By SEMA News Editors

Turn 14 Distribution Announces Winner of Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro SEMA Show Build Giveaway

Turn 14 Distribution has announced the winner of its T14 and SuperPro Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Giveaway, marking the conclusion of the build and testing program capped with a dealer-exclusive promotion.

The '23 Solar Octane Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro was developed in partnership with SuperPro and a network of industry brands. Customers who placed orders for brands featured on this build during the promotional period earned points toward becoming one of the finalists to win the Sequoia.

Team Beefcake Racing, located in Moscow, Ohio, will be the official recipient of the fully built and tested Toyota Sequoia.

Following its SEMA Show debut, the Sequoia was put to the test through a post-show desert shakedown and extensive travel, including Australian off-roading ventures during its visit to SuperPro's headquarters in Brisbane. A complete SuperPro suspension system and King Shocks' 2.5-in. remote-reservoir coilovers delivered improved stability and ride control across demanding conditions. Supporting upgrades included braking, wheel and tire, power, exhaust, lighting and protection components from Hawk Performance, Weld Racing, Mickey Thompson, aFe Power, MagnaFlow, Firestone Airide, LIQUI MOLY, Baja Designs, sPOD, BantamX and Rally Armor.

With every Turn 14 Distribution customer eligible, eight finalists were selected based on a points tally, and the final winner was chosen at random during a private live announcement.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia 

In production since 2021, the Volkswagen T7 multipurpose vehicle is preparing for a refresh. Due in the latter half of 2026 as a '27 model, a prototype has been spotted testing in California specification.

Pictured with Ocean decals on the quarter panels, the camouflaged prototype is undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden with completely new headlights that are slightly larger than the T7's outgoing units.

Following the camouflage pattern, a continuous light strip is also on the menu, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles may further make a case for an illuminated Volkswagen logo. The heavily camouflaged front bumper also shows reworked intakes. On the other hand, thermal management is a must for any manufacturer reengineering Euro 6 powerplants to comply with Euro 7 regulations. Going into effect for all new type approvals on November 29, 2026, the latest standard includes very short trips and extreme cold.

Emissions are measured from the moment the key is turned, and many onboard sensors continuously estimate nitrogen oxides and particulate matter during every trip. Given the above, superior thermal management is one of the pillars of achieving Euro 7 compliance.

Volkswagen has also positioned the T7's turn signals higher up. While there are no visible changes at the rear of this prototype, the series-production model is expected to feature different taillights.

Criticized for shoddy infotainment, the T7 Multivan and plusher California should receive new MIB4 systems for '27. The MIB4 designation stands for Modular Infotainment Matrix 4, a standardized hardware and software architecture that includes an Intelligent Digital Assistant with ChatGPT integration, backlit sliders, menu shortcut bars and a more powerful chipset.

When it comes to engine choices, don't expect any big changes from the current 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TSI and 1.5 eHYBRID. Similarly, the manual transmission is unlikely to return to the Multivan and California because Volkswagen's dual-clutch transaxle is more efficient.

The 1.5 eHYBRID uses a six-speed transmission referred to as the DQ400e, whereas the 2.0 TSI and its diesel counterpart are paired with seven-speed units Volkswagen calls the DQ381. Both transmissions feature wet clutches for improved heat management, smoother low-speed gear shifts and increased torque capacity.

Capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs. as a plug-in hybrid or 4,400 lbs. without any sort of electric assistance, the T7 Multivan and California are available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive only if you pay extra for the plug-in hybrid.

The plug-in hybrid is the punchiest T7, producing a combined 242 hp. In all-electric mode, Volkswagen advertises driving ranges of 55 to 59 miles. With a bit of luck, the '27 facelift will crack into the 60s.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) recently visited the world-famous King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. This SEMA-coordinated visit brought Rep. Obernolte to the event in his Southern California district, where he met with organizers and key stakeholders to go behind the scenes at Hammertown and discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the off-road and aftermarket communities. Rep. Obernolte's visit also included an aerial tour of Johnson Valley via helicopter. 

Rep. Obernolte is leading the way to ensure that Johnson Valley remains a shared-use area for motorized recreation. Of note, the U.S. military released a proposal in August 2025 that would greatly expand its access to the airspace above KOH, which is used for medevac and for drone footage of events like KOH. The Congressman has led the fight to ensure the airspace above Johnson Valley continues to be shared by engaging the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration leadership on the issue.  

(From left to right) Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors; Dave Cole, co-founder of King of the Hammers; U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23); Shannon Welch, vice president of the Blue Ribbon Coalition Board of Directors; and Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs.

Rep. Obernolte is also the co-lead sponsor of the "ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act," or H.R. 6688. This bipartisan bill is critical to ensuring that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after a vehicle has been modified by requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines outlining when ADAS must be calibrated and procedures clarifying the procedures for calibrating these systems. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative requesting that they support this important bill. 

"King of the Hammers is more than a world-class off-road event--it is a showcase of the innovation, craftsmanship, and community that define the High Desert," said Rep. Obernolte. "Every year, it brings jobs, tourism, and national attention to our region, supporting local businesses and highlighting the deep connection between motorsports and American manufacturing. It was a pleasure to join organizers, competitors, and fans at this year’s event and to witness that impact firsthand." 

For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) recently visited the world-famous King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. This SEMA-coordinated visit brought Rep. Obernolte to the event in his Southern California district, where he met with organizers and key stakeholders to go behind the scenes at Hammertown and discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the off-road and aftermarket communities. Rep. Obernolte's visit also included an aerial tour of Johnson Valley via helicopter. 

Rep. Obernolte is leading the way to ensure that Johnson Valley remains a shared-use area for motorized recreation. Of note, the U.S. military released a proposal in August 2025 that would greatly expand its access to the airspace above KOH, which is used for medevac and for drone footage of events like KOH. The Congressman has led the fight to ensure the airspace above Johnson Valley continues to be shared by engaging the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration leadership on the issue.  

(From left to right) Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors; Dave Cole, co-founder of King of the Hammers; U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23); Shannon Welch, vice president of the Blue Ribbon Coalition Board of Directors; and Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs.

Rep. Obernolte is also the co-lead sponsor of the "ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act," or H.R. 6688. This bipartisan bill is critical to ensuring that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after a vehicle has been modified by requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines outlining when ADAS must be calibrated and procedures clarifying the procedures for calibrating these systems. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative requesting that they support this important bill. 

"King of the Hammers is more than a world-class off-road event--it is a showcase of the innovation, craftsmanship, and community that define the High Desert," said Rep. Obernolte. "Every year, it brings jobs, tourism, and national attention to our region, supporting local businesses and highlighting the deep connection between motorsports and American manufacturing. It was a pleasure to join organizers, competitors, and fans at this year’s event and to witness that impact firsthand." 

For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) recently visited the world-famous King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. This SEMA-coordinated visit brought Rep. Obernolte to the event in his Southern California district, where he met with organizers and key stakeholders to go behind the scenes at Hammertown and discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the off-road and aftermarket communities. Rep. Obernolte's visit also included an aerial tour of Johnson Valley via helicopter. 

Rep. Obernolte is leading the way to ensure that Johnson Valley remains a shared-use area for motorized recreation. Of note, the U.S. military released a proposal in August 2025 that would greatly expand its access to the airspace above KOH, which is used for medevac and for drone footage of events like KOH. The Congressman has led the fight to ensure the airspace above Johnson Valley continues to be shared by engaging the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration leadership on the issue.  

(From left to right) Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors; Dave Cole, co-founder of King of the Hammers; U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23); Shannon Welch, vice president of the Blue Ribbon Coalition Board of Directors; and Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs.

Rep. Obernolte is also the co-lead sponsor of the "ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act," or H.R. 6688. This bipartisan bill is critical to ensuring that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after a vehicle has been modified by requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines outlining when ADAS must be calibrated and procedures clarifying the procedures for calibrating these systems. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative requesting that they support this important bill. 

"King of the Hammers is more than a world-class off-road event--it is a showcase of the innovation, craftsmanship, and community that define the High Desert," said Rep. Obernolte. "Every year, it brings jobs, tourism, and national attention to our region, supporting local businesses and highlighting the deep connection between motorsports and American manufacturing. It was a pleasure to join organizers, competitors, and fans at this year’s event and to witness that impact firsthand." 

For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

INDYCAR Race Planned for America 250 Celebration

An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C., and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Aug. 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America's independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America's motorsports industry.

"INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C." said President Trump via the executive order. "This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our nation's capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America's 250th birthday."

The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House.

"President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we're grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle," said series owner Roger Penske. "This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country's independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America."

The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the task force, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.'s Executive Office of the Mayor.

The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Image courtesy of INDYCAR

Holley LS Fest West Opens Registration

Registration for Holley LS Fest West is now open, giving participants the opportunity to secure their spot at one of the gatherings dedicated to LS- and LT-powered vehicles.

Now in its 10th year, Holley LS Fest West will host three days of drifting, drag racing, off-road action, burnout wars, autocross and a car show. Held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada, the grounds will feature vehicles and vendors, as well as notable drivers, industry celebrities and online influencers.

Scheduled for April 24-26, Holley is now accepting registration and applications to participate in the various automotive events planned for the event.

For more information, visit lsfest.com/west.

Image courtesy of Holley

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. Read more racing industry news on performanceracing.com/industry-news. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Grant LeJeune, corporate accounts logistics and training manager at Oracle Lighting, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Grant LeJeune: There are two pieces of advice that I rely on: listen more than you speak and always do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

GL: My love for cars and being able to meet like-minded people. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

GL: Either on a golf course with friends or at the dog park with my dog Willow. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

GL: I make sure my notes are organized, am prepared to start five minutes early and prepare at least two questions that pertain to the meeting's topic. 

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

GL: Ken Block. His first gymkhana video blew me away and showed me the creative side of the industry. 

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 SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

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.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue to gain momentum in their nationwide Right-to-Race advocacy campaign. Here's the latest:
 

WISCONSIN

Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of government affairs for SEMA and PRI, joined two Wisconsin race track owners in Madison, Wisconsin, to testify in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 880, legislation designed to protect long-standing race tracks from nuisance claims brought by new neighbors and surrounding development. The bill reflects a growing national effort to preserve lawfully operating racing facilities that contribute significantly to their local economies.

During the public hearing, testimony focused on the importance of race tracks as economic drivers, community gathering places and longstanding fixtures of Wisconsin's motorsports culture. Supporters emphasized that Right-to-Race protections ensure that facilities that existed long before nearby development can continue operating responsibly without being threatened by litigation.

Above (Left to right): Gregg McKarns, owner, Madison International Speedway; Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of state government affairs; Marcel Kuper, owner, Great Lakes Dragaway; Chuck Deery, president of motorsports management, La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.
 

BACKGROUND

Wisconsin's Right-to-Race bills are part of a broader, multi-state initiative led by SEMA and PRI to establish consistent protections for motorsports facilities nationwide. Similar legislation has already been enacted in other states, with additional measures expected to advance during the 2026 legislative cycle.

SEMA and PRI will continue working with lawmakers, race-track owners and industry partners to move these bills through the legislative process and to ensure that the racing community remains protected for generations to come.

For more information and to get involved in race-track nuisance protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA 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 Shutterstock | Matt Fowler KC

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI continue to gain momentum in their nationwide Right-to-Race advocacy campaign. Here's the latest:
 

WISCONSIN

Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of government affairs for SEMA and PRI, joined two Wisconsin race track owners in Madison, Wisconsin, to testify in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 880, legislation designed to protect long-standing race tracks from nuisance claims brought by new neighbors and surrounding development. The bill reflects a growing national effort to preserve lawfully operating racing facilities that contribute significantly to their local economies.

During the public hearing, testimony focused on the importance of race tracks as economic drivers, community gathering places and longstanding fixtures of Wisconsin's motorsports culture. Supporters emphasized that Right-to-Race protections ensure that facilities that existed long before nearby development can continue operating responsibly without being threatened by litigation.

Above (Left to right): Gregg McKarns, owner, Madison International Speedway; Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of state government affairs; Marcel Kuper, owner, Great Lakes Dragaway; Chuck Deery, president of motorsports management, La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.
 

BACKGROUND

Wisconsin's Right-to-Race bills are part of a broader, multi-state initiative led by SEMA and PRI to establish consistent protections for motorsports facilities nationwide. Similar legislation has already been enacted in other states, with additional measures expected to advance during the 2026 legislative cycle.

SEMA and PRI will continue working with lawmakers, race-track owners and industry partners to move these bills through the legislative process and to ensure that the racing community remains protected for generations to come.

For more information and to get involved in race-track nuisance protection efforts in your state, contact SEMA 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 Shutterstock | Matt Fowler KC