By SEMA News Editors

Doug Boles Named President of INDYCAR, IMS

Penske Entertainment, the Indianapolis-based parent company of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), has named Doug Boles as president of both INDYCAR and IMS, succeeding Jay Frye.

Boles has served as president of the speedway since 2013, overseeing the sellout of the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016, the first full-capacity crowd in the event's history. He has also managed more than $150 million in strategic investments at IMS. Including his previous positions as a founding partner and COO of former NTT INDYCAR SERIES team Panther Racing, and as former INDYCAR and IMS owner Hulman & Company's vice president of communications, Boles brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in motorsports to the position.

Boles will report to Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles and will manage strategic vision and priorities across both INDYCAR and IMS.

Frye is departing INDYCAR after 10 years in the role, during which he oversaw two entitlement sponsorships, the development of the AK18 aero kit, the implementation of the aeroscreen and the introduction of hybrid technology to the series.

The sanctioning body has also announced several other organizational changes in addition to Boles' appointment as president.

Mark Sibla has been named senior vice president of INDYCAR competition and operations. He has been a senior member of INDYCAR’s management team for more than a decade and will lead general operations and special initiatives such as development of the new car.

Kyle Novak begins an enhanced role as vice president of officiating and race control and will lead both the race control and race tech teams at INDYCAR. He has served as INDYCAR's race director since 2018.

In addition, Alex Damron has been named chief marketing officer, charged with fully implementing a maximized and unified promotional plan for the sport. In this role, he will lead the marketing and communications teams at INDYCAR. He will also continue as vice president of corporate communications for Penske Entertainment, responsible for overseeing IMS PR efforts and Penske Entertainment’s photo and editorial operations.

Lastly, Louis Kissinger has been named general manager, IMS operations, leading teams responsible for suite/hospitality sales, track operations and event operations.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Image courtesy of Penske Entertainment -- Joe Skibinski

Corvette ZR1 Sets Five U.S. Lap Records

Chevrolet has announced the Corvette ZR1 has secured five new production car lap records during a U.S. track tour with four different General Motors drivers behind the wheel.

Below are the five tracks and the Corvette ZR1's lap times:

• Watkins Glen Int'l (Schuyler County, New York) Long Course: 1:52.7. Driver: Bill Wise, lead performance engineer, Chassis Controls.
• Road America (Sheboygan County, Wisconsin): 2:08.6. Driver: Brian Wallace, lead vehicle dynamics engineer.
• Road Atlanta (Braselton, Georgia): 1:22.8. Driver: Chris Barber, lead development engineer.
• VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) (Alton, Virginia) Full Course: 1:47.7. Driver: Aaron Link, global vehicle performance manager.
• VIR Grand Course: 2:32.3. Driver: Link.

The drivers set out with a pre-production Corvette ZR1 equipped with the optional ZTK Performance Package, which is designed to add an aggressive, high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip – all constructed from woven carbon fiber. Underneath, underbody strakes replace the standard front underwing stall Gurney to increase front downforce substantially, according to Chevrolet. The suspension tuning included in the ZTK package also incorporates stiffer springs and adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R ZP tires.

Corvette ZR1 with the ZTK Package boasts a top speed of 233 mph on the race track, 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds*, and a quarter-mile time of 9.6 seconds. With these figures, no current production car under $1 million rivals Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet stated.

“Corvette ZR1 continues to showcase how this nameplate elevates at every corner,” Corvette executive chief engineer Tony Roma said. “From design, engineering, development, validation, to driving and setting incredible lap records like these – we do it all in house.”

For more information, read the Chevrolet press release here.

Image courtesy of Chevrolet

By SEMA News Editors

The '25 Nissan Armada at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

The 117th edition of the Chicago Auto Show opened last week and continues through Monday, February 17, at McCormick Place complex in Chicago. The event, which features special events throughout its 10 days, is attended by manufacturers of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars (click here for a complete list of vehicles on display at the 2025 event).

Special days included the First Responders/Military Appreciation Day (February 11) and the Automotive Career Day (February 12). In addition, SEMA, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Chicago Auto Show collaborated with DPS Custom Garage to bring several vehicles to the event, like the stellar blue Hummer SUV seen below.

Take in some of the sights of the long-running automotive event below and get excited for the 2025 SEMA Show returning to Las Vegas, November 4-7, featuring an estimated 1,400 vehicles on display across 1.2 million NSF of exhibit space in and outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Exhibitor booth space for the 2025 SEMA Show is available online here, and attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2025 SEMA Show will open on Monday, April 28, 2025. Hotel reservations in the official SEMA Show hotel block are also open here. More details can be found at semashow.com.
 

SEMA, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and Chicago Auto Show collaborated to bring several DSP Custom Garage vehicles, like this Hummer SUV, to the event.

All EV Chrysler Halcyon Concept at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

A custom wrapped Mustang RT at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

The all-new '25 Toyota 4Runner at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

Toyota Gazoo Racing showcased the GR86 at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

Subaru Motorsports USA was represented at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

Ford showcased its latest Mustang at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

This Cybertruck Basecamp showcases the camping capabilities of the vehicle at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

The Dur Interceptor is described as the world's first fully custom vehicle, seen here at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

Chevy had fun with this Lego display at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Signups are open for aftermarket companies and industry professionals to host a table at the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair to be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The career fair will take place on March 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. PST.  

The Career Fair is part of ETTN's and SAE's shared goal of connecting future engineers and automotive students with the industry's current workforce. During the event, participating companies will share advice and career opportunities with students looking to jumpstart their careers in the specialty-equipment industry, as well as provide feedback for those actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions.

Hosting a table is free for SEMA members, and $500 for non-SEMA members. With so much industry talent gathered in one place, the career fair is a great way for aftermarket businesses to meet potential candidates, increase brand awareness and connect with the greater aftermarket community. The SEMA Garage team will also provide a tour of its facility showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist SEMA members with product development. Lunch will be provided.

Register today at this link.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump has announced new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, two important raw materials used in the manufacturing of motor vehicles, parts and accessories.

The 25% tariffs impact all steel and aluminum imported into the United States and are on top of existing metals duties. The White House’s order terminates the product exclusion process (effective Feb. 10) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and all general approved exclusions as of March 12. President Trump also plans to implement the tariffs on downstream products, including derivative steel and aluminum articles, effective March 12.

Trump also announced plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax United States imports. China recently announced retaliatory tariffs in response to the 10% tariff the United States placed on the country's exports to the United States. China intends to implement tariffs on $14 billion worth of American exports.  

SEMA, in its recent "SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report" market research study, noted that tariffs have the potential to increase costs for OEMs, part manufacturers and consumers. The report notes that: 

• Most of the tariff exposure is likely to small- and mid-sized parts manufacturers, particularly those who rely on international supply chains for some of their components and materials.  
• Tariffs disproportionately impact businesses that pay upfront for goods and services, with small- and medium-sized companies potentially experiencing cash-flow issues, delayed payments, and reduced capacity and inventory.
• Competition to secure supplies of domestic steel, and thus lower costs, may be intense. 

It should be noted that President Trump prefers to employ tariffs as chips at the bargaining table. During Trump's first term, he imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, only to later grant duty-free exceptions to several trading partners, including Canada and Mexico. Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea were excluded from the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs. 

SEMA recently released an article for aftermarket businesses related to this topic, "Resource for Aftermarket Businesses: Know Your Tariff Codes." Read that here.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump has announced new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, two important raw materials used in the manufacturing of motor vehicles, parts and accessories.

The 25% tariffs impact all steel and aluminum imported into the United States and are on top of existing metals duties. The White House’s order terminates the product exclusion process (effective Feb. 10) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and all general approved exclusions as of March 12. President Trump also plans to implement the tariffs on downstream products, including derivative steel and aluminum articles, effective March 12.

Trump also announced plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax United States imports. China recently announced retaliatory tariffs in response to the 10% tariff the United States placed on the country's exports to the United States. China intends to implement tariffs on $14 billion worth of American exports.  

SEMA, in its recent "SEMA 2025 Future Trends Report" market research study, noted that tariffs have the potential to increase costs for OEMs, part manufacturers and consumers. The report notes that: 

• Most of the tariff exposure is likely to small- and mid-sized parts manufacturers, particularly those who rely on international supply chains for some of their components and materials.  
• Tariffs disproportionately impact businesses that pay upfront for goods and services, with small- and medium-sized companies potentially experiencing cash-flow issues, delayed payments, and reduced capacity and inventory.
• Competition to secure supplies of domestic steel, and thus lower costs, may be intense. 

It should be noted that President Trump prefers to employ tariffs as chips at the bargaining table. During Trump's first term, he imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, only to later grant duty-free exceptions to several trading partners, including Canada and Mexico. Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea were excluded from the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs. 

SEMA recently released an article for aftermarket businesses related to this topic, "Resource for Aftermarket Businesses: Know Your Tariff Codes." Read that here.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
 

'26 Cupra Raval Spotted in the Snow

Cupra, the sub-brand and motorsport division of Spanish automaker SEAT, was recently caught testing the upcoming Raval under very light camouflage in Scandinavia.

Scheduled to debut later this year and built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.2 electric hatchback, the Raval is expected to offer upwards of 200 hp from its front-mounted electric drive-unit.

To differentiate itself from Volkswagen and SEAT, the Cupra features sportier exterior styling, apparent with the prototype's camouflage. The pre-production model features a rear bumper valance that resembles a diffuser and a sizeable lower grille, vents for cooling front brakes and triangular headlights up front.

According to sources, the '26 Cupra Raval is understood to flaunt 38- and 56-kWh battery packs and 125 kW for peak charging capacity, as well as an estimated driving range of about 270 miles.
 

Porsche Macan Rival: Alpine A390

The Alpine A390 was presented as a concept car at last year's Paris Motor Show and is positioned as a direct competitor to the Porsche Macan.

Inside, the A390 will have select colors with blue stitching and a central multimedia screen that will be used to configure multiple aspects of the car, sources said, as well as sporty but comfortable seats with more radical designs from Sabelt available as an option.

Thanks to its aerodynamic design, it will have a clamshell front hood and an LED rear brake light that will run from side to side. Alloy wheels will be offered in 19- and 20-in. sizes.

According to insiders, Alpine will offer the A390 in a 600hp, all-wheel-drive version powered by three electric motors, as well as a more discreet version with 400 hp. The expected maximum range will be slightly more than 370 miles, sources said.

More Powerful Ferrari 296 VS Expected in Late April

New images have emerged of the Ferrari 296 Versione Speziale (VS), Ferrari's usual code for a more potent version of a model after a few years of production.

Rumors suggest the Ferrari 296 VS will make its debut at the end of April, and will continue to be available in its coupe, spider and Piloti versions. Although yet unconfirmed, insiders said the final power output is likely to be around 70 hp higher than that of the normal 296, meaning total output should be around 900 hp.

The current model features a 3.0L V6 twin-turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 818 hp.

Porsche Prepares Cayenne Coupe EV for Debut

With few details already available, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV is trading octane and engine sounds for wattage and zero emissions. However, what's not going to change with the new generation Cayenne is the split of the range into the standard SUV and the Cayenne Coupe.

While the first has been photographed in various locations throughout the last months, these are the first shots of the Coupe, which will hit dealers a couple of months after the SUV's debut.

While the two cars are virtually identical from front bumper to B-pillar, the Coupe features a sloping roofline with lower rear side doors and a small rear side window. The entire back will be different, too, and give the Cayenne a much sportier appearance.

By SEMA News Editors

Vision Wheel Announces Corporate Leadership Change

Vision Wheel, the Alabama-based wheel manufacturer, has announced that John Matthew has transitioned into the company's CEO role after several years serving as COO. Additionally, former CEO Roger Minor will continue with the company as chairman of the board.

Matthew has served as COO of Vision Wheel since 2016 and oversees a team of more than 100 employees. He is also COO of Vision Composite Products, a start-up company specializing in research and development technology, and Vision Global Technologies, a thermal management firm supporting the powersports industry.

For more information, visit visionwheel.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Bruder

EXP-10 Expedition Trailer

Bruder has introduced the EXP-10, its most advanced and powerful expedition trailer yet, setting a new benchmark for luxury and capability in off-road adventure, the company stated.

At the heart of the EXP-10 is its cutting-edge 48V electrical architecture, powered by more than 2000W of solar and a lithium battery system with up to 30kWh designed for unparalleled efficiency and self-sufficiency, enabling explorers to power their journeys indefinitely, even in the most remote locations.

Dual air conditioning systems, a heated drying room and a climate-sealed, double-door entry point ensure comfort in any environment. The EXP-10 is designed for all seasons, with unmatched convenience and reliability in the harshest climates, according to Bruder.

The EXP-10 offers two customizable layouts to suit both families and couples.

bruderx.com

Wilwood Racing

Dual Mount Super Alloy Scalloped Race Rotors

Wilwood Racing has introduced an updated version of their most popular race rotor, providing a choice to utilize Wilwood's Lug-Drive dynamic floating technology or mount a conventional 8 x 7.00-in. bolt pattern. The manufacturer conducted a solid year of testing in both configurations on sprint cars, NE dirt and pavement and Dirt Late Model cars, the company stated. Weighing in at only five pounds, this scalloped rotor design will reduce rotating and unsprung weight without reducing brake torque. Wilwood uses a proprietary Super Alloy, widely known for its friction qualities and resistance to distortion. Scalloped and slotted SA rotors measure 11.75-in. in diameter and 0.81-in. wide with 32 internal cooling vanes. 

wilwood.com

Toyo Tires

Open Country R/T Pro

Toyo Tires has announced the new Open Country R/T Pro, an on-/off-road rugged terrain hybrid M/T tire. Designed to tackle dirt, sand, mud, rocks and snow with confidence, the R/T Pro takes the original rugged terrain tire to the next level. Its advanced tread design and specially engineered compound deliver exceptional traction and performance on even the most challenging terrain. Featuring professional-grade durability with a three-ply sidewall and massive shoulder lugs, it offers protection against cuts, chips, and impacts, ensuring longer-lasting off-road fun, all while providing a comfortable ride home.

With exceptional off-road capabilities and a comfortable on-road experience, the Open Country R/T Pro bridges the gap between the R/T Trail--a rugged terrain A/T tire--and the legendary Open Country M/T--a maximum traction tire. The R/T Pro provides off-road enthusiasts with a versatile option to fine-tune and meet the demands of how they intend to use their vehicles.

Toyo's newest professional-grade hybrid tire will succeed the Open Country R/T, first introduced by Toyo Tires in 2014.

toyotires.com/product/open-country-rt-pro/

FiTech

OneGauge Customizable LCD Displays

FiTech has released new customizable LCD touchscreens, available in 7-in. or 10-in. sizes, pre-programmed for plug-and-play compatibility with FiTech EFI systems. These displays are designed to deliver instant, highly accurate readings and provide an adaptable interface that can accommodate most sensors, offering flexibility for performance enthusiasts and custom car builders alike.

The fully customizable touchscreen panels feature multiple pages that can be effortlessly scrolled through, enabling users to view a wide variety of data at their fingertips.

fitechefi.com

Timbren

Active Off-Road Bumpstop Kit for '17-'25 Chevy Colorado ZR2

Timbren Industries has announce the release of its new Active Off-Road Bumpstop Kit for the Chevy Colorado ZR2. Designed to enhance off-road performance, this kit provides superior damping to protect suspension components from harsh impacts, reducing driver fatigue and improving control. Unlike hydraulic bumpstops, Timbren's Aeon spring technology requires no maintenance and allows for easy DIY installation. 
timbren.com

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Katherine Abraham, senior marketing manager-B2B at Ironman 4x4, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know Abraham in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?  

Katherine Abraham: I've just started with Ironman 4x4 in September and it's thrilling to be working with a close-knit team who shares the same passion for automotive and 4x4. The culture, company morals, passion and desire to impact the industry match so well with my own aspirations, it's truly a dream role for me. 

SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?  

KA: Balance. Finding balance in all things is challenging. Specifically, within marketing, the biggest challenge is finding balance between creativity, return on investment, scalability, and not letting perfection get in the way of greatness.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

KA: I've been heavily involved in the automotive industry since 2018, starting off by volunteering on the board of directors for my local off-road park, Kansas Rocks Recreation Park. My first career industry job started with Dometic Corp in January 2023.

Since 2016, I've grown so much. Here is a link to my portfolio that has the outline of all the things I'm doing. I don't like to be bored.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?  

KA: Passion, grit and integrity. There are so many that come to mind, but those three have truly helped launch me forward faster than I could've dreamed. These three qualities impact every area of my life, not just my career.

I mention passion first because if you love what you're working towards, especially when it comes to your career, it makes so many things easier and it also allows you to shine authentically.

Grit, tenacity, refusing to give up or give in, and pushing past the hardest moments in life, these qualities will prove to yourself and others that you are a force to be reckoned with. I don't succeed at the same level every day, and no one should expect you to, especially yourself, but giving your all through the highest highs and lowest lows will fuel your spirit.

Integrity for me means so many things. Honesty, kindness, emotional intelligence, listening more than I talk and be in tune with my beliefs. Surround yourself with people who share your values and accept you for you, and being a person of integrity becomes second nature.

A fourth quality I mentioned is kindness. Take a breath and remember to be kind, to yourself, to others and especially to the person who seems to be having the hardest time. They probably need more kindness than most.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?  

KA: My biggest challenges as a woman have been self-criticism, expecting perfection and negative self-talk. Women are extremely hard on themselves; it's in our nature but embracing it and learning to leverage it in a positive way is what makes women excellent leaders, coaches and role models for others.

A situation that comes to mind is finishing my first Rebelle Rally in 2022. It was our rookie year, and I dragged my dear friend Lisa into it. We couldn't afford to do much training, and it was one of the most difficult things I've put myself through in my life. Competitively, emotionally, publicly--in so many ways. I cried in the shower after finally getting to a hotel after the Gala, and it took me weeks to come out of the fog. But man, once I did, it opened my eyes to how hard I was being on myself about Rebelle and in general. It gave me a swift kick in the a** that set me on my current path to dedicate my life to happiness and the things and people that bring me joy.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?  

KA: I don't know that I can say one person in particular because there are so many for so many different reasons. I'll sum it up with: my role models and mentors in the industry are now my family. There are so many people who influence me on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis along the way. From rallying to marketing, leaders to peers, I learn constantly every single day and it's made it possible for me to carve my own path and chase every dream that I dedicate myself to.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?  

KA: Seek happiness. This has helped me navigate my goals, aspirations, dreams, fears, challenges, doubts, mental health, trauma, loss--so many things. Focusing on what makes you happy each and every day will always guide you well.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?  

KA: I have not! I grew up very passionate about cars with my dad, but my lifelong dream was to train, show and breed horses. Life changed, industries changed, I changed, and in 2016 I found my passion for automotive reignited thanks to my partner, James, and couldn't have imagined it would become my life's work. I stay here because of the people, the passion, the hard work and, of course, the fun!

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?  

KA: The women and crew of the Rebelle Rally. Believing in me, pushing me, supporting me and showing me that there is space for me wherever I want to go if I'm willing to go for it. I love you all so much, and you've changed my life in ways I will never be able to properly thank you for.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named North Speed as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Ron Hinshaw, North Speed's president, below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of North Speed. How did the company start?   

Ron Hinshaw: Our shop was founded in 1983, initially focused on vintage street rods and customs. Many of our current team members were working in shops building classics and musclecars. Over the years, we have blended the team's experience to accommodate the current variety of customer build requests. We continue to hone our skills to create some of the best vehicles in the country for our customers.

Our shop has grown to more than 10,500 sq. ft. to accommodate the number of projects we see each year. We employ state-of-the-art tools, materials and craftsmanship in all of our projects. As I insist, there are no compromises.

Over the years, our efforts have been rewarding for our clients. We were fortunate to have our first car at the SEMA Show in 2019. We went again with another in 2023 with a '73 Firebird. As to our longevity and commitment, for more than 40 years, we remain actively involved in our community, both in the hot-rod automotive circles and our local community here in Minnesota.

SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about?   

RH: Most recently we've been showing a super clean lifted one-ton square body, which we had at Triple Crown, SEMA Show and Dino's Git Down. We plan to show it a few more times before the owner takes possession. We focus a lot on musclecars but always jump at the chance for 4x4, as I have a lot of background in off-road. We have many exciting projects in the works and are most excited about finally getting to our own Twin Turbo Foxbody project.

SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket?   

RH: Never coast! Always be looking to improve your craft, equipment and technology.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.