By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA, on behalf of the specialty automotive aftermarket industry and community of automotive enthusiasts nationwide, believes that individuals' right to repair and modify the vehicles they own is essential to a free nation and the future of the industry.  
 

New barriers, whether legal or technological, hinder vehicle owners' ability to work on their vehicles, seek repairs at independent automotive shops, and manufacture and install replacement and specialty parts, software and services to enhance their vehicles' safety, performance and comfort each year.
 

These barriers represent an ever-evolving challenge to vehicle owners and the thousands of businesses that make up the specialty automotive aftermarket industry, whose $337 billion annual economic impact is a core driver of the nation's economy.  
 

Historically, aftermarket modifications have been largely mechanical. However, modifying newer vehicles to improve performance, safety, reliability and appearance requires aftermarket businesses to access a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU), on-board diagnostics systems (OBD) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to ensure it understands how the parts and products installed interact with OEM systems. Accordingly, it is imperative that OEM data from testing and system calibration is available and able to accommodate vehicle modifications to maintain the integrity and performance of safety systems after a vehicle has been modified.  
 

While many new ADAS features, such as lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, come standard in the latest models of vehicles, the technology automakers employ to support these systems varies greatly by model and OEM. Currently, vehicle manufacturers are not required to provide full-vehicle lifecycle support, including instructions, application guides, proper mounting or functionality windows, or access to make changes outside of the original sensor location and configuration.  
 

This presents a challenge to correctly and safely calibrate ADAS and ensure optimal performance after basic modifications, such as installing larger tires and wheels, lift kits, lowering kits, bumpers, grilles, push bars, light bars, bike racks and winches.  
 

SEMA is committed to protecting the rights of vehicle owners and millions of automotive enthusiasts to choose where and with what parts and software their vehicles are repaired, customized and modified.  
 

It is imperative that any legislative, regulatory or industry standards or agreements adhere to the principles outlined below. While the REPAIR Act is designed to provide vehicle information and data to protect the future of the independent repair industry, the bill does not extend similar protections to individuals and businesses that modify and customize vehicles, nor does it provide access to the information needed to properly recalibrate ADAS systems after a vehicle has been modified.  
 

SEMA is neutral on the REPAIR Act and will advocate for expanding the legislation to protect the right to modify and customize vehicles. 
 

SEMA's support for any "right to repair" legislation is contingent upon meeting the aftermarket industry's needs in the following areas: 

• Access: As automotive technology continues to evolve, vehicle owners and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry, including businesses that manufacture and install specialty parts and software, must have access to the tools, repair procedures and information, configurable vehicle parameters, customization settings, software, technical and compatibility information, and wiring diagrams. Automakers must provide this access at fair and reasonable prices and subject to the same cryptographic or technological protections as their authorized dealers and service providers. 
• Calibration and recalibration: Specialty aftermarket businesses must have access to the information needed to calibrate and recalibrate vehicle systems, including ADAS, to ensure safe operation after a vehicle's ride height and profile is modified, or if the vehicle has been customized.  
• Elimination of barriers: Motor vehicle manufacturers must be prevented from using technological and legal barriers to limit aftermarket parts manufacturers, vehicle repairers, and businesses that modify or customize vehicles to manufacture or install aftermarket parts, services, and software needed to repair, customize, or modify a vehicle. 
• A level playing field: Vehicle owners, aftermarket parts manufacturers, diagnostic tool manufacturers, and motor-vehicle service businesses must have access to the same information and tools as OEM's authorized vehicle service providers. Along these lines, such access must be provided in the same manner, time, method, cost (must be fair and reasonable), content set, and subject to the same cryptographic or technological protections, as vehicle manufacturers' authorized vehicle service providers. 
• Owners' data rights: Vehicle owners must have the right to access their vehicle's safety and performance data and be able to share this information with the repairer or vehicle service provider of their choice. 
   

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on February 25, 2025.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | mpohodzhay
Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Tualek Photographer
 

By SEMA News Editors

Mojave Desert, Nevada.

Last year, SEMA announced its acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), an organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries, including motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles. Ever since, SEMA and ORBA have been working harmoniously to advocate for policies that protect motorized access to roads and trails on government-owned lands. Below are the latest policy updates on areas of key interest to the motorized recreation community.

Western Mojave Faces 2,200-Mile OHV Closure; Off-Road Community Pushes Back

Off-road advocates push back hard on possible closures with the help of SEMA and ORBA.

SEMA and ORBA, along with a broad coalition of stakeholders, issued a statement decrying a federal court ruling that will result in the closure of approximately 2,200 miles of designated OHV routes across the Western Mohave planning area. Click here to read it. This is a ruling that, if upheld, would result in a significant loss of motorized access for families, recreationists, and public lands enthusiasts from across California and throughout the United States.

The letter, sent under the Ecologic Partners Coalition banner, highlights not only the consequences of the closures but also the order's reliance on flawed assumptions about desert tortoise mortality. The coalition, which is comprised of SEMA, ORBA, American Sand Association and AMA District 37, points to decades of scientific evidence that the court failed to take into account, specifically how predator subsidy effects, disease dynamics, and landscape-scale habitat pressures from utility-scale renewable energy projects and other industrial development are the primary and most significant contributors to desert tortoise population trends.

The letter also reaffirms the significant role the off-road community plays in environmental stewardship and protection through volunteer trail maintenance, habitat restoration projects, educational programs and conservation initiatives designed to protect sensitive species while maintaining responsible public access. 

The Fight for Moab's Trails: Interior to Review ORBA-led Appeal for Reopening Trails

BLM previously closed 300+ miles; 150 miles could reopen with SEMA and ORBA support.
 

In a positive development, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has formally taken jurisdiction over ORBA's appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 2023 Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan, which closed down more than 300 miles of trails to motorized vehicles near Moab, Utah.

• In 2025, the BLM proposed to reopen nearly 150 miles of trails in Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges. SEMA and ORBA supported this action (read SEMA's official comment here).

Previously, ORBA's appeal of the plan was assigned to the IBLA. This is an important step forward and is consistent with the Interior Department's efforts to restore trail access at Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | WildSnap

By SEMA News Editors

Mojave Desert, Nevada.

Last year, SEMA announced its acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), an organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries, including motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles. Ever since, SEMA and ORBA have been working harmoniously to advocate for policies that protect motorized access to roads and trails on government-owned lands. Below are the latest policy updates on areas of key interest to the motorized recreation community.

Western Mojave Faces 2,200-Mile OHV Closure; Off-Road Community Pushes Back

Off-road advocates push back hard on possible closures with the help of SEMA and ORBA.

SEMA and ORBA, along with a broad coalition of stakeholders, issued a statement decrying a federal court ruling that will result in the closure of approximately 2,200 miles of designated OHV routes across the Western Mohave planning area. Click here to read it. This is a ruling that, if upheld, would result in a significant loss of motorized access for families, recreationists, and public lands enthusiasts from across California and throughout the United States.

The letter, sent under the Ecologic Partners Coalition banner, highlights not only the consequences of the closures but also the order's reliance on flawed assumptions about desert tortoise mortality. The coalition, which is comprised of SEMA, ORBA, American Sand Association and AMA District 37, points to decades of scientific evidence that the court failed to take into account, specifically how predator subsidy effects, disease dynamics, and landscape-scale habitat pressures from utility-scale renewable energy projects and other industrial development are the primary and most significant contributors to desert tortoise population trends.

The letter also reaffirms the significant role the off-road community plays in environmental stewardship and protection through volunteer trail maintenance, habitat restoration projects, educational programs and conservation initiatives designed to protect sensitive species while maintaining responsible public access. 

The Fight for Moab's Trails: Interior to Review ORBA-led Appeal for Reopening Trails

BLM previously closed 300+ miles; 150 miles could reopen with SEMA and ORBA support.
 

In a positive development, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has formally taken jurisdiction over ORBA's appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 2023 Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan, which closed down more than 300 miles of trails to motorized vehicles near Moab, Utah.

• In 2025, the BLM proposed to reopen nearly 150 miles of trails in Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges. SEMA and ORBA supported this action (read SEMA's official comment here).

Previously, ORBA's appeal of the plan was assigned to the IBLA. This is an important step forward and is consistent with the Interior Department's efforts to restore trail access at Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | WildSnap

By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide (RANDYS) has appointed David Buckley as its new CEO, the company announced.
 

Effective March 9, 2026, Buckley succeeds Kevin Kaestner, who is retiring after leading RANDYS for 18 years. Kaestner will remain involved with RANDYS in an advisory capacity, supporting the company's ongoing merger and acquisition strategy. 
 

Founded in 1982, RANDYS is a national supplier of drivetrain, suspension, towing and undercar products for the vehicle aftermarket and offers broad vehicle fitment coverage, supporting drivetrain, suspension and towing components across light trucks, pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs. Through its family of brands--including Yukon Gear & Axle, USA Standard Gear, Zumbrota Drivetrain, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Carli Suspension, Cognito Motorsports, Dynatrac, Van Compass, Adams Drivetrain, North America Powertrain and BulletProof Hitches--the company serves customers across all major aftermarket channels.  
 

Buckley brings nearly 40 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, distribution and engineering in the automotive, energy and aerospace and defense sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO of Race Winning Brands and has led a number of successful organizations throughout his career, the company said.
 

"RANDYS Worldwide has built a remarkable 40-plus-year legacy grounded in engineering excellence, strong customer relationships and a genuine passion for the automotive world," Buckley said. "I am honored to join the company and build on the strength of its brands and its team. I look forward to working closely with Greenbriar, our employees and our customers as we continue to grow the business." 
 

"RANDYS has built an exceptional platform through sustained investment in its market-leading brands, distinctive omnichannel model and talented team. We are grateful for Kevin's years of leadership and role in positioning the company for continued success," said Matt Burke, managing director of Greenbriar Equity Group, parent company of RANDYS. "David brings deep industry expertise, a strong track record of operational leadership and a commitment to the values that define RANDYS.  We look forward to partnering with him as the company enters its next phase of growth."
 

"It has been a privilege to lead RANDYS through a period of meaningful growth and transformation. Together, we expanded our capabilities, strengthened our brands and positioned the company as a leader in the vehicle aftermarket," said Kaestner. I am especially proud of the team and culture we have built. David brings tremendous experience and leadership, and I am confident he will continue advancing the Company's strategy while honoring its legacy." 
 

For more information, visit randysworldwide.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA-member company employees have an exclusive opportunity to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and close Friday, April 3, at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program?

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

What are the eligibility requirements?
 

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business.
• Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada.
• Have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.
   

What are the benefits of being selected?
 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program presents individuals with the opportunity to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain. It also empowers them to pursue their passions more freely, while saving money out-of-pocket in the long run.
 

How to Apply
 

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named April Wong, marketing specialist at Unicorn Tire, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. Get to know Wong in her interview with SEMA News below. 
 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

April Wong: I've been with my current company for nearly three years, and what I enjoy most is the team around me. They make me feel like family. Working in marketing allows me to juggle many different tasks, so every day is unique. I love that my role lets me handle exciting projects, from social media and content creation to event planning, sponsorships and even modeling at events, which makes the work both dynamic and fun.

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

AW: The biggest challenge is managing the sheer variety of projects that come my way. From surprise tasks to event modeling, e-commerce, social media campaigns, builds, content, graphic design and coordinating with sponsors and vendors. At times, it can feel overwhelming, but navigating these challenges has helped me sharpen my organizational skills, prioritize effectively and stay adaptable under pressure.

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

AW: I'm going on three years in the industry, and this is my first industry role. It's been an incredible learning experience, allowing me to grow professionally while contributing to the company's marketing and branding initiatives.

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

AW: Adaptability, ability to work well under pressure and empathy have been crucial in my career. Adaptability allows me to pivot quickly when unexpected projects or challenges arise. Working well under pressure ensures I can deliver high-quality results even in fast-paced environments. Empathy helps me understand colleagues, clients and audiences, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration both personally and professionally.
 

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

AW: Being a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry can be challenging, especially when it comes to breaking through stereotypes and showing that you can handle the work just as well as anyone else. One thing I'm really proud of is building our whole sponsor program from the ground up. I coordinated partnerships, managed communications and made sure everything lined up with our marketing goals. Seeing it all come together successfully has been such a rewarding experience and really shows why I love being in this industry.
 

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

AW: My biggest role model is the owner of our company. She's a true girl boss and the epitome of breaking through stereotypes in this industry. Watching how she leads, makes decisions and handles challenges has been so inspiring. She's shown me what's possible and encouraged me to trust myself, take ownership of projects and push myself to grow every day.
 

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

AW: "Adaptability is your greatest asset." This advice has shaped both my career and personal life. In marketing, especially in the tire industry, strategies, trends and consumer behaviors are constantly shifting. Being adaptable has allowed me to pivot when needed, stay ahead of trends and take on challenges with confidence. Personally, it's taught me to embrace change rather than fear it, leading to growth in all areas of my life.
 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

AW: I honestly didn't know where I was going to end up. I've always loved makeup and fashion, but cars have been a passion too. I used to own a Miata and would go to car shows with friends all the time. What keeps me in this industry is how fun and laid-back it can be, but also how hype it is. The adrenaline. The energy. The events. I love being part of that excitement and the creative, fast-paced environment.
 

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

AW: The most influential person in my career has been my mom. She immigrated here from China, and knowing the sacrifices she made pushes me to chase the opportunities she wanted but never had. She's always supported me, encouraged me to follow my passions and taught me to work hard and stay confident. Her guidance has shaped not only my career but also how I approach challenges and opportunities in life.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes 

Staying current on regulatory emissions compliance is essential for performance product manufacturers to mitigate risk and avoid costly enforcement actions.
 

To keep manufacturing teams informed on current compliance developments, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a virtual education session, "Regulatory Navigation for the Aftermarket," on Tuesday, March 24, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.
 

Over the past year, manufacturers have experienced regulatory shifts, increased scrutiny, and uncertainty around what lies ahead. This session brings together expert panelists to deliver situational awareness on current and anticipated activity from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Attendees will gain clarity on CARB aftermarket EO challenges and strategies to overcome them, how to comply with EPA regulations without a CARB EO, and what enforcement trends manufacturers should be monitoring.
 

Speakers include:
 

• Michael Major, attorney, Powerful Compliance
• Christian Robinson, senior director of state government affairs and grassroots, SEMA
• Eric Snyder, senior director of federal government affairs, SEMA
• Peter Treydte, powertrain and compliance specialist, Automotive Consulting Services, Inc.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions to the panel following the presentation.
 

Register for the session here.
 

View past ETTN Virtual Education webinars here. 

By Ashley Reyes

Are you passionate about trail sustainability for the truck and off-road industry? Get ready to roll up your sleeves.
 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is seeking volunteers for a hands-on stewardship project along the first two miles of the Kane Creek Safari Route during Easter Jeep Safari 2026 in Moab, Utah. Led by SEMA and Tread Lightly!, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), TORA and Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), the project will take place Tuesday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. MDT.
 

How Your Help Protects Land Use

The working project invites TORA and industry members to take part in protecting trail access and supporting responsible recreation during one of the off-road community's most recognized annual gatherings.
 

Volunteers will work alongside BLM staff to install buck-and-rail fencing at designated locations to protect sensitive resources, clearly define the travel route, and help ensure long-term motorized access. The project reinforces a shared commitment to keeping trails open and sustainable for future generations.
 

Participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. at a staging location near Kane Creek Road and depart at 9:30 a.m. for the Safari Route trailhead. The project is expected to conclude on or before 2:00 p.m.; however, if approximately 40 volunteers are in attendance, organizers anticipate finishing closer to 12:30 p.m.

This is a working project, and volunteers should come prepared for light to moderate physical labor, including post setting, rail placement and site cleanup. Lunch will be provided by TORA.
 

To ensure that through-traffic access is not blocked, participation will be limited to 15 vehicles on the trail. Volunteers are encouraged to carpool or shuttle as needed. Parking will be available near the trailhead for those who arrive in additional vehicles and can join others traveling onto the trail.
 

The stewardship project is free to attend; however, volunteer RSVP is required.
 

RSVP today to secure your spot and support the long-term sustainability of the trails that power the off-road industry.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue advancing "Right to Race" efforts nationwide to protect race tracks and the racing community. Here's the latest:
 

Wisconsin: SEMA and PRI Provide Policy Update at POWAR Motorsports Coalition Meeting
 

Members of the Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) at their bi-annual industry meeting at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, received updates from SEMA and PRI on motorsports policy efforts to protect racing in the state and across the country. The meeting brought together race track owners and operators, sanctioning bodies, insurance providers and manufacturers from across Wisconsin to discuss issues affecting the motorsports community.
 

Wisconsin is home to one of the most vibrant grassroots racing communities in the country, with race tracks serving as economic and tourism drivers for local communities and gathering places for motorsports enthusiasts across the state.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI presented an overview of the growing national momentum behind "Right-to-Race" legislation and discussed the importance of proactive engagement with state policymakers to protect long-standing racing facilities from nuisance-based legal challenges.
 

Attendees also received updates on legislative activity in Wisconsin and on the role the motorsports community can play in educating lawmakers about the industry's economic and cultural contributions.

Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing Spring 2026 Meeting at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Michigan: SEMA and PRI Give Motorsports Policy Update at MSPA Meeting

SEMA and PRI and met with more than 85 industry leaders at a recent gathering to provide updates on legislative efforts affecting race tracks and the broader motorsports ecosystem. The meeting, hosted at SEMA member company Lane Automotive, brought together race-track operators, promoters, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to discuss challenges facing motorsports and opportunities to strengthen the industry's voice with policymakers.
 

During the presentation, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national effort to advance "Right-to-Race" protections to safeguard long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought after surrounding development occurs.
 

The discussion also focused on the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and lawmakers to ensure that motorsports facilities and stakeholders can continue operating responsibly while supporting local jobs and small businesses.
 

Michigan's deep automotive heritage and strong motorsports culture make the state an important leader in the performance racing industry, with race tracks serving as key hubs for competition, innovation and community engagement.

Michigan Speedway Promotors Association Spring 2026 Meeting at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.

Virginia: State Lawmakers Launch SEMA and PRI-supported Motorsports Caucus
 

SEMA and PRI participated in the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Motorsports Caucus on March 12 at the state Capitol in Richmond. The caucus, chaired by Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Israel O'Quinn, brought together lawmakers and leaders from across the motorsports community to discuss the issues facing racing facilities, teams and related businesses, and how policymakers can help ensure the long-term success of the industry.
 

Representatives from Richmond Raceway, Langley Speedway, Dominion Raceway and South Boston Speedway joined NASCAR and other stakeholders to share perspectives on challenges facing race tracks and the broader racing ecosystem.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national momentum behind "Right to Race" legislation and shared economic data demonstrating the industry's significance in Virginia, where motorsports generates $907.02 million in annual economic output, supports 5,555 jobs, provides $362.15 million in wages and benefits and contributes nearly $110 million in state and local taxes.
 

Get Involved
 

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

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

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

Image courtesy of NASCAR | James Price

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue advancing "Right to Race" efforts nationwide to protect race tracks and the racing community. Here's the latest:
 

Wisconsin: SEMA and PRI Provide Policy Update at POWAR Motorsports Coalition Meeting
 

Members of the Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) at their bi-annual industry meeting at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, received updates from SEMA and PRI on motorsports policy efforts to protect racing in the state and across the country. The meeting brought together race track owners and operators, sanctioning bodies, insurance providers and manufacturers from across Wisconsin to discuss issues affecting the motorsports community.
 

Wisconsin is home to one of the most vibrant grassroots racing communities in the country, with race tracks serving as economic and tourism drivers for local communities and gathering places for motorsports enthusiasts across the state.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI presented an overview of the growing national momentum behind "Right-to-Race" legislation and discussed the importance of proactive engagement with state policymakers to protect long-standing racing facilities from nuisance-based legal challenges.
 

Attendees also received updates on legislative activity in Wisconsin and on the role the motorsports community can play in educating lawmakers about the industry's economic and cultural contributions.

Promoters and Operators of Wisconsin Auto Racing Spring 2026 Meeting at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Michigan: SEMA and PRI Give Motorsports Policy Update at MSPA Meeting

SEMA and PRI and met with more than 85 industry leaders at a recent gathering to provide updates on legislative efforts affecting race tracks and the broader motorsports ecosystem. The meeting, hosted at SEMA member company Lane Automotive, brought together race-track operators, promoters, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to discuss challenges facing motorsports and opportunities to strengthen the industry's voice with policymakers.
 

During the presentation, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national effort to advance "Right-to-Race" protections to safeguard long-standing race tracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought after surrounding development occurs.
 

The discussion also focused on the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and lawmakers to ensure that motorsports facilities and stakeholders can continue operating responsibly while supporting local jobs and small businesses.
 

Michigan's deep automotive heritage and strong motorsports culture make the state an important leader in the performance racing industry, with race tracks serving as key hubs for competition, innovation and community engagement.

Michigan Speedway Promotors Association Spring 2026 Meeting at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.

Virginia: State Lawmakers Launch SEMA and PRI-supported Motorsports Caucus
 

SEMA and PRI participated in the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Motorsports Caucus on March 12 at the state Capitol in Richmond. The caucus, chaired by Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Israel O'Quinn, brought together lawmakers and leaders from across the motorsports community to discuss the issues facing racing facilities, teams and related businesses, and how policymakers can help ensure the long-term success of the industry.
 

Representatives from Richmond Raceway, Langley Speedway, Dominion Raceway and South Boston Speedway joined NASCAR and other stakeholders to share perspectives on challenges facing race tracks and the broader racing ecosystem.
 

During the meeting, SEMA and PRI highlighted the growing national momentum behind "Right to Race" legislation and shared economic data demonstrating the industry's significance in Virginia, where motorsports generates $907.02 million in annual economic output, supports 5,555 jobs, provides $362.15 million in wages and benefits and contributes nearly $110 million in state and local taxes.
 

Get Involved
 

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

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

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

Image courtesy of NASCAR | James Price