By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has designated a SEMA-sponsored bill  (SB 301) to create a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) as a "job creator." Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, the legislation will allow California to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers that want to convert their vehicles to cleaner engines.

SEMA is sponsoring the legislation, embracing the innovation of the auto industry as it works to make ZEV ownership more accessible following a similar bill introduced last year that passed in the Assembly with zero opposition.

California has multiple programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new ZEVs. However, none of these programs assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of SB 301.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

The field is set for the first-ever NHRA Pro Stock All-Star  Callout, which will take place on Saturday, May 20, as part of the NHRA's return to Chicago at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance at Route 66 Raceway.

The unique specialty race pits eight standouts against each other in a marquee attraction at the first race in Chicago since 2019, where big money and bragging rights will be on the line.

Four cars from KB Titan Racing and four cars from Elite Motorsports make up the eight-car lineup, and the addition of a distinctive callout format will add even more excitement to the inaugural event. 

Dallas Glenn is seeded first, followed by teammates Matt Hartford and Kyle Koretsky. Elite Motorsports standouts Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., Cristian Cuadra and defending world champ Erica Enders fill up the next four slots, followed by KB Titan's Camrie Caruso to round out the field.

WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to Feature Four Classes in 2024

Officials with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship have announced the Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) class will no longer compete on the schedule following the 2023 season. The division will instead compete in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge through the current 2026 homologation period. 

The announcement follows the introduction of the hybrid-powered Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class this season, which joined the GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), GT Daytona (GTD) and the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2).

Drag-N-Drive World Championship Launches To Support National Events 

Officials with Drag-N-Drive.com--the news and entertainment source for drag and drive events--have announced the Drag-N-Drive Addiction World Championship presented by Summit Racing for the 2023 racing season.

Organizers will award the best-performing race team within the drag and drive community based on their performance in national events, including February's Sick Week; Summit Racing Midwest Drags; Rocky Mountain Race Week; Hot Rod Drag Week; Race Week (aka RMRW2.0); Street Week (Sweden); Miles of Mayhem; Southeast Street-N-Yeet Spring 2023; Redwood Rally; BC DragIT Challenge; Death Week; Sick Summer and Delta Street Week. 

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Ashley Reyes

Several new videos from the SEMA Show education program have been added to semashow.com/education-videos, including a four-part series featuring Emmitt Smith. Watch the highlights of the videos below, and click through to view the entire sessions at your convenience.

Leadership Series 

Theme: High Performance – A Championship Vision 

Football legend turned NASCAR Xfinity Series Team Co-Owner Emmitt Smith shares his vision for broadening opportunities in motorsports during this inspiring SEMA Show keynote event hosted by "Overhaulin's" Chris Jacobs. 

Part 1: Leadership Series – Determined to Lead 

Part 2: Leadership Series – The Tools to Pursue Your Vision 

Part 3: Leadership Series – Taking Care of the Team 

Part 4: Leadership Series – The Humble Leader 

New videos for this month also feature unique insights into the electric-vehicle (EV) marketplace. 

The Future of ICE: Hedging Your Bet with Investment in EVs

While the internal combustion engine (ICE) isn't going away tomorrow, learning how to take advantage of new growth opportunities is critically important. Hear from a panel of aftermarket business pros as they discuss their journeys from the ICE to electric vehicles (EVs), and the bright future that lies ahead. 

Log in to watch the full seminar. 

The Electric Truck: Tap Into New Opportunities 

From the Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV to the Rivian 1T, improvements in battery technology have spawned the release of electric trucks. Discover what it means for the aftermarket and learn about opportunities for customizing electric trucks.  

Log in to watch the full seminar. 

By SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola 

[Editor's Note: This column originally appeared in the Washington Examiner.]  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal last month for strict new federal multipollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. The proposal would decisively tilt the U.S. car and truck market toward electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. The new standards would initiate for the '27 model year and gradually increase through the '32 model year. 

If the EPA drafts standards are implemented by 2032 as proposed, the agency anticipates that two-thirds of all new-car sales in the United States would be EVs. This large-scale shift would significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. Ford alone estimates a 30% labor reduction in its transition to EVs. 

Likewise, much of the automotive specialty-equipment market--the parts and modifications you make to your vehicle once it leaves the car lot--is built around the internal combustion engine. The $51 billion aftermarket industry supports more than one million jobs in U.S. automotive manufacturing. The automotive specialty-equipment market has also led the way in alternative fuel innovations such as hydrogen, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and even conversions of older internal combustion engine-based cars to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Yet none of that is considered part of the broader plan to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants from automobiles. 

Small businesses would be the most vulnerable to the disruptions caused by a seismic shift to battery-electric vehicles. According to the most recent Census Bureau tally of the almost 1,200 auto engine and transmission parts suppliers in the United States, more than 60% had 20 or fewer employees. These companies often make specialized components, operate on tight margins and rely on long-term contracts. They employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs. 

Large automakers are losing billions a year in their EV programs, despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they are receiving from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs. If they are struggling, how are small businesses expected to survive? 

Clean air and the reduction of greenhouse gases are goals everyone can acknowledge. That said, when governments arbitrarily pick technology winners and losers, the marketplace is deprived of choices and the public suffers. Instead of forcing this transition, the EPA should put in place incentives to support a diversified zero-emissions approach that takes advantage of breakthrough technologies across the spectrum. 

Hydrogen, for example, is already being used as a power source in buildings, cars, trucks, forklifts, ships and trains. Hydrogen-powered cars have greater range and faster refueling times compared to EVs and reduce the need for limited-supply materials used in EV battery packs. And clean hydrogen generation is already feasible: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory website identifies five different methods to produce hydrogen economically from sustainable resources. 

Other renewable fuels--including synthetic eFuels that allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner--should also be part of the equation. Where are the government-backed financial incentives for these alternate technologies? 

The market is rightly skeptical of new EV technology, and right now, it simply does not have the infrastructure ready to support EVs. Yet by using multipollutant emissions regulations to force-feed EVs to the market, the government is effectively putting all its eggs into one technology basket. 

The Biden administration should realize that the market's hesitation to adopt EV technology in the first place proves that putting the government's thumb on the scale is not an effective means of persuasion. But instead of adjusting course to let the market forge the transition, the administration is effectively doubling down on a flailing policy. 

Meanwhile, a dozen states have recently introduced or passed legislation or resolutions affirming support for the internal combustion engine and for the government to remain technology-neutral in the debate to reduce automotive emissions. In Virginia, for example, it was only the state's slim Democratic Senate majority that stymied Governor Glenn Youngkin's campaign platform issue to repeal Virginia's internal combustion engine ban. 

The EPA's emissions proposal is misguided and counterproductive. Instead of trying to force a clean energy transition, the Biden administration should support the work of innovators and protect the small-business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve. 

For more information, visit sema.org/EPA-Proposed-Greenhouse-Gas-Rules. 

By SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola 

[Editor's Note: This column originally appeared in the Washington Examiner.]  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal last month for strict new federal multipollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. The proposal would decisively tilt the U.S. car and truck market toward electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. The new standards would initiate for the '27 model year and gradually increase through the '32 model year. 

If the EPA drafts standards are implemented by 2032 as proposed, the agency anticipates that two-thirds of all new-car sales in the United States would be EVs. This large-scale shift would significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. Ford alone estimates a 30% labor reduction in its transition to EVs. 

Likewise, much of the automotive specialty-equipment market--the parts and modifications you make to your vehicle once it leaves the car lot--is built around the internal combustion engine. The $51 billion aftermarket industry supports more than one million jobs in U.S. automotive manufacturing. The automotive specialty-equipment market has also led the way in alternative fuel innovations such as hydrogen, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and even conversions of older internal combustion engine-based cars to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Yet none of that is considered part of the broader plan to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants from automobiles. 

Small businesses would be the most vulnerable to the disruptions caused by a seismic shift to battery-electric vehicles. According to the most recent Census Bureau tally of the almost 1,200 auto engine and transmission parts suppliers in the United States, more than 60% had 20 or fewer employees. These companies often make specialized components, operate on tight margins and rely on long-term contracts. They employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs. 

Large automakers are losing billions a year in their EV programs, despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they are receiving from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs. If they are struggling, how are small businesses expected to survive? 

Clean air and the reduction of greenhouse gases are goals everyone can acknowledge. That said, when governments arbitrarily pick technology winners and losers, the marketplace is deprived of choices and the public suffers. Instead of forcing this transition, the EPA should put in place incentives to support a diversified zero-emissions approach that takes advantage of breakthrough technologies across the spectrum. 

Hydrogen, for example, is already being used as a power source in buildings, cars, trucks, forklifts, ships and trains. Hydrogen-powered cars have greater range and faster refueling times compared to EVs and reduce the need for limited-supply materials used in EV battery packs. And clean hydrogen generation is already feasible: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory website identifies five different methods to produce hydrogen economically from sustainable resources. 

Other renewable fuels--including synthetic eFuels that allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner--should also be part of the equation. Where are the government-backed financial incentives for these alternate technologies? 

The market is rightly skeptical of new EV technology, and right now, it simply does not have the infrastructure ready to support EVs. Yet by using multipollutant emissions regulations to force-feed EVs to the market, the government is effectively putting all its eggs into one technology basket. 

The Biden administration should realize that the market's hesitation to adopt EV technology in the first place proves that putting the government's thumb on the scale is not an effective means of persuasion. But instead of adjusting course to let the market forge the transition, the administration is effectively doubling down on a flailing policy. 

Meanwhile, a dozen states have recently introduced or passed legislation or resolutions affirming support for the internal combustion engine and for the government to remain technology-neutral in the debate to reduce automotive emissions. In Virginia, for example, it was only the state's slim Democratic Senate majority that stymied Governor Glenn Youngkin's campaign platform issue to repeal Virginia's internal combustion engine ban. 

The EPA's emissions proposal is misguided and counterproductive. Instead of trying to force a clean energy transition, the Biden administration should support the work of innovators and protect the small-business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve. 

For more information, visit sema.org/EPA-Proposed-Greenhouse-Gas-Rules. 

Social media is an excellent tool for reaching targeted audiences and promoting your aftermarket brand. By utilizing a social-media calendar and understanding the different channels, you can build stronger connections between customers and companies.  

Hear from Dan Kahn, founder of Kahn Media, and Barry Alt, founder of Motorhead Digital, as they share expert tips for effectively coordinating your social media content.  

Watch the entire webinar "Introduction to the Three Cs of Social Media: Content, Calendar and Channels, presented by ARMO" here. [Logging into your SEMA.org account is required.] 

You'll learn best practices for planning out your social-media content, where to find ideas when you get stuck and how aftermarket brands can create content that builds engagement rather than just pushes out information. 

Sources have caught the upcoming 2024 F-150 refresh testing in Tremor guise.

The vast amounts of camo on the front and rear ends suggest coming revisions to the styling, while a camo on the rear of the vehicle indicates that a new tailgate might be in the works.

Inside, the refreshed F-150 should see a few updates, though the cabin is still regarded as being highly competitive in its segment. However, we might see a larger screen and related revisions to the center stack configuration.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors  

The road to the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is officially on. Show organizers are hard at work building the floorplan community by community, booth by booth--and you can see it all come together at semashow.com/floorplan.  

More than 2,000 exhibitors are involved in the process, with SEMA Show representatives calling each company--one by one--to select the most suitable booth space to achieve their business goals. As a result, several exhibitors are opting for expanded booth displays for their new product launches and brand stories and organizers are seeing the international community ready to participate at pre-pandemic levels.  

Buyers can expect all the hallmarks that make the SEMA Show the year's definitive trade-only event bringing together automotive industry professionals, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs worldwide. Attendees will experience multiple business community areas, including Racing and Performance, Hot Rod Alley, Restoration Marketplace, Collision Repair & Refinish, Tools & Equipment, Global Tire Expo, Wheels & Accessories, Restyling Repair & Refinish, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, Mobile Electronics & Technology and Business Services—plus special outdoor exhibits filled with rig displays, demos and activations.  

Unique features include the ultimate automotive showdown of custom vehicles, the Battle of the Builders, which returns to the North Hall. New for 2023 includes a fresh location for the New Products Showcase, which is the No. 1 place for buyers to see new automotive innovations, technology and products. The popular Show feature will now be in the North Hall. [Note for exhibitors: the first product in the New Products Showcase is free. For more information, visit semashow.com/new-products-rules.] 

In addition, buyers and media will be able to explore the future of propulsion, mobility and electric vehicles (EV) in an expanded EV and Alternative community in Central Hall. Plus, the fan-favorite art walk and community areas across the Las Vegas Convention Center will be extended. 

The floorplan will continue to be built over the coming weeks with more new features, attractions and exciting new areas to be introduced. 

The future will be on display when the who's who of the automotive aftermarket gathers in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3, for the 2023 SEMA Show.  

Booth spaces are limited and selling fast, but there is still time to get involved. To reserve a booth at the 2023 SEMA Show, visit here. 

To register to attend the SEMA 2023 Show, visit here. 

Exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the Show block.

Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

SEMA Showgoers can save an average of $100 per night at several Las Vegas hotels, including The Palazzo, by booking in the SEMA Show block.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show block come with a low-price guarantee. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit SEMAShow.com.

SEMA has negotiated exclusive, discounted nightly rates at the best hotels in Las Vegas. However, you can only get the discounted rates when you book through the SEMA Show's official hotel provider. Save an average of $100 a night at the following SEMA Show hotels:

• Bellagio
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Harrah's Hotel and Casino
• The LINQ Hotel & Casino
• MGM Grand
• New York New York
• The Palazzo
• Park MGM
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• SpringHill Suites Convention Center
• Tropicana LV - A Doubletree by Hilton
• Trump Hotel Las Vegas
• Vdara Hotel and Spa
• The Venetian Resort Casino
• Waldorf Astoria
• The Westin Las Vegas

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2023 SEMA Show, visit SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Hot Shot's Secret Expands NTPA Sponsorship for 2023

Hot Shot's Secret has announced an expansion of its National Tractor Pullers Association Championship Pulling Series sponsorship for 2023. The new accord establishes a six-event bonus series and point fund titled the Hot Shot's Secret Challenge. This points challenge will provide a payout in excess of $30,000 to the top three-point earners per division. The challenge is open to Grand National competitors in all 13 premier-level divisions.

All divisions that appear at each qualified event are participating in the program. This challenge establishes a four-hook series for Light Modifieds, a six-hook series for two divisions (Light Super Stock and Super Semi), an eight-hook series for seven divisions (Super Stock Open, Super Farm, Pro Stock, Four Wheel Drive, Super Stock Diesel 4x4, Modified, and Unlimited), a 10-hook series for two divisions (Super Stock Diesel, Two Wheel Drive) and a 12-hook series for Modified Minis.

To be eligible for a payout, a vehicle must be registered for the 2023 Grand National series and also prominently display Hot Shot's Secret point fund decals on both sides of the participating vehicle.

Locations for the 2023 Hot Shot's Secret Challenge include the Farley Nationals in Farley, Iowa (June 9-10); the Budweiser Dairyland Super Nationals in Tomah, Wisconsin (June 22-24); the Lions Super Pull of the South in Chapel Hill, Tennessee (July 21-22); the Fort Recovery Grand Nationals in Fort Recovery, Ohio (July 28-29); the North Iowa Nationals in Rockwell, Iowa (August 3-5); and concluding at the National Tractor Pulling Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio (August 17-19).

Additionally for 2023, Hot Shot's Secret will be the prime sponsor of five "Hot Shot's Secret Spotlight" segments to appear during NTPA's weekly "Championship Pulling" television show on RFD-TV. The company will maintain its visibility in trackside signage, public address announcements, and in graphics that will appear on NTPA's official mobile videoboard.

Prock, Hight, Kramer and Herrera Pick Up Wins at Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

John Force Racing swept the nitro classes last Sunday at zMAX Dragway, as Austin Prock and Robert Hight rolled to wins in Top Fuel and Funny Car, respectively, at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Deric Kramer (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

In the Top Fuel final quad, Prock went 3.684 seconds at 330.88 mph in his 11,000hp Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, beating a group that also included points leader Steve Torrence, Josh Hart and Leah Pruett. He finished first in all three quads, posting a 3.686 in the opening quad and then making the quickest run of eliminations in the final round. Pruett finished as the runner-up with her run of 3.708 at 329.99, with Hart taking third. Torrence maintains his points lead in the class.

In Funny Car, Hight powered to a 3.888 at 328.30 in his 11,000hp Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS to beat John Force, defending world champ Ron Capps and Alexis DeJoria. The multi-time champ and his team rolled to the win in every quad as he collected his 63rd career Wally. DeJoria finished as the runner-up as she continued her solid season, while Capps was third. Despite a first-round exit, Hagan maintained the points lead in Funny Car over DeJoria.

Kramer drove to his first win in nearly four years by going 6.555 at 208.88 in his Get BioFuel Chevrolet Camaro in the championship round. Kramer ousted the likes of points leader Dallas Glenn, who was after his third straight win, No. 1 qualifier Matt Hartford and Fernando Cuadra Jr. to earn his fifth career victory.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Herrera stayed perfect, breaking the track E.T. record with a run of 6.710 at 202.00 in the final round on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki. After qualifying No. 1 for the second straight race, Herrera made the quickest run in two of the three rounds on Sunday, defeating teammate Eddie Krawiec, defending world champ Matt Smith and defending event winner Steve Johnson. Herrera finished first in both quads heading into the final and then ran away from his competition in the final round, posting a .013 reaction time and making the quickest PSM run at zMAX Dragway.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 19-21 with the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.

Candidates Named for 2024-2025 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship

Officials with IMSA have announced the finalists for the 2024-2025 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship. The recipient, to be named later this year, will receive benefits worth more than $250,000 to assist them in competing in one of three IMSA-sanctioned series during the 2024 season.

Over the next few months, the 10 selected candidates will participate in a series of learning modules to bolster their off-track skills and assist them in approaching teams and submitting their final business plans. The 2024-2025 scholarship recipient will be announced in the fall.

The list of candidates for the third annual IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship consists of eight men and two women, and four of the candidates were finalists in past years. The candidates are Antonio Abrom (21; Winston, Georgia); Andrea Castro (24; New York, New York); Sabre Cook* (28; Carmel, Indiana); Ken Fukuda (35; Beacon, New York); Heather Hadley (21; Sherrills Ford, North Carolina); Bryson Lew* (20; Salt Lake City, Utah); Kyle Loh* (24; San Jose, California); Baley Monette (27; Alpharetta, Georgia); Brad Perez* (26; Kannapolis, North Carolina); and Westin Workman (18; Charlotte, North Carolina). [An asterisk (*) indicates a finalist in a previous year.]

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.