The scholarship program recognizes students with the fierce resolve to make maximum impact in everything they do.

Carlyle Tools is proud to introduce the Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship to arm the next generation of skilled trade professionals with the tools and support they need to succeed. The scholarship program recognizes exceptional students who embody the Carlyle spirit: innovation in action and the fierce resolve to make maximum impact in everything they do. This monthly scholarship program will award each student with $2,500 and a professional-grade Carlyle toolbox so they can dominate in their field from day one.

For years, the automotive industry has faced a technician shortage, and the lack of a qualified workforce poses a significant threat to its livelihood. However, the next generation is waking up to the promising opportunity in skilled trades and becoming more open-minded about their post-secondary education options. Carlyle recognized this potential and introduced the MAX IMPACT Scholarship to support the endeavors of future techs.

"We believe tomorrow's technicians deserve to be equipped with the unrivaled power and precision that defines Carlyle," said Danny Huffaker, senior vice president of product and marketing at NAPA. "This Carlyle scholarship recognizes the new wave of technicians who are defying conventions and making smart career decisions, and our high-performance tools are built with the efficiency and durability they need to succeed."

The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship will help unleash a new force in the skilled trades world. For Carlyle, this is an investment in the future forces who'll keep America's engines running, systems functioning, and industries thriving.

Program Details:

• Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in accredited skilled trades programs focusing on automotive, diesel, collision repair, heavy equipment, marine, motorcycle and aviation technology.
   
• Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, demonstrated passion for their craft, technical aptitude and potential to make an impact in the industry.
   
• How to Apply or Nominate: Applications and nominations can be submitted through NAPA partner, TechForce Foundation. Candidates must complete the online application form, submit academic transcripts, provide a personal statement explaining why they're built different and include at least one recommendation from an instructor or industry professional.

Scholarship Awards: Recipients will receive $2,500 and a professional-grade Carlyle toolbox, awarded monthly.

Carlyle is the tool line from NAPA, which has undergone a complete brand transformation to become top of the toolchain. Engineered by and for technicians to define unmatched quality and performance, Carlyle is BUILT DIFFERENT for the techs who demand power and accuracy from automotive tools.

For more information, please visit The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship page: The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship - TechForce.

For more information about Carlyle Tools, visit CarlyleTools.com.

About NAPA

Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and more than 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America's largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit napaonline.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

Clearing another significant step in the legislative process, Leno's Law, officially known as Senate Bill (SB) 712, was successfully passed out of the California Senate. The 32-3 vote, with strong bipartisan support, reflects the widespread recognition of the need to protect collectors who seek the cultural and historical value of the cars they love. 

SB 712 now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be referred to a policy committee and heard prior to July 18.

Leno's Law is authored by Senator Shannon Grove and backed by renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno. It aims to exempt collector cars 35 years or older from the state's stringent smog check requirements, provided they have a historical vehicle license plate and are insured as a collector car. This bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers, allowing classic cars to remain on the road. The passage of Leno's Law through the Senate is a crucial step forward for car enthusiasts and the state's economy. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It only takes a minute!) 

To help answer common questions and clarify confusion about what the bill does and why recent amendments were made, SEMA has prepared detailed FAQs that explain who qualifies under the bill, why specific changes were added during the legislative process, and what to expect as the bill continues to move through the State Assembly. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Leno's Law and learn how to get involved. 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

Clearing another significant step in the legislative process, Leno's Law, officially known as Senate Bill (SB) 712, was successfully passed out of the California Senate. The 32-3 vote, with strong bipartisan support, reflects the widespread recognition of the need to protect collectors who seek the cultural and historical value of the cars they love. 

SB 712 now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be referred to a policy committee and heard prior to July 18.

Leno's Law is authored by Senator Shannon Grove and backed by renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno. It aims to exempt collector cars 35 years or older from the state's stringent smog check requirements, provided they have a historical vehicle license plate and are insured as a collector car. This bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers, allowing classic cars to remain on the road. The passage of Leno's Law through the Senate is a crucial step forward for car enthusiasts and the state's economy. 

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It only takes a minute!) 

To help answer common questions and clarify confusion about what the bill does and why recent amendments were made, SEMA has prepared detailed FAQs that explain who qualifies under the bill, why specific changes were added during the legislative process, and what to expect as the bill continues to move through the State Assembly. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Leno's Law and learn how to get involved. 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is accepting applications for its annual PRO Cup Challenge, taking place at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Designed to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and passion that drive the automotive-customization industry, the competition invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. The goal of the program is to show restylers, dealerships and accessory manufacturers the benefit of designing marketable accessory packages instead of "one-time" vehicles. 

To qualify for the competition, the restyled vehicle must have maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed and a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to the dealer. 

Benefits of competing include:  

Vehicle Placement in West Hall  

Selected companies will have their vehicle showcased in the PRO booth in West Hall, putting their skills and brand in front of thousands of buyers and media.  

Recognition From Peers, Public  

Judges made of industry experts will select a PRO Cup Challenge winner based on the accessory package's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. SEMA Showgoers will vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award. 

Brand Exposure  

Competing shops and their vehicles are featured in SEMA and PRO publications and social media leading up to, during and after the SEMA Show. 

Networking Opportunities  

Companies participate in networking and recognition opportunities at SEMA Show PRO events, opening the door to valuable industry connections and potential partnerships. 

Build Industry Credibility  

Restylers can position themselves as experts in their field by creating custom vehicle options that stand out in dealership showrooms. By participating in the challenge, restylers can demonstrate their ability to attract new customers, increase sales and build lasting customer loyalty.

Applications are due July 25. If selected, competitors must complete and submit a build sheet with the basic concept of their package by September 5. Apply here today and learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge at the 2025 SEMA Show here. 

PRO is looking for member manufacturers to donate parts or offer parts at a discounted price to PRO Cup Challenge applicants. This is a great opportunity to showcase your products on the vehicles that are selected for the competition. Sign up here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Housing reservations are now open for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, including several new hotels, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

Driving to the Show? See the list below for hotels offering free parking during the Show and book through onPeak to secure your stay.  

SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas, as well as numerous other benefits for Showgoers.

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online here. Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show will open on Monday, April 28.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA+, the new membership for anyone who has a passion for cars, trucks, racing, wrenching or just being a part of the scene, is the best way to stay connected with the car community and claim your all-access pass to some of the aftermarket's premier events.  

Into racing? You're in luck! Join now to take advantage of an exclusive opportunity for SEMA+ members to get $10 off tickets (you can buy more than one!) and reserved seating for at: 

19th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals 

Norwalk, Ohio | June 27-29, 2025 

Summit Motorsports Park

Bring your friends. Bring your family. Watch some of the fastest cars on the planet tear down the track. 

But that's not all! 

If seeing the latest parts, newest innovations and groundbreaking builds is more your style, joining SEMA+ is your chance to be where the automotive world comes together with an exclusive offer for a discount on tickets for:

"SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public"

Las Vegas, Nevada | November 7, 2025

Las Vegas Convention Center

SEMA+ members get $10 off their "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" ticket (limit one per member).

This one-day, Friday-only event opens the doors of the world's largest automotive aftermarket show to enthusiasts, giving you access to: 

• The legendary SEMA Show floor 
• Curated vehicle builds 
• Outdoor demonstrations 
• Future-shaping trends and innovation 

Already a member?  

👉 Login to claim your discounts on these exclusive offers. 

Not yet a member? 

Join for just $40/year ($3.33/month) and get: 

✔ Discounts on events, parts and brands. 

✔ Access to members-only perks. 

✔ Membership to SEMA's first-ever car and truck club. 

Don't miss out on these epic events and stay tuned for more event announcements coming your way. Whether you work on cars and trucks or just love them, SEMA+ is for you. 

Join now → sema.org/plus 

By SEMA News Editors

Valentine Performance Detailing

Garage Gloss Floor Finish

Adding to the company’s garage and paddock protection solutions, VPD has launched its new Garage Gloss, a polymer-based floor finish that delivers brilliant, long-lasting shine, according to the manufacturer. Garage Gloss has a durable, quick-curing formula that ensures floors stay glossy and protected and provides a slip-resistant finish that is safe to use on all floors, including vinyl tile, linoleum, sealed wood, terrazzo, rubber and more.

valentineperformance.com

AMSOIL

Quick Detailer, Wheel and Tire Cleaner, and Tire and Trim Protectant

AMSOIL has expanded its specially formulated line of car-care products with the addition of its new Quick Detailer, Wheel and Tire Cleaner, and Tire and Trim Protectant. The Quick Detailer is formulated with surfactants and cleaning agents designed to lubricate while lifting away light dust and debris from painted and plastic surfaces. The Wheel and Tire Cleaner with two-in-one formula is pH-balanced to safely break down brake dust, road grime and tire blooming, and is made without harsh solvents to ensure an effective clean without harming wheels or tires. The Tire and Trim Protectant features an advanced, non-greasy formulation helps condition rubber and exterior plastic trim for a long-lasting satin or gloss finish.

amsoil.com

Optronics

4-in. Round STL104 Series Custom LED Logo Lights 

Optronics has announced the launch of its STL104 Series custom LED logo lights in 4-in. round format as a low-cost alternative to Optronics’ original logo light. Each STL104 Series custom logo light features 29 SMD LEDs configured specifically for its round footprint, with 10 LEDs paired with optics for optimal light output and the remaining 19 LEDs illuminating the logo portion during stop and turn functions. It offers an industry-standard PL3 connection and grommet mounting, with other connection and mounting options available.

optronicsinc.com

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Shelby Chrisman, buyer at Warn Industries DBA Fabtech Motorsports, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Shelby Chrisman: Respect the janitor the same way you would the CEO of the company. This has helped in building strong team environments and understanding that it takes every level of the company to be successful.

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

SC: My love and passion for automotive/motorsports.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

SC: At home watching the drag races or at the track.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

SC: I review notes, organize topics that I want to cover, have questions in order and know my audience.

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

SC: Mickey Thompson. Mickey has a huge impact on the industry, and I would love to hear his stories.

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

Starting in 2029, vehicle manufacturers must make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard in cars and light trucks, per the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127. The final rule applies to nearly all American light vehicles, impacting all aftermarket manufacturers that modify systems that interact with AEB.  

On June 17 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, several of SEMA's councils and networks in collaboration with the SEMA Garage will host a webinar to provide aftermarket manufacturers and install shops with a high-level overview of FMVSS No. 127, applicability, implementation timing and steps to take now to be prepared. 

Compliance requirements are less than five years out, which is a short timeline for product development. While many aftermarket products are likely to directly affect advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) functionality, members also need to understand how to quantify the impacts and risks of taking a vehicle out of FMVSS safety compliance and how ensuring compliance can save them from a lawsuit in the future. 

Register here.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), SEMA Professional Restylers Organizations (PRO), SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) and the SEMA Garage.  

By Ashley Reyes

QA1 President and CEO Melissa Scoles and representatives from QA1 accept the 2024 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year award.

In honor of the dedication and hard work that drives the automotive specialty-equipment industry, SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award. Presented at the SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--the award honors a manufacturing business that has made outstanding contributions to the specialty-automotive industry during SEMA's fiscal year of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. 

"The automotive aftermarket industry relies on manufacturers to drive innovation, bolster economic growth, and champion careers that advance the industry," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. "Submitting a nomination is a great way to help us identify a company that has gone above and beyond in these areas and that is worthy of this prestigious recognition." 

To be considered, a company must: 

• Be from the automotive aftermarket industry 
• Be a SEMA member and actively involved (e.g., utilizes association benefits, service of councils/networks, task forces, committees, board etc.) 
• Demonstrate outstanding business practices 
• Establish innovative processes and products 
• Exhibit a high degree of corporate responsibility by investing in and contributing to their local community 
• Display workforce excellence and invest in the well-being of their employees 
• Provide outstanding service to their customers 
• Demonstrate high-quality retail displays and packaging 
• Have complete and high-quality product data and provide new product data sets in a timely manner 
• Do an outstanding job protecting their brand equity 

SEMA is also accepting nominations for other prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at sema.org/awards until Friday, August 15. The SEMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in six different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Visionary 8. 

The 2025 SEMA Show festivities will shift into gear on Tuesday, November 4, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

On Thursday, November 6, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue the same day at the newly reimagined industry homecoming--SEMA Industry Honors--now staged at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and the coveted Person of the Year. 

Learn more about the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year award and other SEMA industry awards currently accepting nominations at sema.org/awards.