By SEMA News Editors

2025 PRI Hoosier 500 Releases Full Event Schedule

2025 PRI Hoosier 500 officials have released the preliminary event schedule for the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500.

Race day for the fifth running of this pillar event in the open-wheel sim racing community will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, previously confirmed upon announcement of PRI joining the event as title sponsor and official broadcast partner of the race. 

Opening Day for PRI Hoosier 500 practice has been scheduled for December 1, with additional official practice days assigned to December 2, 3 and 4. Fast Friday, the final day of practice prior to qualifications, is scheduled for December 5. 

Qualifications will be held across two days. Day one qualifications on Saturday, December 6 will feature the first chance for competitors to make time trial attempts, and the driver with the fastest four-lap average at the end of the day will earn the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500 Pole Award. 

Day two qualifications are scheduled for Sunday, December 7, which will be utilized to finalize the field of 33 racers who will take the grid on race day. The fastest 33 qualifiers make the field, and all other drivers are sent home. 

Monday, December 8, will feature the final full official practice session prior to race weekend, while the 2025 PRI Hoosier 500 Media Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 9. 

Race weekend begins on Saturday, December 13, with final PRI Hoosier 500 practice and additional support events, building towards race day on Sunday, December 14. 

The full event schedule is available below and will be posted to TheHoosier500.com. Dates are tentative and subject to change. Official session times will be confirmed later this year, prior to the registration period opening. 

Sim racers interested in learning more about competing in next year’s event can subscribe to our competitor communications list by clicking here. Further information about the 2025 event schedule will be announced soon, with additional competition rules and regulations to be released closer to the race registration period opening next year. 

Irwindale Speedway, Dragstrip Close

Irwindale Speedway, a half-mile paved oval and a 1/8-mile dragstrip, in Southern California, has officially closed. Throughout its 25-year history, Irwindale hosted a variety of categories on both its oval and dragstrip, including ARCA Menards Series West, Formula DRIFT, Street Stocks and much more.

The facility is the home track for many Southern California racers and families, including SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. Both Spagnola and Liaw shared their thoughts on the closure and what it means for the industry in a recent article in Autoweek.

Read the full story from Autoweek here.

By SEMA News Editors

Hot Shot's Secret

7000 Series EP Grease

Hot Shot's Secret is now offering two new multi-purpose extreme pressure organoclay-based greases: 7460EP and 7150EP. Available in two base oil viscosities, these are specially formulated for use in automotive or heavy-duty equipment operating under extreme pressure or adverse conditions across a wide range of operating temperatures. With a 400 KG weld load and a temp operating range of 16ºF to 608ºF, Hot Shot's Secret's 7000 grease series deliver unparalleled performance in demanding conditions, including excessive pressure, high shock loading, and exposure to extreme heat, cold, or moisture.

hotshotsecret.com

Milwaukee Tool

Anti-Vibration Gloves

Milwaukee Tool has announced two new anti-vibration gloves will join its lineup of safety gear in February. Designed for mechanical and related professionals, the gloves can provide vibration protection while maintaining high dexterity and are deemed the best-in-class full-hand vibration reduction by the manufacturer. The Anti-Vibration High-Dexterity Nitrile Dipped Gloves feature 18-gauge material for total hand mobility when working with small fasteners.

milwaukeetool.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Jesse Stoddard, CEO of AutoStyle Marketing, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Stoddard his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?  

Jesse Stoddard: My late friend Casey George had a vision for growing Auto Trim Design of Seattle, and it led me into tailoring my marketing to the restyler world. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?  

JS: I wanted to learn more about what other PRO members are experiencing, and I caught the vision for how we can all benefit each other. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JS: Get started learning the thing you think is the most fun! 

SN: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend? 

JS: My funky Subaru Baja--I just need to accessorize it more, and I live a long way away from a surfing beach. 

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

JS: God first, then family, then career, then hobbies and fun.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

JS: The people! 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

JS: You can find me working on my business.  

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C., office

A late-breaking legal development has put on hold the deadline for small businesses to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. Previously, reports were required to be filed with FinCEN by January 13, 2025. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals put this filing deadline on hold with its December 27 decision.

The next step is for the court to hear arguments on March 25, 2025, when it will decide on whether to keep the injunction in place (i.e., the delay in implementing the BOI rule) while the broader case is heard by the full court. Accordingly, the delay in companies having to file BOI reports with FinCEN is expected to stay in place through the end of March 2025. The only thing that could speed up this timeline is if the federal government appeals the Fifth Circuit's injunction to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the SCOTUS intervenes in favor of reinstating implementation of the rulemaking.

While the recent delay in implementation of the BOI filing deadline is positive news for small businesses, the lack of consistency from the courts underscores the need for a longer delay in implementing the rule. Moving forward, SEMA and other associations that represent small businesses are seeking to have the Trump Administration delay implementation of the BOI rule through December 31, 2025.

Beneficial Ownership Rule Filing Requirements 

The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:  

• Serves as a senior officer. 
• Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors. 
• Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions. 

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Businesses only must file a report with FinCEN once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information about their company's beneficial ownership. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner: 

• Name. 
• Date of birth. 
• Address. 
• The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government or Native American tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted. 

Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants"). 

Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi. Also, SEMA member companies can listen to a webinar on the BOI reporting requirements. There is no charge for SEMA members, as the association is a member of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), which hosted the webinar. 

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Exemptions

Small businesses can be exempted from filing a report with FinCEN if they meet the following three criteria:

• Employ more than 20 employees
• Operate a physical office in the United States
• Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales. 

Additional information on which companies must file BOI reports with FinCEN is outlined below. If your business is required to submit a report, click here to file a BOI report with FinCEN. 

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

By the SEMA Washington D.C., office

A late-breaking legal development has put on hold the deadline for small businesses to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial ownership information (BOI). BOI reports are a requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law that is intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. Previously, reports were required to be filed with FinCEN by January 13, 2025. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals put this filing deadline on hold with its December 27 decision.

The next step is for the court to hear arguments on March 25, 2025, when it will decide on whether to keep the injunction in place (i.e., the delay in implementing the BOI rule) while the broader case is heard by the full court. Accordingly, the delay in companies having to file BOI reports with FinCEN is expected to stay in place through the end of March 2025. The only thing that could speed up this timeline is if the federal government appeals the Fifth Circuit's injunction to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the SCOTUS intervenes in favor of reinstating implementation of the rulemaking.

While the recent delay in implementation of the BOI filing deadline is positive news for small businesses, the lack of consistency from the courts underscores the need for a longer delay in implementing the rule. Moving forward, SEMA and other associations that represent small businesses are seeking to have the Trump Administration delay implementation of the BOI rule through December 31, 2025.

Beneficial Ownership Rule Filing Requirements 

The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:  

• Serves as a senior officer. 
• Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors. 
• Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions. 

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Businesses only must file a report with FinCEN once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information about their company's beneficial ownership. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner: 

• Name. 
• Date of birth. 
• Address. 
• The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government or Native American tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted. 

Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants"). 

Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi. Also, SEMA member companies can listen to a webinar on the BOI reporting requirements. There is no charge for SEMA members, as the association is a member of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), which hosted the webinar. 

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Exemptions

Small businesses can be exempted from filing a report with FinCEN if they meet the following three criteria:

• Employ more than 20 employees
• Operate a physical office in the United States
• Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales. 

Additional information on which companies must file BOI reports with FinCEN is outlined below. If your business is required to submit a report, click here to file a BOI report with FinCEN. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has opened submissions for speakers for the 2025 SEMA Show, which will take place in Las Vegas on November 4–7, 2025. Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and trends targeted at the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals convene to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2025 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends.
• Emerging and executive leadership.
• Legislative and regulatory.
• Sales and marketing.
• Small-business strategy.
• Vehicle technology.
• Industry segment-specific topics.

Speaker proposals for the 2025 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 31, 2025, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

Industry members are invited to submit nominations for the prestigious SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Robert E. Petersen Media Award, recognizing an automotive journalist who has made a positive impact on the motorsports industry. Nominations can be made at this link.

The award is presented in honor of a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year while maintaining an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports sector.

"Media professionals play a vital role in sharing the stories of this great industry, creating meaningful content that informs, inspires and showcases the passion and innovation of motorsports," said MPMC Council Director Marcy Yanus. "We encourage everyone to nominate a deserving journalist who has made a meaningful difference this year."

To qualify, nominees must be automotive or motorsports journalists with work published in print or online media and must actively support the motorsports industry with positive content.

The winner will be announced and celebrated during the MPMC Reception at the 2025 Media Trade Conference, held January 21-23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Submit your nomination today.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

SEMA

Emissions Lab Mechanic in Detroit, Michigan

SEMA Garage Detroit is seeking an emissions lab mechanic who will be responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations of the SEMA Garage Detroit Emission Lab, Product Development/Installation Center and ADAS Research facilities.

Aldan American

Order Fulfillment Technician in Signal Hill, California

The role of this position is to fulfill and assemble new orders provided by the lead and assistant fulfillment/shipping supervisors. Building finished goods, restocking shelves, taking inventory and identifying parts minimums daily is required of this role.

Overland Vehicle Systems

Sales Specialist in Santa Fe Springs, California

This full-time role is designed for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service while driving sales. The sales specialist will play a key role in ensuring that our customers receive top-notch support and guidance, from initial inquiries through to post-purchase follow-up.

By Ashley Reyes

As consumers increasingly turn to social media to engage with their favorite brands, aftermarket companies have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with content creators to boost business and marketing success. In fact, 85% of surveyed respondents from the "The State of Influencer Marketing 2024: Benchmark Report" consider influencer marketing an effective strategy—a significant increase from previous years.  

On Tuesday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a live webinar on how to effectively work with content creators. Attendees will hear from industry leaders at DriveShop, an influencer marketing agency specializing in the automotive aftermarket, as they share the fundamentals of influencer marketing and how content creators can help brands reach highly targeted audiences and drive measurable results with engaging and impactful content.  

Topics include:  

• How to integrate content creators into an existing marketing strategy 
• How to identify the right creators to work with 
• How to get the most out of influencer partnerships 
• Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when choosing a content creator  

Presented by DriveShop CEO Derek Drake and Creator Engagement Director Lisa Cabalquinto, the "Content Creator Marketing for Aftermarket Brands" session will offer real examples of influencer marketing that are taking off in the aftermarket industry, as well as a Q&A with the speakers.  

Register here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Sumitomo Rubber North America Promotes Wayne Horne to National Sales Manager

Sumitomo Rubber North America, the Rancho Cucamonga, California-based parent company of Falken Tires, has promoted Wayne Horne to national sales manager.

Horne has been with SRNA since 2016, holding nine different positions throughout his tenure, mostly recently serving as strategic account manager.

"Wayne continues to demonstrate his ability to build strong relationships with customers and provide results," said Darren Thomas, SRNA's CEO and president. "He has proven to be highly adaptable in this evolving industry and remains a key member of our Passenger and Light Truck business. I'm confident he will continue to succeed in his new role, and we are proud to witness his growth within SRNA."

For more information, visit falkentire.com.

Mastercam Announces Leadership Transition

Mastercam, the Tolland, Connecticut-based provider of CAM/CAD solutions, has announced Russ Bukowski as interim president, effective December 16.

"With more than 20 years of expertise in strategy, Bukowski is well-equipped to guide Mastercam through this transition," the company said in a statement announcing the leadership transition. "His deep understanding of creating effective strategies and delivering exceptional customer experiences will be instrumental in advancing Mastercam's goals of accelerated growth and innovation."

For more information, visit mastercam.com.