From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not In My Backyard"-generated nuisance lawsuits. Here’s the latest:  
 

In a win for the racing industry, the Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee has voted unanimously to advance the Racing Facility and Racetrack Qualified Defense Act (SB1195), a measure establishing nuisance protections for long‑standing racing facilities operating in compliance with federal, state and local laws. The bill, authored by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri with Rep. Eric Roberts, now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 
 

SEMA and PRI support SB 1195 as part of the organizations' broader Right‑to‑Race campaign. Across the country, motorsports facilities serve as anchors for local economies, small businesses and community traditions. 
 

This strong bipartisan committee vote reflects growing statewide recognition of the economic and cultural importance of Oklahoma's motorsports venues. SB 1195 protects long-standing facilities from being litigated out of existence simply because the neighborhood changed around them. 

Industry supporters applauded the vote. 
 

"Oklahoma's race tracks have supported families like mine for generations," said Gerald Brand of Brand Racing. "I'm grateful to Sen. Sacchieri for standing up for our racing community and championing a bill that helps ensure these facilities can continue operating responsibly for years to come."
 

SEMA and PRI continue to push for state-level "Right to Race" protections that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor. 
 

Learn more about the Right to Race campaign at SEMA.org/right-to-race. 
 

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, senior manager for state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, at victorm@sema.org. 
 

Lead image courtesy of Shutterstock | zmotions

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not In My Backyard"-generated nuisance lawsuits. Here’s the latest:  
 

In a win for the racing industry, the Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee has voted unanimously to advance the Racing Facility and Racetrack Qualified Defense Act (SB1195), a measure establishing nuisance protections for long‑standing racing facilities operating in compliance with federal, state and local laws. The bill, authored by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri with Rep. Eric Roberts, now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 
 

SEMA and PRI support SB 1195 as part of the organizations' broader Right‑to‑Race campaign. Across the country, motorsports facilities serve as anchors for local economies, small businesses and community traditions. 
 

This strong bipartisan committee vote reflects growing statewide recognition of the economic and cultural importance of Oklahoma's motorsports venues. SB 1195 protects long-standing facilities from being litigated out of existence simply because the neighborhood changed around them. 

Industry supporters applauded the vote. 
 

"Oklahoma's race tracks have supported families like mine for generations," said Gerald Brand of Brand Racing. "I'm grateful to Sen. Sacchieri for standing up for our racing community and championing a bill that helps ensure these facilities can continue operating responsibly for years to come."
 

SEMA and PRI continue to push for state-level "Right to Race" protections that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor. 
 

Learn more about the Right to Race campaign at SEMA.org/right-to-race. 
 

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, senior manager for state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, at victorm@sema.org. 
 

Lead image courtesy of Shutterstock | zmotions

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI members are invited to participate in a free webinar on March 19 that will examine the rapidly evolving situation surrounding refunds for tariffs collected by the U.S. government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

• The session will provide a timely overview of what the U.S. Supreme Court's order means for importers and businesses that have paid IEEPA tariffs.

The webinar is hosted by the Small Business Legislative Council, of which SEMA is a member. It comes after significant legal developments following the Supreme Court's ruling on President Trump's IEEPA tariffs, as well as the recent U.S. Court of International Trade order that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must begin automatically refunding IEEPA duties.
 

During the webinar, legal experts from Barnes & Thornburg LLP will discuss how refunds may be processed for unliquidated entries and for entries whose liquidation status is "not final," an area where significant uncertainty remains. The presenters will address practical questions businesses are asking right now, including how companies can determine liquidation status and what mechanisms CBP plans to use to issue refunds.
 

The webinar will also examine the government's expected appeal and how ongoing litigation and administrative actions could impact refunds tied to entries from early 2025.
 

Rather than a technical deep dive into tariff law, the program is designed to give companies a practical, business-focused overview of the refund process and the key issues that could affect recovery in the months ahead.
 

Title: IEEPA Tariff Refunds: CIT Orders Action, Questions Remain

Who Should Attend: Importers, manufacturers, distributors and businesses impacted by IEEPA tariffs

Cost: Free

Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 

• You can help shape the discussion! Submit your questions when you register.
   

For more information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI members are invited to participate in a free webinar on March 19 that will examine the rapidly evolving situation surrounding refunds for tariffs collected by the U.S. government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

• The session will provide a timely overview of what the U.S. Supreme Court's order means for importers and businesses that have paid IEEPA tariffs.

The webinar is hosted by the Small Business Legislative Council, of which SEMA is a member. It comes after significant legal developments following the Supreme Court's ruling on President Trump's IEEPA tariffs, as well as the recent U.S. Court of International Trade order that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must begin automatically refunding IEEPA duties.
 

During the webinar, legal experts from Barnes & Thornburg LLP will discuss how refunds may be processed for unliquidated entries and for entries whose liquidation status is "not final," an area where significant uncertainty remains. The presenters will address practical questions businesses are asking right now, including how companies can determine liquidation status and what mechanisms CBP plans to use to issue refunds.
 

The webinar will also examine the government's expected appeal and how ongoing litigation and administrative actions could impact refunds tied to entries from early 2025.
 

Rather than a technical deep dive into tariff law, the program is designed to give companies a practical, business-focused overview of the refund process and the key issues that could affect recovery in the months ahead.
 

Title: IEEPA Tariff Refunds: CIT Orders Action, Questions Remain

Who Should Attend: Importers, manufacturers, distributors and businesses impacted by IEEPA tariffs

Cost: Free

Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 

• You can help shape the discussion! Submit your questions when you register.
   

For more information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
 

Range Rover Velar Sheds Camouflage

A rather handsome sport utility vehicle (SUV) with genuine corner-carving capabilities, the Range Rover Velar is many things to many people. Starting with the '27 model year, it will undergo a radical switchover from combustion to electric-only power.
 

Whether this change will result in greater commercial success and profit margins or not, it’s far too early to formulate an educated guess, especially when you also remember that electric-vehicle (EV) sales lean heavily toward affordable EVs. In any case, this zero-emissions transition will result in the sleekest Range Rover Velar to date.
 

Based on the completely new Electrified Modular Architecture, the SUV that will succeed the internal combustion Range Rover Velar is a fastback-style affair with a coupe-like profile. A swoopy design that may lack a rear window, the Range Rover Velar Electric shows very slim lighting signatures for the front and rear ends.

Apparently longer than its forerunner, the all-electric redesign further stands out by means of a shorter front overhang and large wheels mounted with low-profile rubber. Flush glazing and razor-thin shutlines are featured as well along with little in the way of rear quarter windows. The bold exterior design should be complemented by a reassuringly minimalist interior. Touch-sensitive interfaces will surely outnumber physical controls.
 

Technologically speaking, Jaguar Land Rover is certain to surprise with next-gen connectivity features powered by the Tata Communications MOVE platform. Expect much improved diagnostics, over-the-air updates, media streaming and everything in between these realities of modern-day motoring.
 

Rumored to be Jaguar Land Rover's first EV to ride on the aforementioned EMA platform, the Range Rover Velar Electric is rocking a cell-to-pack battery architecture. Instead of traditional modules, the cells are packed directly into the battery tray to fit more of them into the same physical footprint as a modular battery.

By eliminating the module-level hardware, Jaguar Land Rover also intends to reduce the vehicle's overall mass. A subsidiary of the Tata Group has been contracted to design and supply the prismatic cells of EMA models. It goes without saying that 800V are on the menu as well for extremely fast charging.
 

JLR's drive units for EMA models are supposedly different from the drive units of the Range Rover Sport Electric and Range Rover Electric, which are both underpinned by the MLA-Flex platform. On the subject of straight-line thrills, a tri-motor powertrain with more than 1,000 hp may be in development for the most exciting version of the Range Rover Velar Electric.
 

Jaguar is already validating such a setup, and the grand tourer previewed by the Type 00 concept further promises around 479 miles of WLTP range on a full charge. Being a taller vehicle with off-road credentials, the Range Rover Velar Electric may not match the Jaguar-targeted range of the Type 00.

All-Electric and All-Sporty: The Opel Corsa GSE

The previous performance version of the Opel Corsa, the Corsa OPC, was still powered by a 1.6L turbo gasoline engine--complete with a throaty sound from the sports exhaust system. The future top-of-the-range model of the compact car, on the other hand, is set to accelerate silently.
 

According to Stellantis, the first orders will be possible before the end of this year. The Corsa GSE follows the Opel Mokka GSE, with which it shares some technical components. The compact sports car is based on the current Corsa and thus on the CMP platform. The new-generation Corsa is not expected to arrive until 2027.

Visually, the Corsa GSE could clearly stand out from the production model. The first teaser image showed a distinctive and expressive wheel design, and now our photographer has managed to snap a few shots in early-morning twilight. The colorful camouflage makes the whole car appear more dynamic, but of course this is only a clever disguise. If, on the other hand, the manufacturer continues to take its cue from the Mokka GSE, a new color scheme could play a role.
 

Stellantis has not yet released any specific technical data. However, if the Mokka is used as a benchmark here, the Corsa GSE could have similar performance figures. The Mokka GSE has 281 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Eurig Druce, group managing director at Stellantis in the UK, says the Corsa GSE is designed to combine everyday practicality with performance and dynamism.
 

The GSE logo originally dates back to the '70s. One of the first models was the Opel Commodore A GS/E. At that time, the three letters stood for Grand Sport Einspritzer (German for injection).

In 2022, Opel reintroduced the GSE label. Since then, however, it has stood for Grand Sport Electric and has been used to distinguish plug-in hybrid models in the Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and previous Grandland generations. The next stage of evolution followed in 2025. In the future, the GSE emblem will only be found on purely electric Opel models. All models also combine a sporty look with more dynamic chassis tuning. The Opel Mokka GSE is the first model under this label.
 

In addition, the Rüsselsheim-based company presented the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car in 2025. The show car was displayed in person at the IAA in Munich. It also made its way into the PlayStation game Gran Turismo 7 in fall 2025. Virtually, the Corsa GSE has 800 hp. These performance figures are unlikely to make it into the production model. Nevertheless, it remains interesting to see whether the production GSE will bear any similarities to this concept car.

By SEMA News Editors
 

A successful week at the SEMA Show starts with securing the best accommodations for your needs. Location, low price, amenities and ratings are all important factors in determining the right place to stay for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas.

Show organizers have again partnered with onPeak, the official hotel provider of the SEMA Show, to offer not only the best nightly rates, but plenty of other unparalleled perks, including a quick, easy and affordable process for booking your accommodations. Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, are now open here.

See the top five benefits of booking your 2026 SEMA Show hotel through our only official partner, onPeak, below:

Earn Hotel Rewards Points 

We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter in your rewards number when securing your reservation and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the block. 

Deep Value and Discounts 

We work hard to negotiate the lowest available nightly rates--even below the hotel's rack rate. It will be hard to beat our rates, so forget about spending hours searching online for a great deal--just book through onPeak. 

Fully Flexible Booking

We know plans change, so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 8.  

Easy Group Bookings 

Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time, with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 

A Sustainable Hotel Stay 

The official SEMA Show hotel provider, onPeak, is available to help you find confidence in living a sustainable lifestyle. View hotel's sustainability plans on their website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

AACF Extends Deadline for Humanitarian Award Sponsored by NEXUS North America

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is extending its nomination period for the AACF Humanitarian Award until March 17.
 

Sponsored by NEXUS North America, the AACF Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals, companies, associations or groups who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others through humanitarian efforts. Nominees for this award should exemplify compassion, selflessness and a strong sense of social responsibility. Their actions should have made a significant and positive impact on communities locally, nationally or globally.
 

The AACF Humanitarian Award will be announced and awarded at MEMA Vision Conference on April 15 in Dearborn, Michigan.
 

Nominations for the AACF Humanitarian Award are open to companies, associations, and individuals in the aftermarket industry. To nominate someone for the award, click here.
 

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

New VP of Product Management at RANDYS Worldwide

RANDYS Worldwide--the supplier of branded drivetrain, suspension, towing and undercar products to the vehicle aftermarket--has announced the appointment of Nick DiBlasi as vice president of product management, effective March 9, 2026. 
 

DiBlasi joins RANDYS with extensive experience in product management and product strategy within the automotive and specialty equipment markets. In his role, DiBlasi will lead product development across RANDYS' growing family of brands--including Yukon Gear & Axle, USA Standard Gear, Zumbrota Drivetrain, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Carli Suspension, Cognito Motorsports, Dynatrac, Van Compass and BulletProof Hitches. 
 

"The opportunity to accelerate product development to expand our relationships with our customers is real, and Nick is exactly the kind of leader who will answer that call," said Kevin Kaestner, president and CEO of RANDYS Worldwide. "Nick brings deep product management expertise and a track record of delivering results in complex, multi-brand environments. We are proud to add this level of talent to the RANDYS team as we continue to grow and serve our customers." 
 

DiBlasi most recently served as vice president of product management at Race Winning Brands. He brings a proven track record of building high-performing product teams, launching category-defining products and scaling development capabilities within complex, multi-brand organizations, said RANDYS.
 

For more information, visit randysworldwide.com.

Turn 14 Distribution Announces Winner of T14 x Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 Giveaway, Upcoming Ford Mustang GT SEMA Build Giveaway
 

Avid Cycles of Georgia has won the Turn 14 x Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway from parts distributor Turn 14 Distribution, the company announced.
 

Unveiled at the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show, this project marked a milestone as the company's first dedicated powersports giveaway vehicle. Starting with a Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR platform, the build was developed to showcase the depth of Turn 14 Distribution's UTV portfolio and the strength of its brand partnerships. Bilstein anchored the project with its Blackhawk suspension system, establishing the performance foundation for a machine built to handle any terrain.
 

A broad group of industry partners contributed to the final package, creating a cohesive, performance-driven UTV designed for driving, not display. The full installation and fine-tuning of the build was completed by One Offroad in Tucson, Arizona, whose expertise brought the project to life and ensured every component worked together as a unified system.
 

Throughout the promotional period, customers earned points toward finalist selection through qualifying purchases of participating brands. Eight finalists were selected based on accumulated points, and the final winner was chosen at random during a private live announcement.
 

Win The Turn 14 Distribution x Aeromotive Ford Mustang GT SEMA Build
 

Turn 14 Distribution also announced that purchases of select brands will earn customers points for a chance to win the Turn 14 Distribution x Aeromotive '24 Ford Mustang GT SEMA Build.
 

From March 1 through June 30, 2026, customers can earn points on qualifying purchases of Aeromotive, Air Lift Performance, Liqui Moly, ACT, WELD Racing, Mickey Thompson, Roush Performance, Fluidampr, DBA, Mishimoto, Eaton and Mahle Motorsport products through Turn 14 Distribution.
 

Throughout the promotional period, customers earn points on qualifying purchases. At its conclusion, the top performers in each bracket will be named finalists, with eight advancing for a chance to win the 2024 Ford Mustang GT.
 

Authorized Turn 14 Distribution customers can contact their sales representative or visit turn14.com for full promotion details.

Kahn Media Launches The Garage Agency for Collision Repair Industry
 

Kahn Media, a full-service marketing agency specializing in automotive and outdoor markets, has launched The Garage Agency, a specialized agency will be exclusively dedicated to fulfilling the needs of collision repair shops.
 

The Garage Agency will focus on creating custom websites and improving local SEO. Backed by Kahn Media's experience in the automotive aftermarket, Garage Agency will also offer a host of optional services, including social media management, digital marketing and content production. 

The Garage Agency joins Kahn Media's other specialized offering, TREAD Agency. Founded in 2020 and acquired by Kahn Media in 2022, the award-winning agency focuses on serving the outdoor industry.
 

By SEMA News Editors

Hot Shot's Secret

Blue Diamond S8 Severe Duty Gear Oil (SAE 75W-80)
 

Hot Shot’s Secret Blue Diamond Severe Duty S8 Severe Duty Gear Oil (SAE 75W-80) is developed from a 100% PAO formula and infused with Hot Shot’s Secret’s proprietary FR3 nano technology and is designed for severe-duty and eMobility applications. The lower-viscosity gear oil provides protection for heavy-duty drive axles, gearboxes and eMobility systems while delivering improved fuel efficiency, according to the company.
 

hotshotsecret.com

By SEMA News Editors
 

The exhibitor space rental agreement for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, is open online here, and the deadline to secure your preferred booth space is quickly approaching.

Exhibitors must submit their signed booth agreement and deposits by Friday, March 27, to be included in the priority booth space selection process.
 

Securing your booth space is the first step toward success at the SEMA Show, which presents an unrivaled opportunity for aftermarket companies to drive sales, meet new clients and increase brand awareness.
 

While space applications are accepted at any time leading up to the event in November, submitting an ESRA and deposit by March 27 will give exhibitors the first opportunity to select their booth locations for the upcoming SEMA Show, where you can showcase your brand's latest and greatest parts and products to a massive audience of aftermarket dealmakers, business peers and automotive enthusiasts.
 

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel," said exhibitor John Meyers, KICKER. "On the internet, you just don't get that experience."
 

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show offers a myriad of benefits to your brand:
 

Increase Your Brand Awareness

Whether you are an established brand or looking to go from garage to global, exhibiting at SEMA is the best investment to advance your brand goals.

Connect With Your Customers

See existing customers and connect with them on the Show floor. Determine their business needs and use this opportunity to strengthen relationships.

Expand Your Sales Channels

The connections you make at the SEMA Show can help take your products to new markets, whether through retailers, distributors or other sales channels, expanding your brand’s reach domestically and internationally.

Introduce New Products

We know you want your latest and greatest products to be seen by a large audience of potential customers and the SEMA Show guarantees opportunities for that to happen.
 

The booth plotting process is a little different this year. Questions? Read this article or contact SEMA at 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362) or via email at customercare@sema.org.  
 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

IHRA Promotes Doug Foley Jr. to COO of Drag Racing

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has promoted Doug Foley Jr. to COO of Drag Racing, expanding his leadership role within the organization as IHRA continues to grow its national racing programs and strengthen relationships with racers and tracks across the country.

Foley Jr. will oversee the operational execution of IHRA's drag-racing programs, working closely with tracks, racers and event teams to ensure successful national events while continuing to build and grow IHRA's drag-racing platform.

"Doug Foley Jr. has grown up in this sport and understands it from every perspective as a racer, as part of a team, and as someone who truly cares about the future of drag racing," said Leah Martin, president of IHRA. "Having already been part of the IHRA team, he brings valuable insight into our racers, our tracks and the direction we are building for the future."

The announcement comes as IHRA continues to expand its motorsports footprint with new leadership, new racing series and a renewed commitment to both professional and grassroots racing.

H1 Unlimited to Debut New Race Format in Madison

H1 Unlimited, the hydroplane series races some of the world's fastest race boats, will introduce a new race format at the Madison Regatta, marking an important evolution in how race weekends are structured and decided. The objective behind this change is simple: make every session count, reward consistency and create a clearer path from Time Trials to the Final, said organizers.

Rather than relying on draw-based positioning, the new format connects qualifying, preliminary heats and the final through one cumulative scoring system called "Total Weekend Points."

Under the new structure, every boat accumulates points beginning in Time Trials and continuing through the preliminary heats.

The Madison Regatta has been held annually since 1951 and is the site of some of the sport's most iconic moments, as well as being the subject of the major motion picture titled "Madison." Last year's event took place in July.

Read more about the changes on the H1 website here.

Driven2SaveLivesTitle Sponsors High Limit Racing Events

An Indiana Donor Network program, Driven2SaveLives, will fittingly serve as the title sponsor of all four Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing events held in The Hoosier State this season. This marks the third consecutive year that D2SL and HLR have teamed up to continue educating race fans on the importance of organ and tissue donation, along with telling the stories of donor heroes and transplant recipients.

Similar to last year, the Driven2SaveLives Battle at the 'Burg at Lawrenceburg Speedway on May 29, and the Driven2SaveLives Midweek Mayhem at Kokomo Speedway on September 23--the Roto-Rooter Midweek Series finale broadcast live on FS1--remains staples on the schedule. New in 2026 is the addition of the Driven2SaveLives Bryan Clauson Hero Classic, a two-day event at Kokomo Speedway on May 8-9, honoring the legacy and lasting impact that the late racer left through his iconic career on track and his life-saving organ donations off track.

"Our partnership with High Limit Racing over the last few years has allowed us to deliver an important message to race fans in Indiana, which is that everyone can be a hero and potentially save lives by signing up to be an organ donor," said Taylor Sweeden, senior marketing program specialist at Indiana Donor Network. "We are excited about our continued partnership and the opportunity to continue to educate even more race fans about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation at all of the Indiana races in 2026."

Tickets and pit passes are now available for pre-purchase at HighLimitRacing.com.

To learn more about Driven2SaveLives and about organ donation, visit driven2savelives.org.

Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing officially opens the 2026 season with the SugarBee Apples Blackjack Bash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12-14 during NASCAR weekend.

For more racing industry news, visit the PRI website at performanceracing.com/magazine/industry-news.

Graphic courtesy of High Limit Racing, Driven2SaveLives