Compiled by Cristian Gonzalez

Last year's SEMA Battle of the Builders overall winner crown went to Noah Alexander and the '68 Dodge Charger from the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category.

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 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. 

RON JONES 
'73 VOLKSWAGEN THING 
Category: 4 WHEEL DRIVE & OFF-ROAD 

This '73 Volkswagen Thing was coachbuilt entirely from the ground up by the Ron Jones Garage with enough modifications to make it unrecognizable from its stock format. Fox long-travel coilovers attach to the one-off chromoly long-travel chassis. Apart from the windshield frame, every body panel on the Thing was handbuilt and boasts more than 350 machined parts. Staying true to its German heritage, a fuel-injected Porsche Type 930/50 engine stroked to a 3.2L with a MoTeC standalone ECU powers the build and pairs to a gearbox pulled from a 996. Also harvested from a Porsche 997 is the torque tube and front differential. The custom interior was designed and installed by PJ's Upholstery in Commerce City, Colorado. 
 

TROY TREPANIER 
'36 FORD ROADSTER 
Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK

Winner of the America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show in January, this art piece was built from the ground up by Troy Trepanier and his team at Rad Rides. Designed to resemble a '36 roadster, the build required reworking the proportions to suit an open-wheel configuration—meaning every component, from the body and chassis to the suspension and machined parts, was designed and fabricated in-house. Furthermore, all paint and interior work was done in-house as well. A supercharged Ford 312ci Y-block engine paired with a quick-change rear axle powers the custom hot rod, which features a torsion-bar suspension. The roadster may be an AMBR winner, but how will it fare against other builds yet to be revealed? 

CHANCE DIXON 
'46 CHEVROLET 3100 
Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK 

What do you get out of Chance Dixon's Grim Reaper Speed Shop? A Mad Max-style hot-rod truck ready to cause some havoc in the wastelands. The heavily patinaed body is joined to a custom-built chassis fabricated by Dixon, utilizing Village Customs' front cantilever air ride and a triangle four-link rear setup. The exposed twin-turbo third-gen LS features Texas Speed internals and ICT Billet parts. Its most unique feature is the intriguing intake that comes up into the cab, allowing for a 180-degree turn back out. "It leaves many people scratching their heads wondering how it works," says Dixon. At car meets, he allows youngsters to play with the air ride, spreading interest and curiosity for the next generation of enthusiasts.

CODY DABNEY 
'69 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 
Category: SPORT COMPACT, IMPORT PERFORMANCE, LUXURY & EXOTIC 

Concept art for Cody Dabney's Chevelle project offers a competitive look into what's in store for this year's BOTB. Three-stage aurelium bronze pearl paint highlights the sharp body lines. The rear features a custom rear diffuser with integrated dual-exhaust outlets, and Greening wheels with mini tubs and flush-mounted glass complete the exterior. The cockpit is entirely bespoke, featuring a Velocity hand-built leather interior, leather-wrapped six-point roll cage, custom Velocity billet components and boasts Holley EFI digital gauges. A Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis serves as the foundation for the Chevy, bearing a Nelson twin-turbo LS 427 V8 bolted to a Tremec T-56 manual transmission. 

TRAVIS SANCHEZ 
'66 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 
Category: YOUNG GUNS  

The C2 Corvettes have aged like fine wines, fitting for the paint job Travis Sanchez has chosen for his. The custom widebody and scoops bring new life to the already timeless model. Adding to the modernization are Restomod-Tech's hide-away headlights, which provide a more aggressive lighting pose. Equipped with an LS3 engine and a 6L80E transmission, the build comes alive with full 3-in. Borla exhausts with cutouts for side pipes. The powertrain locks into a Roadster Shop chassis and is cradled by a smooth fabricated firewall. Performance Baer brakes complement one-off luxury wheels from Avant Garde, making this restomod a formidable contender. 

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

Turbo Tires, an Irwindale, California-based, high-performance tire manufacturer, has promoted Todd Tyler to president of the company, effective immediately.

Tyler has been with the company for three years and will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

In his new role, Tyler will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Turbo Tires and its Lexani, Lionhart and Rolling Big Power brands, and will work closely with the executive team to drive continued innovation, expand the company's market share and deliver value to Turbo Tires' customers and partners, according to the company.

"I am honored and excited to take on this new role at Turbo Tires," said Tyler. "Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of being a part of this incredible team and witnessing the growth and success of our brands. As president, my top priority will be to build on this momentum, further strengthen our market position, and ensure that we continue to deliver the high-quality, innovative tires that our customers have come to expect."

"Todd's deep understanding of our business, proven track record of success, and unwavering commitment to our team and customers make him the ideal choice to lead Turbo Tires as our new president," said Phillip Kane, CEO. "We are confident that under his leadership, Turbo Tires will continue to thrive and solidify its position as a leading innovator in the tire industry."

For more information, visit turbotires.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Nic Brooks, director at Adventure Lifestyle, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Brooks in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Nic Brooks: I've always had a passion for vehicles and how they work, especially in demanding environments like off-road terrain. What really inspired me to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry was the community and culture surrounding it, which consists of people who value hard work, dependability and pushing limits. It's an industry where practical engineering meets adventure, and that combination really motivates me to be part of it and contribute to its growth.

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?

NB: As a current TORA member, Adventure Lifestyle is proud to strongly support the organization. Both TORA and Adventure Lifestyle share common goals--raising industry standards and helping shape the future of the off-road and truck-accessory markets. Additionally, I would be personally interested in volunteering to serve as a member-at-large.  

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

NB: When you're passionate about something, pursue it relentlessly with everything you have. Put your heart into it, and strive to elevate not just yourself, but everything and everyone around you.

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?  

NB: I have a deep passion and genuine love for overlanding. Given that, my ideal setup would be a new model Land Cruiser outfitted for overlanding. A mindful setup that balances reliability, capability and comfort for long-haul adventures. Right now, my daily driver is a Ford Super Duty diesel.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member companies still have time to sign up for the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Career Fair at SEMA Garage Detroit, a unique opportunity to connect with passionate students and recent graduates who are eager to launch their careers in the automotive aftermarket.

Rescheduled from spring to fall to better accommodate students looking for careers earlier in the school year, the career fair will take place at the SEMA Garage Detroit on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. EDT.  

Whether your company is actively hiring or simply looking to support and inspire the industry's future innovators, the ETTN Career Fair provides a valuable setting for meaningful engagement. Participating companies will receive a dedicated space to showcase their brand, connect face-to-face with emerging talent and network with the broader aftermarket community.

Attendees will also have the chance to explore the SEMA Garage Detroit's state-of-the-art tools, equipment and resources that support product development.

Participation is free for SEMA members. Don't miss your chance to boost brand visibility and invest in the industry's future workforce. Secure your spot here.  

By Ashley Reyes

No one understands the automotive aftermarket industry better than the professionals who live and breathe it every day. From passionate business leaders and forward-thinking innovators to SEMA volunteers who go above and beyond to advance their market segment, the industry is powered by people and companies who go above and beyond to serve their communities and advance their market segments.  

To honor individuals and companies making an impact within their specific market segments through innovation, leadership, mentorship or service, SEMA is now accepting nominations for its prestigious Council and Network awards. Nominate today!  

Presented during the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4-7, the awards offer an opportunity to spotlight the people and businesses shaping the future of their industry communities. Whether they're blazing new trails or quietly lifting others up behind the scenes, this is a chance to recognize and thank them for their efforts.  

Know a business that has left a positive impact on its segment? Or a person who has enhanced their community's stature and growth? How about a long-time council member whose contributions have enhanced the industry for the better?  

Don't miss the chance to ensure they're recognized--submit your nomination today!  

Nominees must be current members of the council or network for which they are being nominated. The deadline to submit is Monday, September 1.

Visit sema.org/cn-awards to learn more and submit your nomination.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here. 

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here. 

By SEMA News Editors

As specialty-equipment industry manufacturers once again prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists at the forefront and take advantage of the many programs available to exhibitors that are designed to help your brand increase exposure and improve ROI.

In order to help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, here are some exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

Products for Project-Vehicle Builders Program

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2025 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2025 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• August 13: SEMA Show Directory listing information.
• August 15: Press/Media Conference application.
• August 22: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations.
• August 28: SEMA Show Directory ad materials due.

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, October 2, discount deadline, which offers discounted prices off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is proud to announce the return of its engaging and expanded booth at the 2025 SEMA Show--this year with three powerhouse partners: Autofluencer, HAVEN Creative and Real Deal Revolution. Together, SBN and these women-owned businesses will help deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that educates, connects and celebrates women in the automotive aftermarket. 

Spanning 20x30 sq. ft., the SBN booth at the 2025 SEMA Show-- November 4-7, Las Vegas--will serve as a hub of learning, empowerment and professional development, while also shining a spotlight on the contributions of women across the industry. Attendees can expect a full week of hands-on workshops, interactive displays and meaningful networking opportunities.  

Autofluencer will host live panel discussions and interviews, provide content creation tips and offer exciting giveaways that support female creators in the industry. "I joined SBN at my first SEMA after starting Autofluencer, and the community has been a game-changer," said Erica Sietsma, Autoinfluencer's founder and CEO. "Being in the booth this year feels like coming full circle—it's my chance to give back."

HAVEN Creative will bring its "Make Mavens. Get Sh*t Done." activation featuring a collaborative Maven Wall, podcast interviews with women leaders, personal branding tools and more. "I'm most excited about the real, raw conversations that are going to happen in this space," said Jeni Bukolt, founder of HAVEN Creative. "I love helping people gain clarity and connect with others to unlock their potential."

Real Deal Revolution will offer hands-on technical workshops like pinstriping, carburetor rebuilds and plastic welding--designed to equip attendees with new skills and confidence. "Our hands-on workshops are designed to empower others to discover they are far more capable than they realize," said Theresa Contreras, co-founder of Real Deal Revolution. "By showcasing skilled women in their craft, we aim to inspire confidence, break barriers and spark the belief that they, too, can forge their own path."

"The SBN booth is more than just a display--it's a space where community is built, careers are supported and women are celebrated," said SBN Select Committee Member Annette Bauer. "Our partners share this mission and will help us elevate the presence and impact of women at the SEMA Show." 

Attendees can also learn more about SBN's year-round programming, member benefits and how to get involved. Stop by the SBN booth at SEMA Show this November. Whether you're a newcomer, ally or long-time supporter, this is your place to connect, grow and get inspired. 

To learn more about SBN or to become a member, visit sema.org/sbn.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, and we've reached a solid mid-way point in the year. With Congress back home during its summer recess, SEMA is preparing for a busy fall in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025. Here's where things stand.

Halting Electric-Vehicle (EV) Mandates and Preserving Vehicle Choice

The big win so far this year. SEMA didn't just play a pivotal role in killing EV mandates--we led the effort in Washington, D.C., on this issue, earning a visit to the White House when President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that protects more than 330,000 American jobs and preserves $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

Along the way, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:  

• Send more than 56,000 letters and make more than 2,000 phone calls to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
   
• Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
   
• Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and staff.
   
• Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol. 

Meanwhile, other states wised up to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont each backed off policies that followed California's emissions policies, while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates can never take effect.  

Protecting the Right to Repair and Modify Vehicles

The REPAIR Act was introduced in the House and Senate and awaits committee action. However, SEMA has declined to support these bills, which do not provide sufficient protections for vehicle owners who want to legally and safely modify their vehicles, as well as the specialty aftermarket businesses that produce, sell and install products that modify vehicles. Our right to repair/right to modify principles document clearly outlines what must be done by lawmakers to earn SEMA's support.

Preserving Access to Public Lands for Recreational Use

Before departing from office, President Biden signed the SEMA-supported Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act) (HR 6492), thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

Then, in May, SEMA helped deliver a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts when the California Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California. This victory was a direct result of SEMA's lawsuit, which rightly argued that the CCC violated the state's Coastal Act when it ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Tariffs

SEMA continues to gather information on the impact of tariffs on our members and share this information with the Trump Administration and lawmakers. SEMA has met with the Department of Commerce to share survey data culled from our member businesses on tariff impacts, and established a strong set of guiding principles to serve as a north star for discussions with federal policymakers on international trade. Because tariffs remain a rapidly changing landscape, we'll continue to reinforce to the government how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Shaping Tax Policies That Help Small Businesses

SEMA advocated for and helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American businesses. The bill includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for R&D and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions, and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements. The new law is a massive win for specialty-aftermarket businesses. 

SEMA has also spent a great deal of time laying the groundwork for action in the fall to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation. The bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462) would permanently ensure that motorsports entertainment complexes can depreciate the money they invest in their facility over a seven-year period. 

Without congressional action, race tracks' depreciation period would revert to up to 39 years at the end of 2025. This is why making the incentive permanent would provide track owners with important certainty for making long-term investments.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA is leading the charge to improve the landscape in California for auto collectors, backing Leno's Law (SB 712), which would expand smog exemptions for a new swath of classic vehicles. This bipartisan bill represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades. It is foundational progress that shows the growing strength of SEMA and the automotive community to advance legislation in the most difficult political environments, like California.

Protection of Small Businesses From Regulatory Overreach

In a major development, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will begin rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse-gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new-car requirements. The proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse-gas limits, the latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009.

SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

In the states, SEMA led successful efforts in Arkansas and Oregon to protect race tracks from orchestrated efforts to shut them down.

Want to learn more? Visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest and follow the SEMA Action Network on Instagram to get involved.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, and we've reached a solid mid-way point in the year. With Congress back home during its summer recess, SEMA is preparing for a busy fall in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025. Here's where things stand.

Halting Electric-Vehicle (EV) Mandates and Preserving Vehicle Choice

The big win so far this year. SEMA didn't just play a pivotal role in killing EV mandates--we led the effort in Washington, D.C., on this issue, earning a visit to the White House when President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that protects more than 330,000 American jobs and preserves $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

Along the way, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:  

• Send more than 56,000 letters and make more than 2,000 phone calls to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
   
• Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
   
• Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and staff.
   
• Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol. 

Meanwhile, other states wised up to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont each backed off policies that followed California's emissions policies, while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates can never take effect.  

Protecting the Right to Repair and Modify Vehicles

The REPAIR Act was introduced in the House and Senate and awaits committee action. However, SEMA has declined to support these bills, which do not provide sufficient protections for vehicle owners who want to legally and safely modify their vehicles, as well as the specialty aftermarket businesses that produce, sell and install products that modify vehicles. Our right to repair/right to modify principles document clearly outlines what must be done by lawmakers to earn SEMA's support.

Preserving Access to Public Lands for Recreational Use

Before departing from office, President Biden signed the SEMA-supported Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act) (HR 6492), thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

Then, in May, SEMA helped deliver a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts when the California Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California. This victory was a direct result of SEMA's lawsuit, which rightly argued that the CCC violated the state's Coastal Act when it ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Tariffs

SEMA continues to gather information on the impact of tariffs on our members and share this information with the Trump Administration and lawmakers. SEMA has met with the Department of Commerce to share survey data culled from our member businesses on tariff impacts, and established a strong set of guiding principles to serve as a north star for discussions with federal policymakers on international trade. Because tariffs remain a rapidly changing landscape, we'll continue to reinforce to the government how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Shaping Tax Policies That Help Small Businesses

SEMA advocated for and helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American businesses. The bill includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for R&D and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions, and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements. The new law is a massive win for specialty-aftermarket businesses. 

SEMA has also spent a great deal of time laying the groundwork for action in the fall to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation. The bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462) would permanently ensure that motorsports entertainment complexes can depreciate the money they invest in their facility over a seven-year period. 

Without congressional action, race tracks' depreciation period would revert to up to 39 years at the end of 2025. This is why making the incentive permanent would provide track owners with important certainty for making long-term investments.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA is leading the charge to improve the landscape in California for auto collectors, backing Leno's Law (SB 712), which would expand smog exemptions for a new swath of classic vehicles. This bipartisan bill represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades. It is foundational progress that shows the growing strength of SEMA and the automotive community to advance legislation in the most difficult political environments, like California.

Protection of Small Businesses From Regulatory Overreach

In a major development, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will begin rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse-gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new-car requirements. The proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse-gas limits, the latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009.

SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

In the states, SEMA led successful efforts in Arkansas and Oregon to protect race tracks from orchestrated efforts to shut them down.

Want to learn more? Visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest and follow the SEMA Action Network on Instagram to get involved.