From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are expanding their Right-to-Race advocacy campaign nationwide. The time to protect race tracks is now, before more long-standing facilities are pushed out of their communities. Learn more at sema.org/advocacy/right-to-race. 

Here's the latest on SEMA and PRI's Right-to-Race advocacy campaign:  

Georgia 

Georgia lawmakers have moved quickly to advance House Bill (HB) 1066. Less than a week after its introduction, the bill received a hearing in the State and Local Government Subcommittee, where SEMA and PRI testified in support. Testimony highlighted the economic contributions and community impact that racing facilities have on real families across lawmakers’ districts. The bill passed the full Government Affairs Committee the following day. 

A group of race track owners and operators also spoke in support of the legislation, sharing an often-overlooked reality: race tracks regularly give back to their communities by hosting charity events and raising funds for local nonprofits. Investing in race tracks is investing in local communities. 

Missouri  

HB 3177 was introduced by Rep. Matt Matthiesen in the first week of February. This bill mirrors legislation in other states and extends that protection to inverse‑condemnation‑style claims, in which property owners can't sue the government or race tracks on the grounds that their property is unusable and therefore "taken," because of a race track's normal actions. The bill also bars state and local governments from filing nuisance actions against race tracks operating in compliance with permits and law.  

Wisconsin  

SEMA and PRI returned to Wisconsin during the second week of February to testify in support of SB 872 before the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government. In the weeks leading up to the hearing, the SEMA and PRI Government Affairs team met with committee members to familiarize lawmakers with the policy before it reached their desks. 

Numerous organizations publicly voiced support for the legislation, including the Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. In addition, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities acknowledged race tracks as tourism drivers that help foster a strong sense of community. Most tracks are small, multi-generational businesses with limited resources. Many have been operating for decades, and with the right protections in place, they are here to stay. 

BACKGROUND 

The Right-to-Race efforts in Georgia, Missouri and Wisconsin are part of a coordinated, multi-state initiative led by SEMA and PRI to provide consistent protections for motorsports facilities nationwide. As more states advance similar legislation, the campaign is expected to continue gaining traction throughout the 2026 legislative cycle. 

SEMA and PRI will continue partnering with policymakers and the racing community to advance these bills and protect race tracks as vital economic and cultural institutions for generations to come. 

Learn more about the impact of motorsports on your state and community by taking a look at PRI's 2025 Motorsports Economic Impact Study, with an interactive map showing how racing drives economic success. 

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

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

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

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Matthew Jacques

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Compact and Electric: The All-New Hyundai Ioniq 3

The fully electric Hyundai Concept Three celebrated its world premiere at IAA 2025. It is the first compact electric car concept under Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand and is intended to provide a glimpse into the European EV compact segment. The production model, named Hyundai Ioniq 3, will be positioned between the equally new Inster and the comparably sized but more practical Kona Electric starting in 2026, possibly even replacing the latter in the long term. However, this is speculation.

Like most of the group's electric cars, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be based on the extremely flexible E-GMP architecture. It is, therefore, very likely that, like its sister model, the Kia EV3, it will have a 110-kW (150hp) electric motor on the front axle.

It is also conceivable that there will be two battery sizes to choose from. In the case of the EV3, the 58.3-kWh battery is said to enable a range of 271 miles, while the 81.4-kWh variant is said to enable a range of 376 miles. Thanks to its more aerodynamic shape, however, the Ioniq 3 could squeeze a few extra miles out of the battery packs. DC charging is possible on its sister model at up to 101 or 128 kW, with the preconditioned battery expected to go from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The question of a sporty top-of-the-range model is interesting, as Kia recently unveiled the 215 kW (292 hp) EV3 GT. An equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 3 N is not unrealistic, especially since the discontinuation of the i30 N has left a gap in the compact sports car segment. It could also compete with the VW ID.3 GTX.

Images of a still-camouflaged prototype paint a fairly clear picture of what the Hyundai Ioniq 3 is likely to look like as a production model. Similarities with the Hyundai Veloster are hard to ignore. This impression is created in particular by the similarly sloping roof, contrasted by a window line that rises toward the rear.

As is typical for electric cars, the wheelbase is relatively long while the overhangs are kept short. At the front we see split headlights, which we also know from the facelifted Ioniq 6. The rear spoiler, which also includes a rearview camera, is striking. One more note on the expected dimensions of the production model: the approximately 4.3m-long Concept Three is likely to provide another indication.

Thinner Camouflage: The Next-Generation Hyundai Bayon

Despite extreme winter temperatures, a prototype of the next-generation Hyundai Bayon took off the thick winter clothing it wore last week and lets us get a more detailed look at its new shape.

Hyundai is accelerating its global SUV lineup with the next-generation Hyundai Bayon, codenamed BC4. Thanks to these new spy shots, we can now position the new Bayon as a potential game changer in the subcompact SUV segment, with fresh styling, more space than its predecessor and equipment and powertrain options that edge into territory occupied by the current Hyundai Kona.

Unlike the outgoing Bayon, which has often been described as a hatchback-based crossover, the BC4 generation appears to have grown in size and presence. The spy shots indicate a boxier silhouette and a more conventional SUV stance, moving beyond its earlier design roots.

While exact dimensions for the BC4 are not yet confirmed, industry insiders suggest Hyundai has given the new Bayon a longer wheelbase and broader track to improve interior space, cargo capacity and overall road presence. This positions it as a more mature SUV choice and could make it more competitive against rivals that offer vehicles with a similar footprint.

Early reports also hint at a significant interior overhaul, with a fully digital instrument cluster, larger touchscreen display and an upgraded suite of safety technology. These enhancements would not only modernize the Bayon but also align it with current segment leaders in features and comfort.

One of the most intriguing implications of the next-gen Bayon's evolution is its potential impact on Hyundai Kona sales. Traditionally, the Kona sits above the Bayon in the lineup, offering more powertrain options including full EV variants in some markets. However, with the Bayon BC4 becoming larger, better equipped and available with a hybrid powertrain and sportier N Line trim, it may attract buyers who might otherwise have stepped up to the Kona, especially those prioritizing efficiency, price and everyday usability.

A larger, more refined Bayon could be especially appealing in markets where pricing sensitivity is high and hybrid efficiency is a strong selling point. If Hyundai positions the BC4 competitively, it could shrink the Kona's sweet spot, particularly for consumers who do not need the full performance or EV capabilities of the Kona lineup.

Hyundai has not formally confirmed specifications or launch dates for the next-generation Bayon, but automotive news outlets expect a global debut in 2026, with production versions appearing first in Europe and South Korea before rolling out to other markets. Given Hyundai's aggressive electrification and SUV expansion plans, the BC4 Bayon may play a key role in its strategy to capture more of the compact SUV segment worldwide.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Daisy Chavik, co-owner of Hot Rod Chavik USA, as its newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Daisy Chavik: My first job in the industry was 18 years ago when I met my husband Stanley Chavik--his life is cars, engineering, coach building and fabrication. I had no idea about cars and since then my life has been one crazy automotive industry journey. So, if you asked me, before I met my husband, I was a hair salon owner and certified hairstylist.

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

DC: The most challenging part is keeping balance--financially, spiritually, customers versus Hot Rod Chavik USA, project flow--that is a big part of my job. Another is being involved in projects as a design advisor. I'm the only woman in our shop and clients are 90% male, so it is sometimes difficult to be seen and sell ideas. But you know, small dogs bark loudly and over the years, I have been able to find my spot and now I’m part of design/materials and all aesthetic decisions.

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

DC: I use a lot of my previous business experience, where I learned a lot about client relationships, professionalism, quality of work, character, products, relationships and business versus community support.

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

DC: I'm short but strong-minded, which could be difficult for some male representatives in the automotive industry, but times have changed and I see lots of changes.

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

DC: I do not have a specific one but industry legends such as Ed Iskenderian and Gene Winfield, or my latest impression was from the Marconi Museum--four generations is very amazing.

Also, people who are involved and support the automotive industry, museums, shows and organizations.

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

DC: Be patient, work hard, be constant and trust God. At first, I was too young to understand, then I slowly found the way and am now trying to not slip from that way.

SN: What keeps in the automotive industry?  

DC: My husband, my shop and my purpose. Thanks to that I'm able to support the industry.

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

DC: Stanley Chavik, my amazing husband, business partner, friend and supporter (even with my craziest ideas), our awesome son and God.

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 SEMA News Editors

Kwik Performance

Power Steering and AC Compressor Bracket Kits for Gen 5 LT Truck Engines

Kwik Performance has released two new bracket kits designed to simplify the addition of hydraulic power steering and a Sanden-style air-conditioning compressor to GM Gen 5 LT truck engines ('14–'19 L83 and L86), a common challenge for builders performing engine swaps. The new bracket system (PN K10742) mounts a type-two power-steering pump and a Sanden Mini fixed-displacement compressor, while retaining most of the factory front-drive system, making the upgrade both practical and cost-effective, the manufacturer says.

kwikperf.com

Torklift

Stainless Steel X6096S ExoHitch for '26 Subaru Outback

Torklift has released its new X6096S EcoHitch Stainless Steel Trailer Hitch designed specifically for the '26 Subaru Outback. The vehicle-specific design integrates cleanly with the factory rear bumper and is engineered for a no-drill installation. The stainless-steel, 2-in. receiver offers long-term corrosion resistance and features a concealed cross tube design for a clean, factory appearance. The hitch is rated for towing up to 3,500 lbs. with 525 lbs. tongue weight.

torkliftcentral.com

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

By Ashley Reyes

One of the most important decisions a hot-rod builder can make is choosing the right customer, as this choice directly impacts workflow, budgets, shop morale and long-term reputation.

To help builders navigate the decision-making process, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a virtual General Membership Meeting & Panel Discussion on Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. PT focused on how experienced builders evaluate customers, select projects and set expectations for successful builds.

Moderated by Amy Fitzgerald, owner of Cool Hand Customs, the event will feature a panel of respected industry builders: Kellie Oeste, owner of V8 Speed & Resto Shop; Josh Sanders, owner of Sanders Street Rods; and Tim Strange, owner of Strange Motion Rod & Custom. 

Panelists will share real-world insight into customer fit, the build process, budgeting and expectation setting, what defines a successful customer relationship and what ultimately makes a builder say yes to a project.

If you're looking to strengthen your customer selection process, avoid costly missteps and learn how seasoned builders approach project decisions, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

Are you employed by a SEMA member company and still paying off student loans? If so, you're invited to apply to receive up to $2,000 towards your student loan balance through the 2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and run through Friday, April 3 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness.  

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program? 

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a SEMA member benefit that issues financial awards of $2,000 to help employees of member companies pay off their student loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business. 
• Have at least $2,000 in outstanding student loan debt. 
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada. 
• Demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry.  

What are the benefits of being selected? 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program helps reduce your student loan balance, enabling you to save money out-of-pocket, free income for other financial priorities and focus more on your career.  

How to Apply 

Review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the Friday, April 3 deadline. Use program key "SEMA" to access the application. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them. 

By Ashley Reyes

Are you employed by a SEMA member company and still paying off student loans? If so, you're invited to apply to receive up to $2,000 towards your student loan balance through the 2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and run through Friday, April 3 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness.  

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program? 

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a SEMA member benefit that issues financial awards of $2,000 to help employees of member companies pay off their student loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business. 
• Have at least $2,000 in outstanding student loan debt. 
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada. 
• Demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry.  

What are the benefits of being selected? 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program helps reduce your student loan balance, enabling you to save money out-of-pocket, free income for other financial priorities and focus more on your career.  

How to Apply 

Review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the Friday, April 3 deadline. Use program key "SEMA" to access the application. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA's national effort to protect the ability to modify and customize vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) took a major step forward this week, as the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade passed the bipartisan ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (HR 6688). The SEMA-supported bill passed the subcommittee via voice vote, marking significant progress toward ensuring that the specialty automotive aftermarket and vehicle owners have the information they need to modify and customize vehicles with advanced safety features. 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and cosponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after vehicles are modified or customized. 

• It's important that your lawmakers hear directly from you about the importance of the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. House member.  

As the bill moves through the Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House of Representatives, it is essential that lawmakers continue to hear from aftermarket businesses, technicians and enthusiasts about the real-world impacts of ADAS policies. The creation of clear, balanced guidelines will help ensure that vehicles remain safe while preserving the ability to modify vehicles to suit each individual's needs and circumstances with the best the aftermarket has to offer. 

BACKGROUND 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle or installing larger tires. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified. HR 6688 takes a pragmatic approach by directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to work with automakers, the aftermarket, dealers and automotive stakeholders to establish guidelines for ADAS calibration, modification tolerances and validation testing. The goal is a landscape where vehicles can be safely modified without compromising the performance of critical safety systems. 

For the vehicle owners who are the lifeblood of the automotive aftermarket, this bill is especially significant. It recognizes the important role of aftermarket businesses in customizing and upgrading vehicles and seeks to ensure that independent technicians, parts manufacturers and vehicle owners have clear, workable standards to follow when modifying vehicles in a way that may impact ADAS performance. By creating consistent federal guidance, the bill helps avoid a patchwork of rules that could restrict innovation, limit consumer choice, or unfairly advantage vehicle manufacturers and affiliated service providers. 

Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified. HR 6688 addresses this gap by requiring NHTSA to establish guidelines for model-year-'28-and-later vehicles that include modification ranges and tolerances that maintain proper calibration of ADAS. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures so that automotive businesses can properly test and validate that vehicle systems have been properly calibrated. 

Instead of forcing vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses to guess whether vehicle safety systems are fully operational following modifications, the information provided via HR 6688 would instead enable the aftermarket to answer the question, "Do these ADAS systems continue to operate as intended?"

Equally important, HR 6688 is bipartisan; the bill reflects growing consensus that safety and consumer freedoms are not mutually exclusive. Federal policy must encourage technological advancement while preserving the vibrant aftermarket ecosystem that supports millions of jobs and billions in economic activity. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | metamorworks

By SEMA News Editors

Avery Dennison Promotes Bethany Nock to General Manager, Graphics Solutions North America

Avery Dennison has promoted Bethany Nock to general manager, graphics solutions North America.

Nock replaces Abby Monnot who has moved to a new position within Avery Dennison Materials Group North America, as vice president of marketing for the labels and packaging materials division.

Nock will have P&L responsibility for the graphics North America business and will focus on driving top and bottom-line growth. She will lead graphics business strategies, which include driving operational excellence, innovation and customer-centric solutions; accelerating growth in key segments; expanding business in adjacent channels; and strengthening customer partnerships, particularly within the automotive and architecture segments. She will also facilitate sustainable solutions and digitization.

"I am delighted Bethany is joining our North America materials group leadership team," said Ryan Yost, president, materials group North America, Avery Dennison. "She brings deep industry experience, a history of impactful innovations and a long track record of success. Her leadership will be appreciated by both our internal team and our customers."

Nock joined Avery Dennison in 2021 as product manager for rigid films, label and graphics materials and moved to graphics solutions North America in 2022. Most recently, Bethany served as marketing director for graphics North America. Under her leadership, the team achieved targeted financial objectives and launched several impactful market-driven innovations.

Prior to Avery Dennison, Nock held marketing and product management roles with Henkel Consumer Adhesives, where she managed product launches for Duck Brand duct tape. She also led marketing strategy and product management of home medical devices and topical anesthetics at Invacare Corporation and Gebauer Company.

For more information, visit averydennison.com.

Velocity Names Tom Maxwell CRO of Classic Recreations

Restomod builder Velocity Restorations has announced that Tom Maxwell, who has served as chief revenue officer for the company for the past three years, has assumed the additional role of chief revenue officer at Classic Recreations. The expanded role reflects Velocity's continued growth and reinforces a unified, customer-focused approach and a bespoke purchasing process across both brands.

Maxwell brings more than 10 years of experience in the vehicle restoration and automotive industry. Since joining Velocity as CRO, Maxwell has overseen exponential growth in sales performance and vehicle production volume, helping guide the brand through a period of increased demand, company representatives said. Today, order books for both Velocity and Classic Recreations extend into 2027, underscoring the strength of their long-term trajectory.

In his expanded role, Maxwell will work directly with Classic Recreations customers to help ensure continuity and clarity as the brand moves forward. By engaging personally with customers who choose to continue their builds, Maxwell has already helped establish clear paths forward while maintaining the individualized experience central to the Classic Recreations brand.

"Tom has played a key role in Velocity's growth over the past three years," said Stuart Wilson, CEO of Velocity. "His ability to lead with transparency while keeping the customer experience front and center makes him uniquely qualified to support both Velocity and Classic Recreations as we continue to scale the brands."

"Both Velocity and Classic Recreations share a commitment to craftsmanship and delivering a world-class ownership experience," said Maxwell. "I'm proud of what we've built at Velocity and excited to help continue that same level of clarity and care with Classic Recreations."

For more information, velocityrestorations.com.

Dynamic Friction Company Now Available at Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution has added Dynamic Friction Company (DFC) to its catalog of available brake components, offering replacement solutions that deliver exceptional value for cars, trucks and SUVs.

DFC offers OE-grade brake pads and friction components with a focus on daily-driven cars, trucks and SUVs, prioritizing consistent stopping power, long service life and smooth braking performance.

DFC's product lineup centers on OE-style and premium replacement brake pads engineered for reliability, reduced noise, and consistent friction across a wide range of driving conditions.

"Dynamic Friction Company brings OE-quality and performance with exceptional value to our braking category," said Wayne Howard, Divisional Purchasing Manager. "Their dedication to innovation, coupled with a product offering for a broad range of applications, makes them an excellent addition to the Turn 14 Distribution line card."

For more information, visit turn14.com.

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.

Canepa
Multiple roles, including Auto Salesperson in Scotts Valley, California
Canepa is seeking a salesperson to develop relationships with customers, assist them in finding the best vehicle and more.

Mishimoto
Senior Accountant in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania
Mishimoto seeks a senior accountant to have direct functional responsibility of G/L Accounting while enhancing internal controls and policy compliance. 

Zeder Corporation
Whiteline Customer Service and Support Specialist in Ontario, California
Zeder seeks someone to fill its role that combines customer service excellence with technical automotive expertise, ensuring that inquiries are resolved promptly, accurately and professionally.

AWE
Catalog Manager in Horsham, Pennsylvania
AWE calls this a critical, independent contributor role responsible for strategically managing product data workflows, vehicle application updates and dealer data integration.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | hedgehog94