By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Tariq Ghani, community manager at Timbren Industries, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Tariq Ghani: Slow down. We often tend to rush when we feel pressure or are busy. Mistakes get made. Slow down and process all before moving. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

TG: The growing user base in this industry--all the different age groups, the lifestyle of it, the off-road scene, towing and hauling, etc. It's always interesting to me, and I find it great. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

TG: Fishing, family time or being active in some way. Also wrenching on my car! 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

TG: I review my notes and have a set idea of how I want to relay my thoughts and feelings in that meeting properly. 

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

TG: Probably the founders of SEMA! I would pick their brain on what they were thinking at the time when they had all these ideas that since then have blossomed and exploded into what we see today. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is where motorsports innovation meets unmatched media opportunities. If you've been, you already know its value. If you haven't, the first thing you should know is that it is not your average conference.  

Happening January 27-29, 2026, in Anaheim, California, the 2026 MPMC Media Trade Conference will provide the best opportunity for manufacturers to strengthen and build relationships with established media professionals through one-on-one meetings. Held in private suites, the meetings enable brands to share their latest news and products with journalists, editors, podcasters and content creators.  

Below is what past attendees have said about the event:  

• "I call it SEMA's best-kept secret where it's an opportunity for brands and media to connect one-on-one." – Lisa Cabalquinto, DriveShop  
• "When you build those relationships, you're the first one who gets the phone call. That's the beauty of this conference." – Brian Bohlander, Old World Industries  
• "You need to be here. Not only for camaraderie, for friendship, but to help market the race industry." – Herman Young, Demonology  
• "If you're not here, then that means you're not in touch with the major players in the business." – Brian Lohnes, NHRA   

The Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and PRI business members. Manufacturer registration is open now through Wednesday, October 1. Don't miss out. Register today at www.mediatradeconference.com.  

Media registration will open in October.  

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, September 23, and Wednesday, September 24, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, Michigan, 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.

SEMA Garage Detroit
AUTEL ADAS Training Session
September 23 and September 24
14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170
View on Google Maps.
RSVP here (navigate to "Detroit" tab).

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

By SEMA News Editors

From drift tracks to concours lawns, photographer Larry Chen has spent two decades capturing the heartbeat of car culture. Now, he brings that passion to the SEMA Show as the newly named Featured SEMA Show Artist, offering fans and the global aftermarket a chance to experience the Show through his lens and meet him in person. The 2025 SEMA Show takes place November 4-7, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Chen's influence spans decades, with his work featured in top publications and collaborations with major OEMs, builders and motorsport series. In 2022, he was honored as the inaugural SEMA Content Creator of the Year, recognizing his impact on the industry and his ability to connect with enthusiasts across generations. Earlier this year, Chen was inducted into the Formula Drift Hall of Fame, the first non-driver to be honored, celebrating his role in capturing the sport's most electrifying moments. 

"Larry Chen's work transcends photography; it's a cultural archive of the automotive world," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "His appointment as Featured SEMA Show Artist reflects our commitment to celebrating the innovation and storytelling that drive this industry forward." 

Adding to his legacy, Chen is set to release his debut book, Life at Shutter Speed, a 400-page coffee table masterpiece chronicling 20 years of automotive photography. Featuring more than 2,700 images and behind-the-scenes stories, the book is a tribute to the global car culture he has helped define. 

"Photography is more than capturing cars, it's about capturing moments, emotion and movement," said Chen. "I'm honored to help shape the visual identity of the Show and bring its energy to life." 

Chen is the first photographer ever selected as Featured SEMA Show Artist, joining a prestigious roster of creatives who have held the title since the program's inception. The Show selects a new Featured Artist every three years, and Chen becomes the fifth artist to receive the honor, joining an illustrious list that includes Max Grundy, Ed Tillrock, Alex Carmona and Chip Foose. 

His work will be woven throughout the Show's visual identity, appearing in signage, marketing materials and exclusive installations that reflect the energy, diversity and craftsmanship of the automotive community. 

In addition to his role as Featured Artist, Chen will also be an exhibitor at the Show, giving attendees the opportunity to meet him in person, purchase signed copies of his new book and explore a curated selection of his most iconic photography. His booth will feature daily giveaways of exclusive prints, allowing fans to take home a piece of his work. Attendees can also experience a fully interactive photo booth, where they and their friends can pose for photos and walk away with both digital and printed keepsakes, a unique way to capture their time at the Show and connect with the culture Chen has spent years documenting. 

"Larry has been an icon in the industry and fixture at the SEMA Show for years, and now we're thrilled to collaborate with him," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From Show signage to marketing campaigns, his imagery will be everywhere, bringing a fresh, authentic perspective to the Show." 

Qualified attendees are encouraged to register now to secure discounted rates and maximize their ROI. Registration is $75 through September 26. Click HERE to register. Hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates are available exclusively through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. For more information on accommodations, click here.

Spaces are still available for companies interested in exhibiting and connecting with tens of thousands of qualified buyers. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

Compiled by Cristian Gonzalez

A new band of builders is readying their project vehicles to take the stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for the ultimate car-building competition: Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish. The annual competition sets out to find the most well-built and innovative vehicles in the automotive aftermarket across four unique categories: 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns (contestants 29 and under). 

In the short period leading up to the SEMA Show, a four-judge panel comprised of industry leaders will narrow the field from hundreds of vehicles to 40--10 from each category--which will be announced on the first day of Show Week at the BOTB stage in North Hall (booth #10168). As the week progresses, the contenders are further winnowed as the competition intensifies.  

BOTB is an exciting outlet that showcases the creativity, ingenuity and style driving the current state of the aftermarket. Winners walk away with unmatched bragging rights, along with new marketing and networking opportunities. What makes BOTB especially unique is that once the final four builds are selected--one from each category--the builders themselves come together to decide who among them deserves the top honor. 

What follows is a sneak peek at a small handful of contending cars, trucks, hot-rods and more, and what about their construction makes them unique. Keep an eye on SEMA News for more Battle of the Builders vehicle previews, and visit SEMAShow.com for event scheduling. Can't make it to Vegas this November? Be sure to follow along on SEMA Live, the SEMA Show's live virtual broadcast capturing all key moments of BOTB and the biggest activations happening during Show Week. 

JOHN WARGO 

'69 CHEVROLET CAMARO  

Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK 

With battleship gray exterior paint, John Wargo appropriately names his '69 Camaro, DSTROYR. Hidden beneath the molded hood top sits a Borowski 427 LSX engine, ready to crank out 780 hp from its smoothed-out engine bay. Roadster Shop's Fast Track chassis delivers the old musclecar modern pro-touring performance with updated geometry and C7 Corvette spindles. A bright yet tasteful orange leather interior, accented with custom neon glowing, juxtaposes the gray exterior. Details like the flushed glass, smooth belly pans, tucked bumpers, integrated roll cage and a beautifully leathered paneled trunk space hint a unique passion and care for this build's fabrication. 

ERIC WOLF 

'22 BMW M2 

Category: YOUNG GUNS 

R44 Performance in the United Kingdom has perhaps crafted, in their words, "one of the most technologically advanced competition-spec drag-racing builds." Partnering with Tom Wrigley Performance (TWP), this uniquely engineered G87 M2 was the first to be converted from RWD to 4WD with an xDrive conversion using G80 M3 components and a built-up gearbox featuring DEKA Clutches' Stage 3 transmission upgrade. Carbon driveshafts deliver 1,400 finely tuned hp to Vossen Wheels—manifested by the TWP built motor and Precision's 8385 Next Gen Sportsman single turbo. One look at the gutted and caged interior shows this Bimmer means serious racing business. For a well-documented breakdown of this right-handed drag car, check out r44performance.com. 

STUART WILSON 

'73 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER SCOUT II 

Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK

Velocity Restorations ups the ante in classic-car builds with its Founder's Edition '73 Scout II. The Scouts have always embodied the square, ruggedness classic SUVs were known for, and this build blends that vintage grit with modern engineering. The LT1 V8-powered Scout rides on a Roadster Shop Legend Series chassis with independent front suspension for modern comfort while retaining the spirit of old-school durability. Finished in Everest Green with a hardtop, roof rack, off-road lights and a bespoke interior, it's reimagined for both the showroom spotlight and any mountain trail. Custom-machined billet and exclusive Forgeline wheels complete this show-stopping build. 

CHRISTOPHER MALLOY 

'91 NISSAN PAO 

Category: SPORT COMPACT, IMPORT PERFORMANCE, LUXURY & EXOTIC 

This ultra-rare '91 Nissan Pao blends vintage charm with coastal flair. Finished in aqua gray with wood-panel vinyl accents and topped with a carbon fiber surfboard, it's a nostalgic nod to surf culture with a JDM twist. Imported from Japan via the United Kingdom in 2018 by The Import Guys, S&M Auto Body fully restored the Pao and it's maintained by Axis Motorsports and Zenith Auto Garage, both located in Las Vegas. The build features VTO wheels, a CarPlay stereo and a 1,000cc engine producing a galloping 54 hp. Proudly representing Team Hybrid and NRG, it's a rolling statement of style, soul and story. 

GREG ADAMS 

'75 FORD F-600 

Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK 

Greg Adams shares his vision of what Ford might've created with this massive build. His '75 Ford F-600 dually pickup is powered by a 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, paired with a narrowed F-650 rearend and an E-450 front axle, all connected through custom steering links. The body features repurposed Ford OE components—from the '68 Ford Super Duty hood scoops to a Bronco-skinned tailgate—in order to boast a modern look that nods to Ford OE body styling. F-600 fenders are seamlessly grafted into an F-250 bed to create that aggressive dually stance, finished in a color Adams describes as "a Wendy's Frosty with a bit of orange pearl."

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $75 per person through Friday, September 26. Starting September 27, the rate increases to $100 for both online and onsite registration. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

For updates on SEMA Fest, the one-day musical and motorsports festival on Friday, November 7, or to purchase "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public" tickets, visit semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Whether you're a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned pro, the 2025 SEMA Show Freeman Webinar is your go-to resource for maximizing impact and minimizing costs.

Set for Tuesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT, the virtual 2025 SEMA Show Freeman Webinar (Register Here) will put you in front of with leading exhibition specialists and members of the SEMA Show team to guide you through all of the tools and resources--from cost-saving tips to the keys of lead retrieval--that are available to you and your brand.  

Led by Cassandra Cothron, exhibitor education manager for official SEMA Show partner Freeman, with support from the SEMA Show's own experts--this virtual event will explore:  

• Valuable resources and cost-saving tips.
• How to effectively highlight new products.
• Lead retrieval and customer management solutions.  
• Proven strategies to attract and engage more customers.  
• Expert answers to all your exhibit-related questions.  

If you're a SEMA Show exhibitor, you won't want to miss this information-packed presentation on Tuesday, September 16. Save your seat now!

Exhibitors should frequently check the complete list of deadlines for the 2025 SEMA Show using the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) found at semashow.com/esm. The ESM is the one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show and contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including deadline and budget checklists.

Exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Have questions on exhibiting at the SEMA Show? Call us at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, at 508-743-8571 or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Terrain Tamer Purchases Iconic Steve Irwin-Owned LandCruiser Troop Carrier

Terrain Tamer, the Australian off-road and four-wheel-drive parts brand, has purchased a Toyota LandCruiser Troop Carrier previously owned by "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin.

Previously used at Irwin's Australia Zoo for carrying staff and equipment, the '82 HJ47 Troop Carrier has more than 250,000 miles on the odometer and still dons the iconic "Crocodile Hunter" branding.

The "Troopy" has been fitted with a 4.9L Cleveland Ford V8 engine and has undergone mechanical and electrical refurbishment under its previous owners, including the fitment of Terrain Tamer suspension components, which drew the attention of the brand's team during the recent auction of the vehicle.

"One customer recently shared that he believes the industry perception is that Terrain Tamer are the best parts around for hard working LandCruisers, so it feels like a natural fit that this Troopy would be fitted with our suspension and should come to us, where it can be shared with other enthusiasts and operators who appreciate it's significance," Terrain Tamer General Manager Brent Hutchinson said.

"LandCruisers are a cornerstone of Australian automotive culture, and the Troopy, in particular, is known for being rugged and practical. With the connection to Steve Irwin, there's an overlap of cultural identity and automotive history beyond anything mechanical."

The Crocodile Hunter Troopy comes complete with extensive documentation detailing modifications from its zoo service history, and a restoration record, as well as supporting provenance documentation, and a signed letter from Steve Irwin's son Robert.

The vehicle will eventually make an appearance at the company's Stockton, California, branch.

For more information, visit terraintamer.com.

Porsche Owners Gain Access to Tesla Supercharger Network

Porsche customers are gaining access to the Tesla Supercharger network thanks to a new program launched on September 9.

The program gives Porsche owners access to 23,500 Tesla Superchargers in North America and will be made possible through a Porsche-supplied NACS DC adapter for customers. At the current stage of the program, Porsche customers will utilize the Tesla app to enable charging. Charging through the My Porsche app and plug-and-charge is expected to follow in the coming months.

All-new model-year '26 Porsche Taycan and Macan Electric models will include Porsche NACS DC adapter at no additional fee. Model-year '25 Taycan owners and all existing Macan Electric owners are eligible for a complimentary adapter.

Model-year '24 and older Taycan customers can elect to purchase the Porsche NACS DC adapter from the Porsche Online Shop and at local Porsche Centers.

For more information, visit porsche.com.

Kahn Media's Josh Rivera Receives PRNEWS People of the Year Award

Kahn Media, a Moorpark, California-based marketing agency, has announced that Josh Rivera has received a PRNEWS People of the Year Award in the Media Relations Titans category.

The PRNEWS People of the Year Awards showcase the top talent, passionate professionals and budding communications leaders redefining modern public relations. Award-worthy individuals have made a quantifiable impact on a product, group, company or industry at large. The Media Relations Titans category zeroes in on those individuals who have worked continuously to build strong relationships with journalists and content creators through all channels or have succeeded in repositioning a brand through media outreach, according to PRNEWS.

Rivera joined Kahn Media in 2022 and now serves as a senior account executive. Since joining Kahn Media, Rivera has taken on more responsibilities and a growing client list, which now includes dynamic brands like Roush Performance, Velocity Restorations, Centerforce Clutch, Front Runner Dometic and Rigid Industries.

For more information, visit kahnmedia.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Eleanor Rollings, a fixture in the Washington, D.C., political fundraising scene, has joined SEMA as director of PAC development, a new role in which she will lead the efforts of SEMA and PRI PAC and Driving Force Action SuperPAC to support the specialty-equipment and motorsports industries.

Rollings joins SEMA from Hollingsworth Strategies, where she served as a principal overseeing major gifts programs, corporate partnerships and planned giving strategies for a wide range of client organizations.

"Eleanor is a great addition to SEMA's Washington, D.C., team, and we're excited to tap into her ability to build high-impact giving campaigns and cultivate relationships with major donors, advocacy networks and institutional partners," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president for public and government affairs.

"I'm thrilled to get started with SEMA, whose reputation in Washington, D.C, is on the rise, and whose advocacy on behalf of our member companies and the nation's automotive enthusiasts is beyond impressive," Rollings said. "I see a great opportunity to deliver to our team the resources needed to make a lasting impact on the legislative and regulatory issues facing the aftermarket and motorsports industries."

A California native, Rollings holds a degree in political science from San Diego State University.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Eleanor Rollings, a fixture in the Washington, D.C., political fundraising scene, has joined SEMA as director of PAC development, a new role in which she will lead the efforts of SEMA and PRI PAC and Driving Force Action SuperPAC to support the specialty-equipment and motorsports industries.

Rollings joins SEMA from Hollingsworth Strategies, where she served as a principal overseeing major gifts programs, corporate partnerships and planned giving strategies for a wide range of client organizations.

"Eleanor is a great addition to SEMA's Washington, D.C., team, and we're excited to tap into her ability to build high-impact giving campaigns and cultivate relationships with major donors, advocacy networks and institutional partners," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA senior vice president for public and government affairs.

"I'm thrilled to get started with SEMA, whose reputation in Washington, D.C, is on the rise, and whose advocacy on behalf of our member companies and the nation's automotive enthusiasts is beyond impressive," Rollings said. "I see a great opportunity to deliver to our team the resources needed to make a lasting impact on the legislative and regulatory issues facing the aftermarket and motorsports industries."

A California native, Rollings holds a degree in political science from San Diego State University.

By Juan Torres

SEMA Show exhibitors have begun sharing their latest announcements previewing their plans for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas. Exhibitors can post press releases, free of charge, at www.semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Scotchman Industries Introduces the New DBS-3 Dual Belt Sander
• New PPE Transmission Mount Delivers Game-Changing Durability for 2001–2019 GM HD Trucks
• Cache Returning with Award-Winning Modular Tailgate Innovation
• TeckWrap Back at SEMA 2025: Introducing Colored Paint Protection Film
• HB BODY to Showcase "Purple Haze" and Μore at SEMA Show 2025

To find more relevant news quickly and efficiently, visit www.semashow.com/press and sort by type of announcement and/or market segment.