By SEMA News Editors

Sprint Car Hall of Famer, Bobby Allen, 81

Bobby Allen, one of the greatest Sprint Car drivers to emerge from Pennsylvania's racing scene and a founding member of the Outlaws in 1978, has passed away. He was 81.

Originally from Florida, Allen began racing in his home state before moving to Pennsylvania to advance his career. The transition wasn't easy--at times, he reportedly even slept in the Lincoln Speedway ticket booth--but his determination paid off. He soon became one of the region's top drivers, winning the 13th running of Williams Grove Speedway's National Open in 1975.

When Ted Johnson launched the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 1978, Allen was among the inaugural group of competitors. Allen, known then as "Scruffy," earned the second win in Series history on April 16, 1978, at Ohio's Eldora Speedway, added another at Indiana's Warsaw Speedway, and finished third in points that season.

Over the following years, Allen remained a formidable presence, collecting victories across the country. He captured the All Star Circuit of Champions title in 1980, topped the Tuscarora 50 in both 1982 and 1989, and earned his 30th and final World of Outlaws win at the 1990 Knoxville Nationals--his biggest career triumph, when he outran Sammy Swindell for the victory. 

In 1988, Allen was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Allen's impact extended far beyond his driving career. He helped launch the careers of his son, Jacob Allen, and grandson, Logan Schuchart, and together they founded Shark Racing, taking two teams on the road with the World of Outlaws in 2014. Despite doubts they could last a full season, their perseverance proved otherwise. They finished the year and have remained fixtures on tour ever since.

Schuchart earned Shark Racing's first World of Outlaws win in 2016 at Cedar Lake Speedway, the first of 44 victories to date--placing him 20th all-time. Jacob Allen secured his first Series victory in 2020 and added four more in 2022. Today, Schuchart continues to compete full-time in the No. 1S, while Ashton Torgerson drives the No. 1A on a select schedule with Jacob's involvement. Allen remained an active presence with the team through his final weekend, attending the National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

"Our hearts are broken but we know he lived his life to the fullest and touched so many. Anyone who ever got to meet him or know him always got to share a story and/or a smile. He did it his way and that was the 'Scruffy way.' He will be loved and terribly missed by all. He was a legend on and off the race track and his contributions will live on forever," said Shark Racing in an online statement. "You could commonly find him with a glass of his favorite wine, smiling and laughing, making calls about race cars, and enjoying being surrounded by beautiful women. He was a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, a friend and so much more. An announcement will follow giving details for a celebration of Bobby's amazing life at a later date. The Shark Racing family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time."

Images courtesy of Shark Racing

USAC Car Owner, Steve Phillips, 70

Steve Phillips, a veteran USAC team owner who earned 19 career wins in the USAC National Sprint Car Series with drivers Dave Darland and Jason McDougal between 2013 and 2019, passed away on October 4, 2025. He was 70.

Phillips' iconic black No. 71p became a fixture in USAC competition, collecting several marquee victories--most notably with Darland behind the wheel. The pair earned 17 series wins together, beginning with the Larry Rice Classic in 2013 at Bloomington Speedway (Indiana).

Darland's most successful USAC National Sprint Car season came in his first year with the Phillips team, when he captured seven victories, including the Sprint Car Smackdown at Kokomo Speedway (Indiana) and the Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway (California).

Together, Darland and Phillips won the final night of Smackdown for three straight years from 2013 to 2015. During the 2014 event, Darland drove Phillips' car to his 53rd career win--making him the all-time winningest driver in USAC National Sprint Car history at the time.

That same season, the duo scored six additional victories, highlighted by a win at the Tony Hulman Classic at Terre Haute Action Track (Indiana). Their final season together in 2015 produced four more wins, capping an impressive partnership that left a lasting mark on USAC competition.

In 2018, Phillips and his wife, Carla, returned to USAC National Sprint Car victory lane with Jason McDougal, who triumphed at I-55 Raceway (Missouri). The team's final win came in 2019 at Bridgeport Motorsports Park (New Jersey).

In total, Phillips' team made 260 USAC National Sprint Car feature starts between 2010 and 2025, fielding cars for drivers including Clinton Boyles, Shane Cockrum, Jerry Coons Jr., Shane Cottle, Dave Darland, Justin Grant, Darren Hagen, Jason McDougal, Cannon McIntosh, Billy Puterbaugh Jr., Carson Short, Mike Spencer, Stevie Sussex, and Kody Swanson. Most recently, during the 2025 season, the team competed in eight series events with rookie Chelby Hinton.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Phillips began his own racing career in sprint cars and midgets in his home state. In his rookie season of 1977, he scored his first career midget feature victory at Manzanita Speedway. He later claimed the Sprint Car Owners Association driving championship in 1990.

During the '90s, Phillips relocated--first to Texas and later to Indiana--where he joined the Hall-VDS Racing IndyCar team as a full-time mechanic. There, he worked on cars driven by John Andretti, Teo Fabi and Gil de Ferran.

A member of the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame, Phillips also made 13 starts as a USAC Silver Crown team owner, fielding entries for Billy Puterbaugh Jr., Matt Goodnight, Dave Darland and Jason McDougal. The team's best Silver Crown finish came with Darland's fourth-place run at the 2017 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway (Ohio).

Image of Steve Phillips, left, and his wife, Carla Phillips, right, with USAC rookie Chelby Hinton, center. Image courtesy of Phillips Motorsports #71P.

Porsche Exits FIA WEC, to Focus on IMSA, Formula E

As part of a comprehensive realignment, Porsche will exit the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and focus on competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA Formula E World Championship.

With its involvement in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which features the 24 Hours of Daytona as its highlight race, Porsche is underlining the importance of the North American market and endurance racing for the brand. In addition to the two factory commitments in Formula E and IMSA, customer racing remains an important pillar of the Porsche motorsport strategy, the company said.

Additionally, the German marque will continue its Formula E effort, citing the insights gained into electric production sports cars.

"We use motorsport as a development platform for future technology and to illustrate the potential of our sports cars," says Thomas Laudenbach, vice president, Porsche Motorsport. "With the Porsche 963 in the North American IMSA series and the Porsche 99X Electric in the Formula E World Championship, we want to continue to fight for overall victories in the future. That is our tradition and our focus."

For more information, visit racing.porsche.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Automotive enthusiasts and builders can discover new products from trusted aftermarket brands with speed, relevance and accuracy thanks to a new digital platform powered by SEMA and SEMA Data.  

SEMA Connected is the automotive aftermarket industry's new online hub for enthusiasts to find high-quality automotive parts and products, manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations and resellers to reach high-intent buyers. It's a product discovery engine, brand showcase and buyer connection tool all in one, built for everyone in the automotive aftermarket ecosystem. 

"When parts data is messy or inconsistent, everyone loses time--and trust," said SEMA Vice President of Technology, Data and Strategic Initiatives Gigi Ho. "We built SEMA Connected to help buyers save time and eliminate frustration, providing them with results that are organized and informative." 

Like the SEMA Show, But 365 Days a Year  

SEMA Connected is the first platform of its kind designed to mirror the organization of the SEMA Show floor, allowing visitors to select their area of interest, browse by vehicle, explore featured products and vehicles or create their own build list. 

Organized by enthusiast-driven categories like Hot Rod Alley, Racing & Performance or Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, users can explore the platform in a way that feels familiar and purposeful with product details and content at their fingertips. 

Key Features Include: 

• Smart, vehicle-specific search that delivers relevant, accurate product results 
• Showcase opportunities for brands to highlight promotions, new product announcements and company news 
• Retailer and location directory with geolocation tools to guide enthusiasts to purchase points 
• Data request functionality for resellers to easily connect with brands and access product information through SEMA Data PIMS portal 

Powered by Precision, Backed by Data Excellence  

SEMA Connected is more than just a digital tool: It's an online marketplace designed to help the automotive aftermarket industry make more informed decisions. All brands that appear on SEMA Connected must meet SEMA Data standards to ensure the product information on their website is accurate, complete and useful to buyers. At launch, brands that have achieved Data Excellence status within the past two years are featured. 

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers and brands can feature their products on SEMA Connected by becoming a SEMA Data member. Likewise, resellers, distributors or eCommerce businesses can appear on the "Where to Buy" section for products by registering through SEMA Data. 

To learn more or get started, visit www.semaconnected.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

Attendees at the 2025 SEMA Show, held November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will get to explore a Show floor full of advanced technologies, interactive demonstrations, networking opportunities and action-packed outdoor activations, stunts and live motorsports demonstrations that turn automotive innovation into real-world action.

Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem will bring top freestyle motocross riders to the stage, performing impressive feats, precise tricks, and remarkable maneuvers. These performances demonstrate the skill, creativity, and technique of world-class riders, giving audiences a close-up view of their talent and control.

Performances will take place multiple times daily, giving attendees numerous opportunities to catch the action (all times PST):

• Tuesday, November 4, to Thursday, November 6, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 7, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

"The outdoor activations are an essential part of the SEMA Show experience," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "They allow attendees to see how innovations on the show floor translate into real-world performance, highlighting the creativity and technical skill that drive the automotive industry."

"Once outside, attendees are immersed in the action," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "Engines roar, tires squeal and performers push their vehicles to the limit. Visitors can watch this artistry up close, see skilled riders and drivers in real time and feel the energy of the crowd. It is an experience unlike any other and adds a dynamic element to the SEMA Show and complements the trend and product discovery they experience on the Show floor."

Other featured outdoor activations include HorsePower Rodeo, which will bring burnouts, drifting and spectacular motorsports exhibitions to the Diamond Lot adjacent to West Hall, and the OPTIMA Peak Performance Challenge, a timed acceleration and braking competition that establishes the ability of the car and driver to accelerate, negotiate tight turns and stop in a designated spot. SEMA Show Friday ticket holders can expect plenty of action as well from an elite group of OPTIMA-powered drivers that will be burning rubber the entirety of the day. Demonstrations run throughout the week, giving attendees multiple chances to see automotive skills, with professional drivers and riders providing interactive experiences and photo opportunities.

The 2025 SEMA Show gives attendees the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products, forge new business connections, and gain insights into the latest trends in the aftermarket industry. For more information and to register, visit www.semashow.com.

All enthusiasts are invited to experience SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public on Friday, November 7, along with SEMA Fest. Tickets are available at SEMAFest.com. Highlights from the Show can also be followed throughout the week on SEMA Live, streamed on YouTube and Meta.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas Convention Center, always brings plenty of excitement for attendees, including numerous opportunities to meet your favorite automotive celebrities and industry stars amid the vast array of iconic vehicles on the Show floor.

This year, the Show will again draw many famous motorsports and entertainment personalities who are all excited to interact with 2025 SEMA Show attendees.

As of publish date, below are just a few of the names set to appear on the SEMA Show floor (all times PST):

Tuesday, November 4

• "Big Daddy" Don Garlits – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Quarter Mile Foundation - Booth #23025
• Hailie and Brian Deegan – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – ODYSSEY Battery – Booth #24313
• Richard Petty – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – MagnaFlow/Camburg – Booth #23243

Wednesday, November 5

• Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings – 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – LINCOLN ELECTRIC – Booth #23411
• Alex Taylor – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels – Booth #22453
• Dave Kindig & Kevin "Kevdogg" Schiele – 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Dynamat – Booth #22793

Thursday, November 6

• Blake Wilkey – 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Westin/Superwinch – Booth #55051
• Chip Foose – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – BluePrint Engines – Booth #23443
• Rick Murphy – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Warrior Winches – Booth #60005

Friday, November 7

• Clay Millican – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – CRC Industries – Booth #24677
• Constance Nunes – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – CLASSIC INDUSTRIES – Booth #24487
• Tavarish – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Cedar Electronics – Booth #10717

Check out the full schedule of celebrity appearances here or click below to find out where your favorite builder, racer, influencer or television star will be appearing!

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 $100 per person, with badge pickup on site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Bipartisan initiative just endorsed by the Trump Administration would create more opportunities for SEMA members to sell their parts to the U.S. military. Add your business to our letter to Congress as a supporter of the bill.  

SEMA is endorsing the Warrior Right to Repair Act--a bipartisan measure in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would give the Department of War the right to repair and maintain its own equipment--and is encouraging its members to sign a letter of support. 

Today, the Department of War spends tens of billions annually to sustain its fleet of more than 420,000 vehicles--but outdated restrictions often prevent it from working with the small- and mid-sized American businesses best equipped to do the job. The Warrior Right to Repair Act would fix that, unlocking new opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers and specialty-equipment companies to compete for defense sustainment contracts. 

• For SEMA members, the benefits are clear: new revenue streams, long-term business stability and the ability to apply aftermarket innovation to strengthen national defense. For the military, it means faster repairs, greater readiness and lower costs for taxpayers. 

Recent global conflicts have shown the critical role small, adaptable manufacturers play in keeping vehicles mission ready. From heavy trucks to off-road utility vehicles, the ability to rapidly fabricate, retrofit and repair equipment can determine readiness on the ground. America's small businesses and the automotive aftermarket are ready to fill that role here at home. 

The Warrior Right to Repair Act ensures that the Department of War--and the businesses that support it--can repair, maintain, and modernize equipment without unnecessary barriers. 

SEMA members are encouraged to sign our letter urging Congress to pass the Warrior Right to Repair Act. 

Where SEMA Stands on Right to Repair Legislation 

The Warrior Right to Repair Act currently is the only right-to-repair bill endorsed by SEMA. Visit SEMA.org to see our right to repair/modify principles that guide our decisions on these types of legislation. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Bipartisan initiative just endorsed by the Trump Administration would create more opportunities for SEMA members to sell their parts to the U.S. military. Add your business to our letter to Congress as a supporter of the bill.  

SEMA is endorsing the Warrior Right to Repair Act--a bipartisan measure in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would give the Department of War the right to repair and maintain its own equipment--and is encouraging its members to sign a letter of support. 

Today, the Department of War spends tens of billions annually to sustain its fleet of more than 420,000 vehicles--but outdated restrictions often prevent it from working with the small- and mid-sized American businesses best equipped to do the job. The Warrior Right to Repair Act would fix that, unlocking new opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers and specialty-equipment companies to compete for defense sustainment contracts. 

• For SEMA members, the benefits are clear: new revenue streams, long-term business stability and the ability to apply aftermarket innovation to strengthen national defense. For the military, it means faster repairs, greater readiness and lower costs for taxpayers. 

Recent global conflicts have shown the critical role small, adaptable manufacturers play in keeping vehicles mission ready. From heavy trucks to off-road utility vehicles, the ability to rapidly fabricate, retrofit and repair equipment can determine readiness on the ground. America's small businesses and the automotive aftermarket are ready to fill that role here at home. 

The Warrior Right to Repair Act ensures that the Department of War--and the businesses that support it--can repair, maintain, and modernize equipment without unnecessary barriers. 

SEMA members are encouraged to sign our letter urging Congress to pass the Warrior Right to Repair Act. 

Where SEMA Stands on Right to Repair Legislation 

The Warrior Right to Repair Act currently is the only right-to-repair bill endorsed by SEMA. Visit SEMA.org to see our right to repair/modify principles that guide our decisions on these types of legislation. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Sponsored by AutoZone

AutoZone® has come a long way since 1979. The company began as Auto Shack with a single store in Forrest City, Arkansas, and had a goal of helping people take care of their cars. Since its founding, AutoZone has always focused on meeting the needs of its growing and changing customer base.

At the core of AutoZone's success in the commercial industry is a dedication to helping professionals take care of their customers and grow their businesses. AutoZone understands the challenges shops face each day and is determined to help shops overcome those challenges.

With more than 6,600 company-owned stores across the country, AutoZone has the national footprint to match the needs of any shop. AutoZone has leading in-market coverage and availability of OE-quality parts, with on-demand delivery to help turn bays faster. The company's competitive pricing, stocking programs and bulk discounts help shops maximize their profits. Customers can also access helpful resources like a dedicated service team, professional training, a shop referral program and access to ALLDATA®--the industry leader in software repair solutions.

AutoZone is dedicated to helping shops make reliable repairs with parts that meet or exceed OE quality. The company is the exclusive provider of Duralast Parts®, which are re-engineered from the OE by Tier-1 manufacturers. The parts are tested to meet or exceed OE performance and subjected to strict quality control measures, ensuring shops can install with confidence. Duralast Parts cover more than 20 parts categories and 90% of vehicles on the road today. Hundreds of thousands of professionals depend on them daily and install them on millions of cars each year.

Since its beginning, AutoZone has been committed to delivering reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction. More than just a parts supplier, AutoZone is a trusted partner--providing the expertise, resources and support professionals need to succeed every day.

By Juan Torres

To help exhibitors connect with media at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, exhibitors are invited to complete a brief Exhibitor Information Form, which will be shared with registered journalists and media outlets covering the Show.  

Whether you're launching a groundbreaking product, showcasing an innovative service or revealing a custom vehicle build, this is your chance to inform media of your plans for this year's Show. By submitting your information, you increase your chances of being included in media coverage before, during and after the event--and may even be contacted for interviews or feature stories. 

Why Submit the Form? 

• Boost Visibility: Share what's new, exciting and happening in your booth. 
• Facilitate Coverage: Help media identify relevant stories, industry trends and schedule interviews. 
• Maximize ROI: Leverage your presence at the Show with increased press attention. 
• Get Noticed Early: Submitting early gives you the best opportunity to be featured. 
• Inclusion in SEMA Publications: Your news could also be used by SEMA publications. 

Available to SEMA Show exhibitors only, the form is quick to complete and tailored to highlight key details that media look for when building their SEMA Show coverage plans. 

Submit the Exhibitor Information Form here. 

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 $100 per person, with badge pickup on site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The latest issue of SEMA magazine, known as The "SEMA Show Directory," is available now, and it is the perfect tool to help you start building your 2025 SEMA Show game plan.

Now available online at no cost to anyone--claim your complimentary subscription here--the Directory offers an exclusive preview of all things SEMA Show, including a comprehensive listing of SEMA Show exhibitors and booth numbers by product category, providing attendees with a must-have resource for mapping out your Show game plan, regardless of your goals for the week.

Also inside this issue is:

• Must-see SEMA Show features.
• SEMA Show after-hours events.
• SEMA Show transportation guide.
• Education schedule.
• Celebrity listings.
• Exhibitor brands and booth locations.
• Spotlight exhibitors.
• Exhibitors by product category.
• How to download the 2025 SEMA Show app.
• And much, much more!

As a reminder, every issue of SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven’t claimed yours yet? Claim your coupon voucher HERE. For additional step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By Cristian Gonzalez

A look at the current state of electric vehicle customization and how manufacturers are creating waves in motorsports and beyond. Photo courtesy of Larry Chen.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology advances, engines and powertrains transform, but the driver's need to modify and enhance their vehicle never deviates.

Looking at the automotive landscape, we are blessed with variety. The modern American consumer-enthusiast can choose from a century's worth of automotive innovation, and the aftermarket can supply endless modifications and performance enhancements to make any vehicle unique. For a while, this was only directed toward internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but now, we have a new power technology to propel the specialty-equipment market.

THE LONG ROAD TO GET HERE

Consumers in the electric vehicle (EV) space are no different than those who are more interested in ICE vehicles. Most EV enthusiasts even come from the ICE world. They, too, search for ways to customize their vehicles to their tastes and exhibit some individuality--something you don't see much of coming off the lot. That leaves the aftermarket to meet that demand.

Nicole Hamilton, a recipient of the 2024 SEMA Visionary 8 Award and marketing manager at Engaged Media, has been immersed in the EV aftermarket culture for years. Having helped launch multiple publications under Engaged Media, including "Tesla Trends" and "EV Buyers Guide," Hamilton has witnessed the growth of the EV aftermarket and the culture that has formed around it.

In Tesla's early days, with no aftermarket modifications available, the EV custom culture was non-existent. However, the enthusiasts were still there. Tesla had its own cult following of drivers who fell in love with the brand's driving capabilities. If you bought one early on, you were kind of in this unspoken club, says Hamilton.

Customization started off slow. Initially, you would only see tire and wheel packages and car wraps to help stand out from the white/black/red color choices. Now, if you roll up to a Tesla meet, you'll find vehicles with upgraded headlights and interior glows, carbon-fiber kits, suspension upgrades and more.

"It's like on steroids now with the customization and turning it into your own personality," says Hamilton. "Companies like Unplugged Performance [UP] have full-body kits, performance upgrades and style packages that owners can buy. I think at the beginning it was just, get a Tesla, wrap it, [and] put the wheels and tires on it. Now all these manufacturers are creating these different parts and gadgets. Now it's like the sky is the limit."

Ben Schaffer, Unplugged Performance president, and former SEMA Board member Brian Reese, CEO of T Sportline and its sister company EV Sportline (for all other EV platforms), have led the charge in jumpstarting EV enthusiast culture through aftermarket products.

Tesla approached Schaffer's Japanese car-tuning company Bulletproof Automotive in 2013 to modify their vehicles, marking UP's inception. "We tried to facilitate building the pillars of the aftermarket for EV," says Schaffer. "No one made any parts for Tesla, so we started manufacturing products category to category to get owners excited about custom car culture."

EV experienced an alienated beginning in the specialty automotive industry, almost seen as a category unto itself, unbelonging to the aftermarket culture. Hamilton and Schaffer no longer see that as the case. "It's starting to all blend together where [now] many car manufacturers have an EV variation. The walls are broken down, and it's a bit more intermixed… and now it's not controversial to own an EV. It's just something that carmakers build and people [modify]," expresses Schaffer.

UP brought the first modified Tesla to the SEMA Show in 2014. Ten-plus years later, you'll find EVs scattered throughout the Show floor, side by side with ICE vehicles, demonstrating the demand and growth for aftermarket products for an expanding market with abundant opportunity. "SEMA has everything automotive and it's not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. But at the end of the day, all of us are automotive enthusiasts, we all made careers out of it, and we love the automotive community. Whether you have an EV or LS, whatever the difference is, we all love cool stuff that goes fast," proclaims Hamilton.

A NONEXISTENT NEED

EVs are much heavier than a typical ICE vehicle. Enthusiasts swap body parts with carbon-fiber kits for style and shedding weight. Photo courtesy of T Sportline.

Love them or hate them, one thing can't be denied--these EVs are fast.

Aesthetic mods aside, we wanted to know what the aftermarket landscape looked like for enthusiasts ready to spend money on making their Tesla or other EV model go faster. What modifications were drivers making to the motor or CPU to add more power? Turns out, none.

Reese from T Sportline has been working on expanding the EV aftermarket for years. According to Reese, there are a few reasons you don't see modifiers opening up and tampering with these complex systems. Primarily, consumers in the EV space haven't found the need for it.

"It's not a low-hanging need," says Reese. "They're tuned and operate really well, and if that ever changes or there's the perceived opportunity to tune for improvement, then that space will open up. But right now, there's not much need, so without the need, it doesn't percolate up to being served."

It seems almost blasphemous not to work on your vehicle's motor and try to get a few more horsepower, but according to Schaffer, going in and modifying the power system would remove something that makes a Tesla so unique: its over-the-air software updates. These downloads regularly update the vehicle's infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and performance tweaks to the powertrain. Plus, there are other ways to modify a car for speed.

A FOCUS ON CONTROL OVER POWER

The Plaid mode is Tesla's high-performance feature in the Model S and Model X, outputting more than 1,000 hp and hitting 0-60 mph in 1.99 sec. So how do you make that faster without tampering with the electric motor or computer? You make it easier to control...

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 "Plugged Into the Aftermarket" and more automotive culture-related coverage in the October 2025 issue here.