From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major victory for consumer rights and automotive freedom, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has announced the state will not implement a controversial electric-vehicle (EV) mandate established by his predecessor. Delaware is one of 11 states that previously adopted California's Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II rule, which would have forced nearly half of all new vehicles sold in Delaware to be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2027, rising to over 80% by 2032. 

Governor Meyer's decision marks a critical win for technology neutrality and market-driven innovation. Delawareans deserve the freedom to choose vehicles that meet their needs, not face government-imposed restrictions on internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The move ensures continued access to a full range of vehicle options, including gasoline, diesel, biofuel, hydrogen, hybrid and electric. 

This rollback also safeguards the specialty automotive aftermarket, which depends on a diverse vehicle landscape to design, build and sell performance and emissions-related products. Delaware now joins a growing coalition of states, including Maine, Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut, opposing top-down EV mandates in favor of policies prioritizing consumer choice and industry ingenuity. 

SEMA will continue urging the federal government to step in and protect vehicle choice nationwide by preventing restrictive EV mandates in all 50 states. We urge drivers, enthusiasts and industry leaders to contact their United States Senators to support policies that foster innovation and safeguard automotive freedom by revoking California's waiver for its EV mandate. 

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager of state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Mercedes Lilienthal

Celebrating 19 years of incredible off-road racing, King of the Hammers (KOH) roared back to Johnson Valley, California, earlier this year. Often referred to as "the world's hardest single-day off-road race," KOH continues to grow and morph as it entertains thousands of race fans.

A yearly tradition, KOH has become an off-roading paradise for racers and enthusiasts alike. Taking place on Means Dry Lake, the southernmost entrance to the Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle (OHV) area, the KOH venue features big boulders, dry lake beds, rolling hills, steep mountains, silt-ridden areas and everything in between. Elevations range from 4,600 ft. at Hartwell Hills to 2,300 ft. at Melville Dry Lake. Meanwhile, what usually is a dusty, open lakebed transforms into "Hammertown," a place where more than 100,000 racers, spectators, support staff and vendors congregate during the multi-week event.

Today's off-roading extravaganza is a far cry from its humble beginnings. When first conceived, KOH was a simple idea sketched on a napkin by founders Dave Cole and Jeff Knoll. It started with just 13 drivers—known as the "OG 13." The core group started competing against each other to see who could conquer the area's toughest trails—referred to as the Hammers—the fastest.

According to Rory Connell, the sales and marketing manager for Hammerking Productions Inc. and KOH, the competition has grown exponentially ever since. It now has more than 700 drivers competing across multiple classes beyond the legendary 4400 Unlimited "Race of Kings." Stock vehicle classes are attracting major OEM manufacturers like Ford, while Every Man Challenge has made competitive racing more accessible to grassroots groups. Women and men alike vie for class wins or overall titles. In short, KOH has evolved into one of the world's premier off-road racing events—but how exactly did it gain this stature so rapidly?

CHALLENGE, CAMARADERIE AND EVOLUTION

Perhaps the answer can be found in KOH's mix of challenge, camaraderie and evolution—all qualities from the event's outset that continue today. "New UTV classes have not only boosted driver participation," Connell points out, "but strengthened the vendor show and expanded the event's consumer base." For him, it's exciting to see powersports manufacturers, like Can-Am, building vehicles and formulating factory-supported race teams specifically for KOH classes. Connell started as a vendor in 2014, became a volunteer as well as a vendor in 2018, and started his current role in 2023.

Connell spent his career in the automotive aftermarket. "The majority of this time has been in the off-road market, but I did come from the custom-car/hot-rod side of the industry originally."

Johnson Valley has been Connell's consummate local off-roading spot. "All these things combined brought me to KOH along with many others on our team."

Since its inception, King of the Hammers has been owned and operated by Dave Cole. He founded Hammerking Productions Inc. and has always been its principal shareholder. Hammerking Productions is made up of multiple shareholders. Together, Hammerking Productions owns KOH, Ultra4 and all related intellectual property.

"What initially drew me to KOH was that's the world's hardest one-day off-road race," Amber Slawson said, a welder, talented off-road racer and rock crawler. "The challenge itself is what drew me. It's truly the pinnacle of our sport. I've always looked for the 'toughest' things to accomplish."

Slawson's career began when she bought her '88 Suzuki Samurai and wanted to modify it. She took a welding class at her local community college.

"I saw Jessi Combs in an American Welding Society video," Slawson said, "and decided to make welding my career." Combs, of course, was a renowned TV personality on shows like "Xtreme 4×4", "Mythbusters" and "Overhaulin'," and a talented welder, fabricator and racer. She earned the name "Queen of the Hammers," by winning KOH classes in 2014, 2016 and 2018 before she tragically perished while shattering her own land-speed record of 483 mph, beating Kitty O'Neill's 1976 record of 512.7 mph at Oregon's Alvord Desert.

After sweeping floors and working in industrial welding shops, Slawson realized she needed to get back into the off-road industry. Slawson started at Bomber Fabrication, a small, high-end fabrication shop specializing in building, maintaining and repairing off-road race vehicles, in May of 2021.

"I've been attending KOH since 2014. I immediately knew this was the world I had to be a part of," Slawson stated. "My family and I started out volunteering and have continued to do so." For Slawson and her family, being behind the scenes is more exciting. "In 2019, Jessi Combs passed away trying to set a world land-speed record. That event is what spurred me to take on racing KOH."

Slawson started racing her Samurai in 2020 as part of KOH's 4600 Stock Class for Every Man Challenge. After five years of drastically improving her time, she was just outside of finishing within her official time allotment.

In 2024, Slawson raced Randy Slawson's 4800 Legends Class Bomber chassis car in the 4400 unlimited Race of Kings. (He is her boss and now her husband.) After back-to-back race days competing with that car and her Samurai, she nabbed her first official finish in the 4400 Class in 21st place.

This year, Slawson again raced the same Bomber rig in the 4800 Legends Class. She was the first female in history to physically finish first place overall in the Every Man Challenge. However, after penalties, she earned an official second-place overall finish.

"I'm a firm believer Jessi paved the way for my success," Slawson stated. "I've never felt inferior to any of the other male racers. Combs spent years proving the throttle pedal doesn't care who's pushing it, and her 2014 win in the 4700 Spec Class really cemented that."

"I'm just a girl trying to make it in a guy's world," Slawson adds, mentioning how Combs always said, "Be the light you want to see in the world." That stuck with Slawson more than anything.

And in that, Slawson sees the KOH community as open and accepting...

To read the complete article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to SEMA Magazine on Zinio here.

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Inside King of the Hammers" and more automotive culture-related coverage in the May/June 2025 issue here.

Photography by Ernesto Araiza, courtesy Hemmer King Productions

By SEMA News Editors

In case you missed it, SEMA has announced that the one-of-a-kind motorsports and music festival celebrating car culture, SEMA Fest, returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, following the conclusion of the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4 – 7.  Before the SEMA Fest music and motorsports lineup is announced, a limited number of tickets are currently available at the lowest price, but they are selling fast. Prices will only go up in the coming weeks, so buy your tickets now at semafest.com.

Held in the Bronze Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, SEMA Fest will once again blend high-octane automotive culture with top-tier live music, creating a can't-miss experience for car and music lovers alike.

All About the 'SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public' Ticket

As part of open registration for the SEMA Show (available online here), SEMA has unveiled a special opportunity: a limited number of tickets are now available, allowing the public to attend the SEMA Show on Friday, November 7, only with the purchase of the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" pass. This exclusive, one-day ticket grants enthusiasts a rare chance to walk the halls of the SEMA Show, discover the newest automotive innovations and engage with industry pros at what's considered the ultimate automotive event of the year.

The new ticket option delivers the bucket list experience enthusiasts have long been asking for—all capped off with the SEMA Fest concert later that evening.

What to Expect: SEMA Show Friday + SEMA Fest

With the "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public" ticket, attendees can:

• Explore the massive SEMA Show floor packed with cutting-edge products and thousands of custom builds.
• Experience motorsports activations and immersive car culture moments.
• Then, after the SEMA Show closes, rock out to live performances at the official SEMA Fest concert in the Bronze Lot on the SEMA Show campus.

SEMA Fest is also offering a limited number of Friday concert tickets at the lowest price available before the artist lineup is announced. In addition, package tickets are available on semafest.com for those wishing to attend both the SEMA Show and the SEMA Fest concert on Friday, November 7.

Qualifying industry insiders can make their SEMA Fest General Admission or VIP concert ticket purchase during SEMA Show badge registration at semashow.com. The general public can purchase SEMA Show Friday and SEMA Fest concert tickets at semafest.com.

Don't Miss Out

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable day—explore the SEMA Show like never before and end the night with a high-energy music festival experience.

Stay in the loop with all things SEMA Fest—sign up for updates at semafest.com.

Questions? Contact info@semafest.com. Sponsorship and partnership questions? Reach out to partnership@semafest.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Mark your calendars because the SEMA California Rally is back! On June 11, 2025, SEMA-member companies across the Golden State are invited to join us in Sacramento for a day of advocacy and innovation.

This isn't just another event--it's your chance to make a real difference for the automotive aftermarket industry. From supporting cutting-edge vehicle technologies to advocating for crucial manufacturing incentives, the SEMA California Rally is where our voices turn into action.

This year's Rally is open to all SEMA-member companies based in California, and registration is officially live. Click here to secure your spot and find all the details you need, including lodging information.

By attending the SEMA California Rally, you're not just joining an event--you're becoming a part of a movement dedicated to the growth and innovation of our industry.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Join us in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 11, and let's drive change together.

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Manager of State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Mark your calendars because the SEMA California Rally is back! On June 11, 2025, SEMA-member companies across the Golden State are invited to join us in Sacramento for a day of advocacy and innovation.

This isn't just another event--it's your chance to make a real difference for the automotive aftermarket industry. From supporting cutting-edge vehicle technologies to advocating for crucial manufacturing incentives, the SEMA California Rally is where our voices turn into action.

This year's Rally is open to all SEMA-member companies based in California, and registration is officially live. Click here to secure your spot and find all the details you need, including lodging information.

By attending the SEMA California Rally, you're not just joining an event--you're becoming a part of a movement dedicated to the growth and innovation of our industry.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Join us in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 11, and let's drive change together.

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Manager of State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170.

RSVP for the upcoming session on the Autel website here (simply navigate to the "Detroit" tab under the first event), and keep an eye out for additional sessions later this calendar year.

For more information, contact academy@autel.com or visit the Autel website here.

By PPLUS Global Logistics

Trade shows require a serious investment of time and money—make the most of both with Performance Plus Global Logistics (PPLUS). Our PPLUS trade show team specializes in domestic and international shows, managing delivery timelines, approved carriers and return shipping to help you avoid costly show handling fees. Whether you're a hobbyist or a major manufacturer, PPLUS has a solution. From expedited freight and international shipping to dedicated performance logistics teams, we're here to support your success—on and off the track. Find out about the PPLUSAdvantage. Contact PPLUS at 866-966-7587 or info@pplusglobal.com.

🔧 1. Confirm Show-Specific Requirements

Every show has strict guidelines—target move-in dates, approved carriers and specific labels. Confirm these early to avoid penalties or delays.
 

📦 2. Use Durable, Custom Packaging

Trade show freight takes a beating. Invest in custom crates for heavy items (like engines or transmissions) and reinforce pallets with plywood tops. Label everything clearly and waterproof labels if possible. These small steps lead to big savings—and fewer headaches.

⏰ 3. Allow Extra Transit Time

Delays happen—traffic, weather or carrier backups. Build in a buffer of 1–2 days so your freight hits the show floor on time, even if something goes wrong.
 

🚚 4. Choose a Carrier with Trade Show Experience

Not all carriers are equipped for shows. Use a provider familiar with marshaling yards, advance warehouses and show-site procedures. Our team can help!

📍5. Ship to the Advance Warehouse When Possible

Shipping to the show's advance warehouse (vs. direct to site) gives your freight more time to be checked in, staged, and ready for your team when you arrive.

🔄 6. Plan Your Return Freight Upfront

Return shipping is often overlooked. Pre-arrange it with your carrier to avoid paying premium on-site return fees or storage costs.

📞 7. Partner With a 24/7 Logistics Team

Trade shows don't run on a 9–5 schedule—neither should your logistics partner. Choose a team that offers round-the-clock support and real-time shipment tracking. 

Why PPLUS?

Our team isn't just in logistics—we live and breathe the performance industry. Family owned and operated, we have racers on staff and decades of shipping expertise, and we understand the urgency of getting parts, engines and transmissions delivered on time. Contact us at 866-966-7587 or info@pplusglobal.com.

PPLUS offers:

• 24/7 support for pickups and trackside delivery.
• Customized carrier and service selection.
• Proactive solutions for weather or carrier delays.

Always pack properly and build in extra time—PPLUS will handle the rest so your parts arrive ready to perform.

Find out about the PPLUSAdvantage. Contact PPLUS at 866-966-7587 or info@pplusglobal.com.

By SEMA News Editors

VP Racing Announces Rebel Oil Company as Master Distributor

VP Racing has announced a new distribution partnership with Rebel Oil Company (ROC), resulting in a significant expansion of VP Racing fuel distribution throughout Nevada and California.

ROC is a leading fuel, renewable biofuel, race fuel, lubricant and oil distributor in the Western United States. Founded in 1954, ROC brings decades of experience operating fuel stations and servicing wholesale customers. With a presence in the Nevada market, ROC continues to serve Race Fuel customers through their bulk distribution, bulk plant/will call and cardlock operations.

This strategic partnership enhances the market presence of both the VP Racing and ROC brands, expanding access to premium fuels and additives for drivers, dealers and retailers across the region, the company said in a release announcing the new partnership.

For more information, visit vpracingfuels.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Shawn Vaughn, purchasing, administrative, at Level 7 Motorsports, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Vaughn 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? 

Shawn Vaughn: I have been working at Level 7 Motorsports for 10 years. I love being able to work with my husband, being a part of the industry and the flexibility to have our kids grow up in our shop and take interest in what we do. 

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

SV: The most challenging part has been learning the industry and work-/home-life balance. 

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

SV: Three qualities that have helped me would be perseverance, hard work and learning to listen to everyone. 

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

SV: I would say the biggest challenge was getting to a point where people would take me seriously. 

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

SV: One of the biggest mentors is my husband, Jesse Vaughn [owner of Level 7 Motorsports]. 

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

SV: I learned early on after college that there is more than one way to do something most of the time. Listen and take in what people are saying even if you do not initially agree. 

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

SV: I graduated college with a degree in blacksmithing and photography. I was always interested in metal finishing and working with my hands. When I met my husband, he had just opened his shop. So, I got to use my background in photography and metalsmithing to help our family business. I love what we do and what we get to experience in life. 

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 Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Johnathan Darroch, marketing director of Apollo Sprayers International, Inc., as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Darroch in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Johnathan Darroch: We are here to solve a problem. If the customer has no problems to solve then you will never sell to them. This has helped me carve my path by locating problems and seeing how I can position myself--or even my brand--to solve these problems. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

JD: My passion to learn and expand my brand in the automotive industry. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

JD: At the beach surfing. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

JD: I wake up early and ensure I start my day with exercise. I like to sit to myself for 15-30 minutes to collect my thoughts and plan my day around the meeting. Staring into the sun and taking deep breaths helps to wake me up faster and get the blood flowing. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

JD: Gene Winfield to learn his magic on custom paint and how it has changed so much over the years. He has a wealth of knowledge in the painting market. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.