and could actually work on her equipment. Being a family-owned company, I was looking for an influencer/brand ambassador at the time that would reflect Isky's hard working values and needed someone with substance instead of flash. In meeting with Alex, I told her I was looking for someone we could grow with who would also grow with us, and she liked the idea of having input and a say in the direction we would go. I asked her to be a brand strategist and not just an influencer, and she agreed. Her background and the knowledge that she had just graduated from college made it an easy decision. Her influence in the industry has grown as well as her portfolio of sponsors, and I am so excited to see her successes. With her younger sister Megan Taylor, I was able to observe how integral she was to Alex's success and the work she put into all of Alex's social media. Alex and I agreed to share her talents once she finished college with her marketing and graphics design degree. She started doing our social media as well and now is our social media and marketing manager. She's in charge of all social media, sponsorships, shows, events and catalogs. From being behind the camera all those years for Alex, she has become the Isky representative on tracks around the country and a growing brand ambassador. I think many in the industry have observed the path we took with Alex and now Megan and have tried to emulate it. I could not be prouder of them, and I am thankful we have such a great partnership.

SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important? 

NJ: I think being an ally is very important if we want our industry to grow. There are so many talented women who can contribute so much that it would be a huge mistake not taking advantage of it. Even as a member of the Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC), I have pushed the ally agenda and am very much in favor of getting more women on all of our councils.                                  

SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?

NJ: It's very rewarding to help high achievers succeed to their fullest. Of course, in a selfish way it's great for our business but it also brings me great satisfaction that I am helping to carry on the mission my mom and aunt started and to support that vision. 

SN: How long have you been in the industry?

NJ: Thirty-five years.

SN: What advice do you have for those that want to become an ally?

NJ: Do your homework. I look for someone with a clear body of work. They don't have to have been in the industry long, but they must show they are very capable by bringing some examples of the skills they have to the table. Make the best choice with an open mind and ask some important questions about what ideas and direction they see the partnership going in the future. Look at it as a partnership that both need to invest in for the long haul. Once the decision has been made, you must maintain great communication and create an environment where ideas and honesty are welcome. 

SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?

NJ: By example. It's great to talk about being an ally and then employ someone capable but if you do not entrust them to do a job and give them the freedom and power to get things done then you are holding them back. Actively support women's empowerment by example; action speaks louder than words and token gestures.  

 

Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.

By Ashley Reyes

 

What happens when motorsports parts manufacturers and media come together in one dedicated venue to form new partnerships?

The answer is the MPMC Media Trade Conference, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary as the aftermarket industry's premier business-to-media networking event, February 2-4, 2027 at the Embassy Suites in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by the Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC), the event connects industry professionals who build leading brands with the journalists, editors, photographers, podcasters and content creators who cover the motorsports aftermarket.

 

What Exhibitors Get

• Up to 42 prescheduled face-to-face meetings with leading media who can help promote products to highly engaged audiences.
• A private hotel suite, included with registration, to showcase products and marketing materials.
• A curated meeting schedule developed by the SEMA team to ensure brands are matched with relevant media.
• Access to networking breaks and special after-hours events designed for furthering conversations in a relaxed setting.

 

What Attendees are Saying

Johnny McDevitt of BluePrint Engines said, "When we're not building the world's best performance engines, we're attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference and getting to know all the media that's involved. Anybody who's anybody shows up at the Media Trade Conference – the best manufacturers in the world related to performance automotive and the best media in the world related to performance automotive. If you're not at MTC, you're missing out." 

 

Save $100 by Registering Early

Manufacturer registration is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members.

Exhibitors can save on registration by signing up before the Tuesday, September 1, early-bird pricing deadline. Media registration will open in October. To learn more and to register, visit mediatradeconference.com.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion focused on the state of motorsports media on Wednesday, September 30, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Taking place via Zoom, the meeting will kick off with updates on current council initiatives, member events at the PRI Show, and what to expect from the 2027 Media Trade Conference. Attendees will then hear from a panel of experts representing traditional media, content creation and event promotion in motorsports on how motorsports manufacturers can effectively reach the right audiences.

Panelists include Matt Boice, group vice president of sales at FMA Group, Morgan Evans, co-founder at Torque n' Tungsten, Mike Galimi, content director at HOT ROD Network, and Johnny Mill, president--FRDM+ at Cleetus McFarland. Moderator Brain Lohnes, announcer at NHRA, will guide the discussion and facilitate the question-and-answer period. 

Attendees will learn:

• How motorsports audiences discover, consume and engage with content.
• Where media professionals find story ideas and source information.
• Emerging marketing opportunities for increasing brand awareness.
• Effective ways to promote products in a changing media landscape.

For motorsports parts manufacturers and industry professionals looking to position their brand for greater media coverage, this webinar is an opportunity to gain insights and best practices from media experts at the crossroads.

Bonus incentive: The first 20 members to register and attend the full webinar will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

 

Cosmo Tires has expanded its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, market through a branding partnership with Kinney’s Automotive that transforms the Hurst, Texas, location into a 20,000-sq.-ft. Cosmo Tires destination store.

The newly branded facility features updated merchandising and retail elements designed to create a distinct Cosmo Tires experience, the company said. The partnership is part of the company’s Retail Partnership Program, which currently includes more than 20 locations across the United States as well as select international locations.

The companies marked the transformation with a Cosmo Tires Ambush Nites event featuring show cars, music, live graffiti painting, promotions, giveaways and product displays. Cosmo Tires and Kinney’s Automotive plan to host additional Ambush events at the Hurst location, which will also become the site of an annual Cosmo Tires Kool Kat Ambush event. The property’s outdoor space can accommodate more than 500 show cars along with live entertainment, food, vendors and product displays.

"Kinney's Automotive represents exactly the kind of dealer partner we want to grow with," said Mark Lindsey, chief strategy officer of Cosmo Tires. "This isn't simply about putting our name on a building. Together, we're creating a destination where we can sell tires, build the Cosmo Tires brand, engage consumers and bring the automotive community together. Ambush Nites was the first of many collaborations planned, bringing the community together with strong support from local business owners. These partnerships help us elevate the experience we provide and deepen our connection to the community."

For more information, visit cosmotires.com.

By Ashley Reyes

 

Exhibiting companies and industry professionals attending the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas, are invited to connect with students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry with a table at the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event will be held on Thursday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. PST in West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The networking breakfast is a staple of the SEMA Show Student Program, connecting automotive aftermarket leaders with the industry's future workforce. By hosting a table, industry members will be able to share their company's mission and help guide and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and is a chance to create quality connections with students eager to jumpstart their automotive careers.

• The 2025 SEMA Show featured record participation from 67 exhibiting companies and SEMA wants to beat that record in 2026 but needs your help. Register now and be part of a memorable SEMA Show experience for students!    
   

Recruitment Made Easy

Participation is free, and the event simply requires one-and-a-half hours from a company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required. Register your company here. 

Questions can be directed to Joe Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at josee@sema.org.

 

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, visit the Registration Resource Center, or visit the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan. 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) has appointed Matt Futrelle as associate vice president, TBR.

In this role, Futrelle will be responsible for leading the TBR business, overseeing strategic initiatives, driving business growth and supporting DTNA's commitment to delivering products and service to customers across North America.

Matt brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, with a proven track record of leadership, operational excellence and business development, the company said. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to build high-performing teams, strengthen customer relationships and execute strategies that deliver sustainable results.

"Matt's leadership experience, industry expertise, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team," said Darren Thomas, CEO-President, DTNA. "We are confident that his vision and customer-focused approach will help accelerate our growth in the TBR business and strengthen our position in the marketplace."

"I couldn't be more excited to join the Dunlop Tires North America team. We see significant opportunities to increase our participation in the North American Commercial Truck Tire market, bringing even more value to our commercial tire dealer and fleet partners," stated Futrelle. "I am also happy to be a part of expanding the iconic Dunlop brand across North America. The brand holds a special place for me because I have such great memories growing up racing on Dunlop motocross tires."

For more information, visit dunloptires.com.

By SEMA News Editors

 

The countdown is on. With less than 75 days until the 2026 SEMA Show, now is the time to register and start planning a trip to Las Vegas, November 3-6.

As Tammy Harbin of The Jeep Outpost in Leesburg, Florida, put it, "SEMA is always the cutting-edge show. We're [at the SEMA Show] to find something new that's on the market, maybe something that other people in our area don't have."

Registration is currently $75, but the price will increase to $100 on September 27. Register today to secure a badge and experience the automotive aftermarket's biggest week in person.

The SEMA Show will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.

From industry-leading competitions and educational programming to art exhibits, livestream coverage and emerging vehicle technologies, the following activations are among the highlights planned for this year's SEMA Show. Register here.

The SEMA Show will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.

From industry-leading competitions and educational programming to art exhibits, livestream coverage and emerging vehicle technologies, the following activations are among the highlights planned for this year's SEMA Show. 

2026 SEMA Show Features and Activations

New for 2026: Powersports/Side-by-Side (SxS)/Lifestyle Section

 

The Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section will be anchored in the West Hall, with access to adjacent parking lots for dynamic outdoor activations and vehicle demonstrations.

The Show floor will undergo an evolution to group trucks, off-road and powersports together, reflecting the "total package" approach enthusiasts take toward their adventure builds. The section will highlight a diverse range of categories, including:

• Motorcycles and dirt bikes
• Side-by-sides
• Related adventure lifestyle gear and accessories

New and returning manufacturers are already showing excitement for the expanded section.
"We're proud to represent KYT Helmets at SEMA 2026," said TJ Jira, CEO of KYT Americas. "We believe it's an opportunity to elevate powersports and bring more visibility to our brand in the market."

Get all the details.

 

Show-Stopping Builds

 

From the Toyo Tires Treadpass to hundreds of booth and feature vehicles across the campus, the creativity and craftsmanship set for display this year will inspire and impress any automotive aftermarket enthusiast.

 

SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care

 

Now in its 13th year, the famed SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket's premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show.

New for 2026: The SEMA Battle of the Builders will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion with the new SEMA BOTB: Bike Builder Shootout category.

For 2026, the competition will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns.

Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall BOTB champion.

Get the complete details.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA Education

 

SEMA Education offers Showgoers a dynamic experience that complements the high-energy learning environment found throughout the Show floor. Attendees can develop new skills, connect with industry leaders and gain practical business insights through sessions covering emerging trends, technical advancements, workforce development and business growth strategies.

Add Education sessions to your badge during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Collision Repair Stage

 

The SEMA Collision Repair Stage will serve as a hub for industry engagement, bringing together collision-repair professionals for education, discussion and networking throughout the SEMA Show.

Through dedicated programming from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), attendees can participate in collision-repair-focused educational sessions and special industry events designed to address the latest trends, technologies and business challenges facing the collision-repair market. The stage offers valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain practical insights and connect with peers across the collision-repair community.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA FutureTech Studio

 

The SEMA FutureTech Studio is a real-world reflection of today's advancements and opportunities available to aftermarket businesses.

Located in booth #24401, this featured exhibit brings together experts and cutting-edge technologies from across the mobility landscape, with innovations in alternative fuels, electric vehicle (EV) and powertrain development, advanced manufacturing and advanced vehicle safety systems.

View on the floorplan.

 

New Products Showcase

 

The New Products Showcase is the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and remains one of the top destinations for buyers and media at the SEMA Show.

Featuring thousands of newly introduced products from across the industry, the Showcase offers attendees a firsthand look at the innovations shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, returning to the Lower South Hall near the main registration.

View on the floorplan.

 

PRO Cup Challenge

 

Organized by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the PRO Cup Challenge celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and innovation within the restyling industry while demonstrating the value of dealer-ready accessory packages.

Finalists are challenged to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience while meeting real-world dealership requirements. Entries are evaluated on marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability, while attendees also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite build through the People's Choice Award.

Get the complete details.

View on the floorplan.

 

Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA

 

Sponsored by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Global Tire Expo serves as a comprehensive showcase for the tire industry, featuring the latest products, technologies and services from leading manufacturers and suppliers. The exhibit attracts tire dealers, retailers, distributors and automotive professionals from around the world while providing valuable opportunities for networking and business development.

 

SEMA Industry Honors

 

One night. One stage. Celebrating the people and stories driving our industry forward––only at the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors in Las Vegas.

On Thursday, November 5, the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors takes over the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, companies and innovators driving the specialty-equipment industry forward. From SEMA Content Creator of the Year to SEMA Person of the Year and other prestigious honors, this is the industry's premier night of recognition.

Get the complete details.

Purchase tickets during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast

 

A longstanding SEMA Show tradition, the Kickoff Breakfast brings together the aftermarket community before the Show officially opens. The event celebrates the innovators and entrepreneurs driving the industry forward and includes the presentation of the New Product Showcase Awards, Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year honors.

Set for Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. local time, tickets are available for purchase during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Live

 

The SEMA Show opens its doors to a worldwide audience, for the third year in a row, via a livestream available on YouTube and Facebook. Throughout Show week, SEMA Live is set to feature 31 hours of up-close SEMA Show coverage across four days.

Attendees can see how it all comes together in person at the SEMA Live Studio in its Central Hall location, booth #20341.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA Gear

 

Visit any of the SEMA Gear locations throughout the Show floor to purchase the official branded apparel and merchandise for the SEMA Show. Hurry, as these limited edition and collector items can sell out quickly. Search "SEMA Gear" at SEMAShow.com/floorplan and on the SEMA Show app to see all locations available, or click below.

View on the floorplan.

 

Featured SEMA Show Artist Larry Chen

 

Photographer Larry Chen, pictured above, has spent two decades documenting the people, vehicles and moments that define automotive culture. As the Featured SEMA Show Artist, Chen's photography will be incorporated throughout the Show's visual identity, appearing in signage, marketing materials and special installations. Chen is the first photographer selected as Featured SEMA Show Artist and the fifth creative to receive the honor since the program's inception.
 

 

Art Walk

 

Get immersed in automotive lifestyle and culture at the SEMA Show Art Walk, where some of the industry's premier artists will showcase their latest creations and celebrate the creativity that drives car culture.

Keep an eye on SEMA News for additional updates, announcements and programs set for the 2026 SEMA Show. Register 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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

 

 By SEMA News Editors

 

With the lineup set and tickets on sale, there's now another reason to start planning for SEMA Fest: Payment plans are available, allowing fans to spread out the cost of attending the Friday, November 6, celebration of car culture and music at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Headlined by multi-platinum punk-rock icons The Offspring, the 2026 lineup also features Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive alongside heart-pounding motorsports and automotive activations.

Get your tickets before they sell out at semafest.com.

 

From the Show Floor to SEMA Fest

 

The "SEMA Show Friday x SEMA Fest" ticket bundle lets your non-industry friends and family experience a full day of the SEMA Show on Friday, November 6, with "SEMA Show Friday–Public Day" passes.

With the bundle, enthusiasts can explore thousands of custom vehicles, new products and automotive technology from more than 2,000 brands at the SEMA Show. Then, they will head outside for the SEMA Cruise, OPTIMA drifting, the Globe of Death and rare exotics and hypercars from Supercar Saturdays Florida while the music cranks up with live performances from The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive at SEMA Fest.

"SEMA Show x SEMA Fest" ticket bundles may be purchased at semafest.com, with payment plans available. SEMA Show attendees and members can purchase SEMA Fest tickets through the Registration Resource Center.

One ticket. One full day. From the Show floor to the SEMA Fest stage. Get your tickets before they sell out: semafest.com.

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com.

---

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com or visit the Registration Resource Center.   

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Aftermarket engineers have limited time to register for the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) webinar, "Alternative Fuels," taking place on Tuesday, September 15, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.

Tailored to engineers interested in the technical considerations of designing a spark-ignition engine to run on alternative fuels, including alcohol-based fuels, CNG and propane, this session offers an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and learn how to stay competitive in an evolving market.

During the session, attendees will hear from Greg Banish, president and owner at Calibrated Success, and Peter Treydte, powertrain and compliance specialist at Automotive Consulting Services, as they give an in-depth overview of tuning and design considerations to allow a spark-ignition engine to run on fuels other than gasoline. The session will include discussions about optimal air-fuel ratios, ignition timing, compression ratios and will touch on the pros and cons of various fuel options.

You'll learn:

• What alternative fuels are viable in a spark-ignited engine.
• Hardware considerations and tuning methods for alternative fuels.
• Compliance pathways for aftermarket conversion kits.

As consumer interest grows in alternatives to gasoline for performance, cost of operation and, in some cases, improved emissions, this session will provide valuable insights for companies developing products to meet evolving market demand.

Register now.

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | alvarog1970