By Ashley Reyes

Are you passionate about trail sustainability for the truck and off-road industry? Get ready to roll up your sleeves.
 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is seeking volunteers for a hands-on stewardship project along the first two miles of the Kane Creek Safari Route during Easter Jeep Safari 2026 in Moab, Utah. Led by SEMA and Tread Lightly!, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), TORA and Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), the project will take place Tuesday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. MDT.
 

How Your Help Protects Land Use

The working project invites TORA and industry members to take part in protecting trail access and supporting responsible recreation during one of the off-road community's most recognized annual gatherings.
 

Volunteers will work alongside BLM staff to install buck-and-rail fencing at designated locations to protect sensitive resources, clearly define the travel route, and help ensure long-term motorized access. The project reinforces a shared commitment to keeping trails open and sustainable for future generations.
 

Participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. at a staging location near Kane Creek Road and depart at 9:30 a.m. for the Safari Route trailhead. The project is expected to conclude on or before 2:00 p.m.; however, if approximately 40 volunteers are in attendance, organizers anticipate finishing closer to 12:30 p.m.

This is a working project, and volunteers should come prepared for light to moderate physical labor, including post setting, rail placement and site cleanup. Lunch will be provided by TORA.
 

To ensure that through-traffic access is not blocked, participation will be limited to 15 vehicles on the trail. Volunteers are encouraged to carpool or shuttle as needed. Parking will be available near the trailhead for those who arrive in additional vehicles and can join others traveling onto the trail.
 

The stewardship project is free to attend; however, volunteer RSVP is required.
 

RSVP today to secure your spot and support the long-term sustainability of the trails that power the off-road industry.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue advancing "Right to Race" efforts nationwide to protect race tracks and the racing community. Here's the latest:
 

Wisconsin: SEMA and PRI Provide Policy Update at POWAR Motorsports Coalition Meeting
 

Members of the Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) at their bi-annual industry meeting at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, received updates from SEMA and PRI on motorsports policy efforts to protect racing in the state and across the country. The meeting brought together race track owners and operators, sanctioning bodies, insurance providers and manufacturers from across Wisconsin to discuss issues affecting the motorsports community.
 

Wisconsin is home to one of the most vibrant grassroots racing communities in the country, with race tracks serving as economic and tourism drivers for local communities and gathering places for motorsports enthusiasts across the state.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI presented an overview of the growing national momentum behind "Right-to-Race" legislation and discussed the importance of proactive engagement with state policymakers to protect long-standing racing facilities from nuisance-based legal challenges.
 

Attendees also received updates on legislative activity in Wisconsin and on the role the motorsports community can play in educating lawmakers about the industry's economic and cultural contributions.

Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing Spring 2026 Meeting at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Michigan: SEMA and PRI Give Motorsports Policy Update at MSPA Meeting

SEMA and PRI and met with more than 85 industry leaders at a recent gathering to provide updates on legislative efforts affecting race tracks and the broader motorsports ecosystem. The meeting, hosted at SEMA member company Lane Automotive, brought together race-track operators, promoters, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to discuss challenges facing motorsports and opportunities to strengthen the industry's voice with policymakers.
 

During the presentation, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national effort to advance "Right-to-Race" protections to safeguard long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought after surrounding development occurs.
 

The discussion also focused on the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and lawmakers to ensure that motorsports facilities and stakeholders can continue operating responsibly while supporting local jobs and small businesses.
 

Michigan's deep automotive heritage and strong motorsports culture make the state an important leader in the performance racing industry, with race tracks serving as key hubs for competition, innovation and community engagement.

Michigan Speedway Promotors Association Spring 2026 Meeting at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.

Virginia: State Lawmakers Launch SEMA and PRI-supported Motorsports Caucus
 

SEMA and PRI participated in the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Motorsports Caucus on March 12 at the state Capitol in Richmond. The caucus, chaired by Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Israel O'Quinn, brought together lawmakers and leaders from across the motorsports community to discuss the issues facing racing facilities, teams and related businesses, and how policymakers can help ensure the long-term success of the industry.
 

Representatives from Richmond Raceway, Langley Speedway, Dominion Raceway and South Boston Speedway joined NASCAR and other stakeholders to share perspectives on challenges facing race tracks and the broader racing ecosystem.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national momentum behind "Right to Race" legislation and shared economic data demonstrating the industry's significance in Virginia, where motorsports generates $907.02 million in annual economic output, supports 5,555 jobs, provides $362.15 million in wages and benefits and contributes nearly $110 million in state and local taxes.
 

Get Involved
 

For more information and to get involved in race-track nuisance protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA and PRI Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@sema.org.
 

For state-specific questions, contact one of our senior managers for state government affairs:
 

• Tierra Hubbard (East Coast) at tierrah@sema.org
• Victor Muñoz (West Coast) at victorm@sema.org

Image courtesy of NASCAR | James Price

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue advancing "Right to Race" efforts nationwide to protect race tracks and the racing community. Here's the latest:
 

Wisconsin: SEMA and PRI Provide Policy Update at POWAR Motorsports Coalition Meeting
 

Members of the Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) at their bi-annual industry meeting at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, received updates from SEMA and PRI on motorsports policy efforts to protect racing in the state and across the country. The meeting brought together race track owners and operators, sanctioning bodies, insurance providers and manufacturers from across Wisconsin to discuss issues affecting the motorsports community.
 

Wisconsin is home to one of the most vibrant grassroots racing communities in the country, with race tracks serving as economic and tourism drivers for local communities and gathering places for motorsports enthusiasts across the state.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI presented an overview of the growing national momentum behind "Right-to-Race" legislation and discussed the importance of proactive engagement with state policymakers to protect long-standing racing facilities from nuisance-based legal challenges.
 

Attendees also received updates on legislative activity in Wisconsin and on the role the motorsports community can play in educating lawmakers about the industry's economic and cultural contributions.

Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing Spring 2026 Meeting at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Michigan: SEMA and PRI Give Motorsports Policy Update at MSPA Meeting

SEMA and PRI and met with more than 85 industry leaders at a recent gathering to provide updates on legislative efforts affecting race tracks and the broader motorsports ecosystem. The meeting, hosted at SEMA member company Lane Automotive, brought together race-track operators, promoters, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to discuss challenges facing motorsports and opportunities to strengthen the industry's voice with policymakers.
 

During the presentation, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national effort to advance "Right-to-Race" protections to safeguard long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought after surrounding development occurs.
 

The discussion also focused on the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and lawmakers to ensure that motorsports facilities and stakeholders can continue operating responsibly while supporting local jobs and small businesses.
 

Michigan's deep automotive heritage and strong motorsports culture make the state an important leader in the performance racing industry, with race tracks serving as key hubs for competition, innovation and community engagement.

Michigan Speedway Promotors Association Spring 2026 Meeting at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.

Virginia: State Lawmakers Launch SEMA and PRI-supported Motorsports Caucus
 

SEMA and PRI participated in the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Motorsports Caucus on March 12 at the state Capitol in Richmond. The caucus, chaired by Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Israel O'Quinn, brought together lawmakers and leaders from across the motorsports community to discuss the issues facing racing facilities, teams and related businesses, and how policymakers can help ensure the long-term success of the industry.
 

Representatives from Richmond Raceway, Langley Speedway, Dominion Raceway and South Boston Speedway joined NASCAR and other stakeholders to share perspectives on challenges facing race tracks and the broader racing ecosystem.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national momentum behind "Right to Race" legislation and shared economic data demonstrating the industry's significance in Virginia, where motorsports generates $907.02 million in annual economic output, supports 5,555 jobs, provides $362.15 million in wages and benefits and contributes nearly $110 million in state and local taxes.
 

Get Involved
 

For more information and to get involved in race-track nuisance protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA and PRI Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@sema.org.
 

For state-specific questions, contact one of our senior managers for state government affairs:
 

• Tierra Hubbard (East Coast) at tierrah@sema.org
• Victor Muñoz (West Coast) at victorm@sema.org

Image courtesy of NASCAR | James Price

By SEMA News Editors

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).

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

Long-Closed Colorado Race Track to Reopen in 2026

A long-closed race track near Pueblo, Colorado, is set to reopen later this year under new ownership, according to published reports.

Located between Colorado Springs and Pueblo, new owners Steve Lacy and Adam Hilton are reopening High Banks Speedway at Beacon Hill, which was previously known as Beacon Hill Speedway and I-25 Speedway.

Hilton will serve as general manager of the facility.

The track has been inactive for the past five years, according to reports, but is planning on reopening at the end of 2026, with a full schedule to come in 2027.

The new ownership also has plans to update the track with a new racing surface and updated facilities. Planned divisions include super stocks, late model, Legends and bandoleros, mini stocks and more.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Petersen Museum Partner

The Petersen Automotive Museum and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca have announced a new partnership that will bring together two iconic institutions to amplify their impact in the automotive and motorsports industries.

The Petersen Automotive Museum and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which has hosted racing events on its legendary Monterey road course since 1957, will work together to further their shared missions of preserving automotive history and engaging the public, while delivering meaningful experiences for enthusiasts and supporters.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will serve as an official destination and partner with the museum, hosting museum vehicles and collaborative events. It will also offer VIP access, unique experiences and exclusives for museum members. The organizations will also collaborate on co-branded merchandise.

The museum will partner with the raceway on specific events, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale, to expand the event’s reach and impact, host member events and provide cars for display. In addition, the museum will incorporate Laguna Seca into museum-organized rallies, tours and special events.

"While our exhibits and displays are among the best in the world, there is nothing like seeing cars in their element on the road and track," said Terry L. Karges, executive director for the Petersen Automotive Museum. "Working with Laguna Seca is the ideal way to bring our museum to life and engage with the automotive community in an entirely new way."

"This partnership is a wonderful way to build immersive experiences that connect automotive history with performance," said Mel Harder, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca president, and general manager. "We're excited to work with the Petersen team as we continue on our mission to restore and revitalize this historic facility."

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. Read more racing industry news on performanceracing.com/industry-news. 

By SEMA News Editors
 

The exhibitor space rental agreement for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, is open online here.

Exhibitors may still apply, but priority booth selection has concluded.

Securing your booth space is the first step toward success at the SEMA Show, which presents an unrivaled opportunity for aftermarket companies to drive sales, meet new clients and increase brand awareness.
 

While space applications are accepted at any time leading up to the event in November, submitting an ESRA and deposit early gives brands a head start on preparing for the event.
 

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show offers a myriad of benefits to your brand:
 

Increase Your Brand Awareness

Whether you are an established brand or looking to go from garage to global, exhibiting at SEMA is the best investment to advance your brand goals.

Connect With Your Customers

See existing customers and connect with them on the Show floor. Determine their business needs and use this opportunity to strengthen relationships.

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel," said exhibitor John Meyers, KICKER. "On the internet, you just don't get that experience."

Expand Your Sales Channels

The connections you make at the SEMA Show can help take your products to new markets, whether through retailers, distributors or other sales channels, expanding your brand’s reach domestically and internationally.
 

Introduce New Products

We know you want your latest and greatest products to be seen by a large audience of potential customers and the SEMA Show guarantees opportunities for that to happen.
 

The booth plotting process is a little different this year. Questions? Read this article or contact SEMA at 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362) or via email at customercare@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 opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last year, SEMA announced its acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), an organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries--including motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles. The move strengthened SEMA's commitment to protecting motorized access to public lands and supporting the businesses that serve the enthusiast community.
 

To help members understand what this acquisition means specifically for the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) community, TORA and the SEMA Government Affairs team will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT via Zoom.
 

TORA works closely with SEMA Government Affairs team to provide industry expertise and help shape policies that impact the truck and off-road industries. The session will outline how the acquisition of ORBA enhances responsible land use advocacy efforts, expands resources available to members and reinforces the association's ability to defend the industry at the federal, state and local levels.
 

Register today to ensure you're informed, engaged and prepared as SEMA and TORA continue strengthening advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry. Register here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Last year, SEMA announced its acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), an organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries--including motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles. The move strengthened SEMA's commitment to protecting motorized access to public lands and supporting the businesses that serve the enthusiast community.
 

To help members understand what this acquisition means specifically for the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) community, TORA and the SEMA Government Affairs team will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT via Zoom.
 

TORA works closely with SEMA Government Affairs team to provide industry expertise and help shape policies that impact the truck and off-road industries. The session will outline how the acquisition of ORBA enhances responsible land use advocacy efforts, expands resources available to members and reinforces the association's ability to defend the industry at the federal, state and local levels.
 

Register today to ensure you're informed, engaged and prepared as SEMA and TORA continue strengthening advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry. Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry who want to elevate their personal and professional development have limited time left to apply for the 2026 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP). Applications will close next month, so act soon.
 

Taking place May 14-15 at the SEMA Garage facility in Detroit, this isn't your average corporate seminar. It is a high-impact, two-day intensive training tailored specifically for the challenges of the automotive industry.

"The Professional Development Program allowed me to self-assess my communication, leadership and presentation skills," said PDP participant Cameron Foremaster of QA1/Speedtech Performance. "It brought up areas that I thought I excelled at, but clearly needed more attention. This training benefits anyone looking to better their interpersonal relationships."

Why the 2026 FLN PDP Program Is Different

Unlike generic training, the SEMA FLN PDP utilizes the world-renowned Dale Carnegie curriculum--including principles from the "How to Win Friends and Influence People" novel--and applies them to real-world automotive scenarios.

What You'll Gain in Just 48 Hours With the 2026 FLN PDP:

• Active listening: Move beyond hearing to truly understanding your team.
• Public speaking: Gain the confidence to pitch ideas effectively to leadership.
• Conflict resolution: Learn actionable strategies to overcome communication hurdles across departments.
• Networking: Build lasting relationships with the next generation of industry icons.

"The Professional Development Program really helped me to understand that genuine conversations and reactions start with a good attitude and purpose from within," said PDP participant Aly Oakley of BrakeQuip. "Be a good listener, watch your tone of voice and be confident."

What Your Registration Covers  

New for 2026: The FLN Professional Development Program is available to all SEMA members. At $960 for FLN members and $1,060 for SEMA members, participants receive two full days of training, a certificate of completion, three nights' hotel accommodation (May 13–15), and food and beverage during the program. 

Don't Wait: Only 25 Seats Available for 2026 Event

To ensure an intimate, high-value learning environment, the cohort is strictly limited to 25 students. Apply by Monday, April 13, to secure your spot and bring greater value to your company. Register below or visit sema.org/fln-pdp

2025 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP) graduating class.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

As advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology becomes standard on nearly every new vehicle, the lack of clear calibration data is a direct threat to your ability to modify and customize your vehicles. Add your business to our official coalition letter (click HERE or the button below) to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee to urge the swift passage of H.R. 6688.

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (H.R. 6688) is SEMA's top legislative priority to ensure "safety" is never used as a pretext to lock out independent manufacturers and shops. H.R. 6688 was recently passed in subcommittee, but we need your support as it heads to a committee-wide vote.

The Problem: Engineering in a Vacuum

Currently, there are no federal standards for calibrating sensors, cameras or other ADAS features after a vehicle has been lifted, fitted with aftermarket bumpers, or even wrapped. Without H.R. 6688, our industry is forced to navigate an OEM-driven "guessing game" that doesn't account for real-world equipment.

Help Us Move This Bill Forward

H.R. 6688 has strong bipartisan support, but its progress depends on the members of House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing directly from the businesses impacted by these technical barriers. We need a unified front to show that consumer freedom and vehicle safety are not mutually exclusive.

Sign our coalition letter today (click HERE) to urge the Energy and Commerce Committee to pass the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | metamorworks