By SEMA News Editors

Fox Factory has unveiled its latest creation: the '24 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition.

The super truck is the result of collaboration between the Fox Factory Powered Vehicle Division and several off-road industry manufacturers like FOX, Method Race Wheels, BFGoodrich, Baja Kits, ARB, RCV and more.

With 700hp, wide-body, prerunner styling and a long-travel suspension, the '24 Silverado is designed to conquer any terrain, according to Fox Factory, and has been through hours of design, torture testing and refinement.

As part of the truck's development, FOX has introduced the next evolution of its Live Valve shock system for the Chevrolet Silverado platform. Leveraging its 3.2 Internal Bypass shock design, the new Live Valve suspension management system features two electronically controlled solenoid valves per shock, providing control over compression and rebound.

Other features include a Whipple supercharger, Borla stainless steel exhaust, a Dana 60 rear axle with an ARB air locker, a custom interior and more.

For more information on the full build, visit foxfactorytruck.com.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed SEMA-supported legislation (L.D. 2261) that would reclassify the state's adoption of California's clean-car rules as a "major substantive rule," requiring the legislature to provide final approval of the regulation, not the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP).

Under current law, citizens--including environmental groups--can initiate the regulatory process for minor updates upon submission of a petition with 150 voters' signatures. 

In March, Maine's BEP voted against adopting a SEMA-opposed proposal requiring that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2032. Drafted in response to a citizen petition from an environmental group, the rule aimed to tighten emissions standards for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles sold in Maine, aligning the state with California's latest clean-car rules, which the state has historically followed.

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. In the case of Maine, it rebukes the push of 150 citizens who attempted to determine policy for the rest of the state. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, including hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed SEMA-supported legislation (L.D. 2261) that would reclassify the state's adoption of California's clean-car rules as a "major substantive rule," requiring the legislature to provide final approval of the regulation, not the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP).

Under current law, citizens--including environmental groups--can initiate the regulatory process for minor updates upon submission of a petition with 150 voters' signatures. 

In March, Maine's BEP voted against adopting a SEMA-opposed proposal requiring that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2032. Drafted in response to a citizen petition from an environmental group, the rule aimed to tighten emissions standards for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles sold in Maine, aligning the state with California's latest clean-car rules, which the state has historically followed.

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. In the case of Maine, it rebukes the push of 150 citizens who attempted to determine policy for the rest of the state. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, including hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Toyota has introduced the all-new '25 4Runner, the sixth generation of the off-road-focused SUV.

Built on the TNGA-F truck platform that is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra and Sequoia, the 4Runner benefits from a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension.

The Michigan-based CALTY design team designed the 4Runner alongside the Tacoma, and both share inspiration from the desert racing scene, according to the manufacturer.

The next-generation 4Runner will be available with two different turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder powertrains, including the i-FORCE engine with 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which pairs the 2.4L engine with a 48hp electric motor, increasing total output to 326 hp. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum trim levels.

Designed for off-road capability, the new 4Runner will be offered with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control and an automatic limited-slip differential. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. The Limited is offered with an available a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, while this setup is standard on Platinum grades.

The 4Runner is also equipped with Toyota's latest interior accessories and appointments. A new 8-in. or available 14-in. multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest audio multimedia system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and pairs with an available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades.

For more information on the '25 Toyota 4Runner, visit toyota.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are now open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, including at several new locations, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.  

The SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors exclusive deals at an ever-growing list of the best hotels in Las Vegas. New properties are now available to book this year, giving SEMA Showgoers an extensive lineup of housing options for the world's premier automotive trade show.  

New hotels and exclusive nightly rates for the 2024 SEMA Show:   

• Circa - $139  
• Four Seasons - $299  
• Virgin Hotel - $279  

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak provides cost-saving rates, exclusive offerings and outstanding service. In addition, booking an official SEMA hotel also supports the Show, its participants and its partners, allowing for lower room rates, more concessions and exclusive benefits that best serve the industry for years to come. Book your SEMA Show hotel here. 

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will go live on Monday, April 29.  

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors: 

Manufacturer (Two Seats) 

• Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• Brian Herron, OPUS IVS
• Kim Pendergast, Magnuson Products, Incumbent
• Melissa Scoles, QA1

Distributor Retailer (Two Seats) 

• Doug Lane, Motor State Distributing
• Kelle Oeste, V8 Speed Shop
• Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.
• Rob Ward, Legacy EV

Service (One Seat) 

• Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park
• David Morton, Fifth Third Bank
• Todd Steen, Jackson Marketing

Voting will take place online between Tuesday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 11 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact beginning Tuesday, May 28. Winners will be announced by Friday, June 21. 

About SEMA

SEMA, founded in 1963, represents the $46.2 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as the leading trade show SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. For more information, visit sema.org, semashow.com or performanceracing.com. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Roy Wragth, CEO of Wragth Motorsports--a veteran-owned company that specializes in parts and accessories for late model vehicles--as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Wragth in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Roy Wragth: Take action. You don't need to have all the answers, you just need to have a goal and take action. Give it all you got. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

RW: My passion for cars and being able to provide a therapeutic outlet for others through high-performance car builds. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  ‘ 

RW: The gym, working on cars or on the mats as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

RW: Usually we plan and understand high-level goals and steps needed to be taken to obtain those goals. From there, we make things happen. 

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

RW: Jay Leno; he’s super humble and knowledgeable about cars. I would love to learn how he plans his day, his why and what drives him to continue to provide value. 

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

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is hosting a networking Happy Hour at the 2024 Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 18, at 5:00 p.m. in the Hot Products Showcase tent located between the stage and the grandstands.

All council members are invited to the gathering, where they will be able to network with industry friends, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the hot new products on display from ARMO member companies.

Attendees will learn about ARMO's latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what ARMO membership has to offer. 

 RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

Time is running out for employees of SEMA member companies to increase their involvement and participation in the automotive specialty-equipment industry by volunteering for a SEMA council or network select committee leadership role. Submit your application by the Friday, April 19, deadline here.

Select committee volunteers are vital to the success of the association, bringing insight and knowledge to assist SEMA staff in providing the members of its niche specialized communities with essential resources for career and business growth. In-person networking events, educational webinars, market-specific programs, online membership meetings and leadership development programs are just a few examples of successful SEMA programs introduced by select committee volunteers.

By lending just a few hours a month, volunteers gain hands-on leadership experience, develop solutions to help strengthen the automotive aftermarket and can even help create industry awareness with legislative leaders. They also build valuable business connections and friendships in the process.

Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company and be willing to serve a two-year term. Planning skills and aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most important trait is a passion for giving back to the industry. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to get more involved! Learn how you make can a difference and apply here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Prema Racing to Join NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025

Prema Racing, the junior formula racing team based in Italy, will join the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025 with two full-time entries.

The Prema Racing INDYCAR effort will operate out of a "state-of-the-art" facility located in Indiana. The team's two full-time entries will be powered by Chevrolet's 2.2L, twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power units.

More details, including drivers, partners and sponsors, will be released at a later date.

For more information, see the full announcement on indycar.com.

World Racing Group Adds Fire and Rescue Team to ASCS National Tour Events

World Racing Group is expanding its safety efforts to the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) with the addition of the ASCS Fire and Rescue Team.

Like the addition of a traveling safety team for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series at the beginning of the season, the ASCS National Tour will also have its own safety crew at every event.

The team will be led by Billy Hurt, whose crew has been with the ASCS Warrior Region for several years, according to the series.

For more information, visit ascsracing.com.

USAC Reveals Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has revealed the USAC Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

This year's class includes photographers Gene Crucean and John Mahoney; the Hoffman family of car owners; champion drivers Rickey Hood and Levi Jones; plus, promoter Tom Marchese and mechanic and car owner Jud Phillips.

The induction ceremony will take place at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana, on September 27, 2024, during the Driven2SaveLives BC39 weekend for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Championship at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

For more information, including a biography of each inductee, see the full announcement.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.