From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA-supported nominee to run the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cleared an important hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted 11 to 9 to advance the nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to serve as the BLM director. Pearce's nomination now heads for a full Senate vote, which requires a simple majority. 
 

SEMA has sent a letter to the committee in support of Mr. Pearce's nomination prior to his confirmation hearing.
 

• In its letter of support for Pearce, SEMA highlighted “[he] understands that conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. Through collaborative land-use planning, meaningful stakeholder input, and science-based decision-making, the BLM can protect sensitive resources while preserving appropriate access for responsible motorized recreation and other multiple uses consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.” 

Pearce, a former seven-term congressman from New Mexico and Vietnam War veteran, during his Feb. 25 confirmation hearing outlined his vision for BLM, which oversees roughly 245 million acres of public land and is a central player in recreation and conservation policy. 
 

In his opening statement, Pearce described his personal connection to the land, from growing up on a small New Mexico farm to years of backpacking in wilderness areas and pledged to bring local engagement and adherence to the law to the BLM's work. He emphasized the importance of partnering with states, tribes, local communities and stakeholders on land management decisions, saying that "local input" is critical and that federal land decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live near and use these lands. 
 

Pearce also addressed concerns raised by committee members about his prior support for public land sales, reiterating that under current federal law, large-scale sales of public land are not allowable through the BLM itself, and he said he does not envision pursuing broad selloffs if confirmed.  

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager of federal government affairs, at JuanM@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on March 5, 2026.

From SEMA Market Research

Despite years of economic disruption, from pandemic shutdowns to tariffs and inflation, the U.S. consumer continues to power forward. Now in March 2026, SEMA's Market Research team has provided the following Q1 update to industry members:

The last several years have brought severe economic challenges--from COVID lockdowns, supply-chain constraints, inflation and tariffs. These successive shocks sowed uncertainty in the market and increased prices for consumers. Despite this, the U.S. consumer has been resilient, and spending has continued to climb. Personal consumption expenditures have shot up 20% from 2019 levels, adding nearly $10 trillion into the economy.

As we push into 2026, the economy is expected to continue to see some growth, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue to grow, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

Consumers continue to spend as disposable personal income rose by 15% over the last five years. Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow over the next couple of years. The unemployment rate has dropped into the "normal" range at 4.3% across the economy--and there was stronger-than-expected January job growth to start 2026.

The challenges for consumers continue to be prices and interest rates. Inflation has slowed to a forecast 2.4% rate, and price hikes in many core categories appear to be leveling off. But many prices remain high. For example, the average price of a new passenger vehicle is now >$50,000, a nearly 30% jump from pre-COVID levels. In addition, interest rates remain elevated when compared to the long streak of very low rates in the early 2010s.

The Federal Reserve System (Fed) has remained cautious in slowly reducing the prime rate, though a leadership change may accelerate rate cuts later in the year. High vehicle prices and interest rates put a strain on consumers, which may result in less disposable income for automobile customization. Although total U.S. debt balances have increased, incomes have risen, keeping consumer debt ratios aligned with historical norms. New-car sales in 2025 posted another gain to >16 million units, with consumers purchasing more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and shying away from electric vehicles (EVs).

Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow.

On the business front, cost pressures are expected to ease as the Producer Price Index is projected to fall below 2% this year. An industry study in late 2025 showed that tariffs and the economy are the biggest concerns on executives' minds.

Tariffs are expected to be less volatile in 2026, which would create price stability and foster easier inventory planning. The recently announced U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down tariffs authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act opens new uncertainty. As publish date, tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum remain in effect as they fall under separate authorities. It is unclear if the government will provide refunds and if the administration will reinstall tariffs under a different authority.   

The stock market continues to grow, with the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs during the week of February 16 at over 50,000. The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs. While day-to-day volatility remains, the index continues to show confidence in the market.

The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs.

While some volatility will remain across the economy, the forecast is for GDP and consumer spending to continue climbing and employment to remain strong. In our recent industry survey, 85% of manufacturers had some confidence in specialty-equipment market growth over the next two to three years. Unless these indicators take a sudden turn, we expect to see the industry returning toward the steady growth we experienced throughout the 2010s.

Get deeper insights into the trends shaping your business at the SEMA Market Research Center. Visit sites.sema.org/market-research/ to access the latest reports and tools to help you make smarter business decisions in 2026 and beyond.

From SEMA Market Research

Despite years of economic disruption, from pandemic shutdowns to tariffs and inflation, the U.S. consumer continues to power forward. Now in March 2026, SEMA's Market Research team has provided the following Q1 update to industry members:

The last several years have brought severe economic challenges--from COVID lockdowns, supply-chain constraints, inflation and tariffs. These successive shocks sowed uncertainty in the market and increased prices for consumers. Despite this, the U.S. consumer has been resilient, and spending has continued to climb. Personal consumption expenditures have shot up 20% from 2019 levels, adding nearly $10 trillion into the economy.

As we push into 2026, the economy is expected to continue to see some growth, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue to grow, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

Consumers continue to spend as disposable personal income rose by 15% over the last five years. Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow over the next couple of years. The unemployment rate has dropped into the "normal" range at 4.3% across the economy--and there was stronger-than-expected January job growth to start 2026.

The challenges for consumers continue to be prices and interest rates. Inflation has slowed to a forecast 2.4% rate, and price hikes in many core categories appear to be leveling off. But many prices remain high. For example, the average price of a new passenger vehicle is now >$50,000, a nearly 30% jump from pre-COVID levels. In addition, interest rates remain elevated when compared to the long streak of very low rates in the early 2010s.

The Federal Reserve System (Fed) has remained cautious in slowly reducing the prime rate, though a leadership change may accelerate rate cuts later in the year. High vehicle prices and interest rates put a strain on consumers, which may result in less disposable income for automobile customization. Although total U.S. debt balances have increased, incomes have risen, keeping consumer debt ratios aligned with historical norms. New-car sales in 2025 posted another gain to >16 million units, with consumers purchasing more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and shying away from electric vehicles (EVs).

Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow.

On the business front, cost pressures are expected to ease as the Producer Price Index is projected to fall below 2% this year. An industry study in late 2025 showed that tariffs and the economy are the biggest concerns on executives' minds.

Tariffs are expected to be less volatile in 2026, which would create price stability and foster easier inventory planning. The recently announced U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down tariffs authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act opens new uncertainty. As publish date, tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum remain in effect as they fall under separate authorities. It is unclear if the government will provide refunds and if the administration will reinstall tariffs under a different authority.   

The stock market continues to grow, with the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs during the week of February 16 at over 50,000. The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs. While day-to-day volatility remains, the index continues to show confidence in the market.

The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs.

While some volatility will remain across the economy, the forecast is for GDP and consumer spending to continue climbing and employment to remain strong. In our recent industry survey, 85% of manufacturers had some confidence in specialty-equipment market growth over the next two to three years. Unless these indicators take a sudden turn, we expect to see the industry returning toward the steady growth we experienced throughout the 2010s.

Get deeper insights into the trends shaping your business at the SEMA Market Research Center. Visit sites.sema.org/market-research/ to access the latest reports and tools to help you make smarter business decisions in 2026 and beyond.

By SEMA News Editors

NASCAR Unveils Format for 2026 All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway

Graphic courtesy of NASCAR

NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports officials announced Wednesday the format for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, including a 350-lap main event broken into in-race segments and an enhanced qualifying session featuring the Pit Crew Challenge.

The NASCAR Cup Series exhibition, which put a $1-million prize on the line--transitions from North Wilkesboro Speedway--which hosted the All-Star Race from 2023-25--to Delaware's "Monster Mile" on May 17. The 2026 edition of the exhibition will also include events for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In addition to a change of venue, the 2026 All-Star Race format itself will put a larger emphasis on May 16's qualifying. Competitors will take the green flag and run one full lap at speed around the 1-mile circuit. The second lap will feature the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge, where each pit crew will perform a single four-tire stop with no gas. Competitors will then race back to the start/finish line, with qualifying encompassing the total time from green flag to checkered flag. The pit crew with the fastest pit stop and no penalties will win the Pit Crew Challenge, with the results determining pit selection order for the All-Star Race.

In place of an All-Star Open, qualifying results will instead determine the full field for Segment 1, a 75-lap sprint as part of the 350-lap event. Following the conclusion of Segment 1, a second 75-lap dash will occur; the lineup for Segment 2 will be an inversion of Segment 1's top 26, with the remaining drivers lined up by finish.

The final 200-lap segment of the 2026 All-Star Race will consist of 26 drivers. The field for the final segment will include 2025 and 2026 Cup Series race victors, former Cup Series champions who compete full-time, a Fan Vote winner and remaining drivers based on the lowest combined finishing positions among Segments 1 and 2.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Formula DRIFT Reorganizes PRO-AM Affiliate Program

Photo by Larry Chen courtesy of Formula DRIFT
 

Formula DRIFT has reorganized its Pro-Am Affiliate Program for 2026, outlining new and expanded pathways for drivers seeking a competition license in either the PRO or PROSPEC championships.

Both the PRO and PROSPEC fields are capped at 40 drivers. In PROSPEC, the top 24 drivers in the previous season’s standings automatically retain their competition places, while in PRO the top 32 are secured. The remaining 16 PROSPEC and eight PRO spots are subject to relegation. Drivers who finish 25th or lower in PROSPEC, or 33rd or lower in PRO, risk losing their Formula DRIFT competition license unless they meet specific criteria or successfully petition the series to remain.

For drivers aiming to enter PROSPEC, Formula DRIFT has published a list of 10 qualifying multi-round Pro-Am championships whose winners will earn a PROSPEC license for the following season. Three new additions join the program for 2026: DMCC in Quebec, Gateway PROAM at Worldwide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, and Klutch Kickers in Alabama, which has been promoted from the Scouting Program. Other affiliated series include Drift Colorado (CO), East 10 Drift (GA and TN), Full Lock Drift (OK), Great Lakes ProAm (PN), ND Drift (ND), Spec D (Canada) and US Drift Circuit (FL).

In addition to the Pro-Am route, drivers may pursue a PROSPEC license through the Formula DRIFT Scouting Program. Participating series include Drift School USA (CA), Evergreen Drift (WA) and US DRIFT (VA, WV, NC and NJ). These organizations can recommend standout drivers for licensing consideration, though approval is not guaranteed. Drivers, particularly those from outside North America with current competition licenses, may also submit individual petitions.

There are three routes to obtain a PRO license. The most direct is a top-three finish in the PROSPEC championship, which guarantees eligibility to advance. Drivers can also qualify by winning Hotpit Autofest, a five-round championship in the Greater Los Angeles region, or by petitioning the series.

Formula DRIFT officials said the strengthened 2026 Affiliate Program is intended to maintain competitive standards while creating structured opportunities for emerging talent to enter the series.

For more information, visit formulad.com/pro-am.

MyRacePass Adds USAC National Series

Graphic courtesy of MyRacePass
 

USAC national racing will be available on MyRacePass for the entirety of the 2026 season, the organizations announced.

The partnership includes the full seasons for the USAC Silver Crown, AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship, which can be downloaded on the MyRaceApp.

"All of us at MyRacePass are excited to work with USAC to not only provide them with the suite of tools we offer but also learn from one of the most experienced and most diverse sanctioning bodies in the world to continue growing and improving our product for everyone," said Josh Holt, co-owner and co-founder of MyRacePass. "We work with the majority of tracks and traveling series in the United States and adding the United States Auto Club to the MyRacePass app will be great for all the current and future dedicated USAC race fans across the country."

The 2026 USAC national season began last month at Barberville, Florida’s, Volusia Speedway Park for the AMSOIL National Sprint Cars.

For more information, visit usacracing.com or myracepass.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

On Tuesday, April 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) will host a complimentary webinar to help automotive aftermarket professionals understand ethical, legal and workplace considerations around artificial intelligence (AI).

Titled "AI in Action--Session Two: Practical Applications, Risks and Opportunities," the session builds on foundational AI concepts introduced in Session 1. Watch the recording here.

During Session Two, attendees will gain an advanced understanding of AI and real-world applications for marketing, customer service, manufacturing efficiency and compliance. Through an expert-led panel discussion, attendees will learn about: 

• Ethical, legal and compliance considerations for aftermarket businesses using AI.
• Workplace do's and don'ts for handling sensitive data (e.g., customer payment information, warranty claims and design files.)
• Advanced AI use cases across industries and company sizes.
• How AI supports productivity, creativity and collaboration without replacing jobs.
• Strategies for cautious but confident AI adoption in the aftermarket.

Moderated by Kelleigh Shankel, technology and operations executive and founder at Limelight Logic, the session will feature panelists Annette Bauer, founder and creative director at Annette Bauer Creative; Gwen Hawver, CEO at Vision Interface; Lauren McCullough, founder and CEO at Tromml; and Amanda Van Den Elzen, founder at Racer on Demand, LLC.

As AI becomes more common across the industry, this session will provide businesses with the tools needed to adopt AI responsibly and stay ahead of the curve.

RSVP for the webinar here or click below.

This session is supported by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Future Leaders Network (FLN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC).

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding people in the automotive specialty-equipment market who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association's growth.

This Women's History Month, SEMA recognizes women who have been inducted into its Hall of Fame for their contributions, integrity, and leadership. Get to know them below, and if you know someone worthy of being inducted into the 2026 SEMA Hall of Fame class, nominate them by March 13 at sema.org/hof.

Women of the SEMA Hall of Fame

Luanne Brown, 2025  

Fueled by entrepreneurial drive and deep technical expertise, Brown founded eTool Developers in 2001, building proprietary platforms that filled critical gaps in website development and product data management. Her work empowered manufacturers, resellers, solution providers, and rep agencies to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape, streamlining operations, improving data exchange, and driving real business growth.

Gigi Carleton, 2017  

"I was only doing my job" is how Carleton described her 50-plus years of working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation. As Petersen's executive assistant and special events coordinator--and in later years a party planner for trade show exhibitors and advertisers--Carleton played a pivotal role in the marketing and promotion of motorsports across the United States. Her dedication and perseverance were instrumental in organizing and successfully launching the inaugural SEMA Show.

Jessi Combs, 2021  

Combs built an accomplished career in the automotive industry as the host of several television programs, founder of a variety of businesses, and an accomplished fabricator and racecar driver. Combs inspired women through the launch of The Real Deal, an organization co-founded alongside Theresa Contreras, that inspires confidence, breaks stereotypes and motivates women to pursue their automotive passions. In 2019, Combs set a land speed record for women, 522.783 mph, on a dry lakebed in Oregon--a feat that resulted in an accident that led to her untimely death at the age of 39.

Amy Faulk, 2002

Fueled by a keen interest in automotive technology that started in her preteen years, Faulk held management roles at Racing Head Service/Competition Cams and TCI/Fel-Pro/Federal-Mogul throughout her career. She is currently the CEO at Hypertech and a former distinguished drag racer, earning the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) title "The Winningest Woman in Racing." Faulk devoted much of her time and talents to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)--now the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council.

Donna Imrie Foulger, 1982

Foulger began her automotive career working at SEMA as a young college student. With a very small staff, Foulger and then-CEO Eric Grant spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization. It was during Foulger's tenure that SEMA grew from a fledgling group into an internationally recognized trade association. She wore countless hats during her time--from membership liaison to communications director to operations director--and was often referred to as the "glue" that held SEMA together during its initial growing pains.

Marla Moore, 2019

Moore was known across the aftermarket for her tireless work as a business leader, industry advocate, and mentor to many. She chaired countless SEMA councils and committees and spearheaded numerous special projects that have helped advance the industry, which SEMA recognized through numerous awards. As co-founder of Autofluencer, Moore played an instrumental role in shaping the way brands and influencers connect in the automotive space. Prior to her work at Autofluencer, Moore served as the marketing director for Legendary Companies from 2019 to 2023 and held a similar role at Coker Tire Company, a subsidiary of Legendary Companies, from 2013 to 2019. Moore passed away in 2025.

Charlie Van Cleve, 2004

Van Cleve was the first woman in SEMA’s history to be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1999.

Van Cleve got her start in the automotive aftermarket as an inside salesperson at Hedman Hedders. Her ever-growing interest in specialty cars and all things performance related--along with her affinity for the people in the business--compelled her to become even more involved in the industry. She rose to prominence during her time as vice president, Sales for Hedman Manufacturing, and her contributions are matched only by the benefits and successes realized by the industry as a result of her efforts. 

Linda Vaughn, 1985

Nicknamed "The First Lady of Auto Racing," Vaughn established a successful career as one of the most famous personalities in motorsports. She began her career as a beauty queen in 1961; the following year, she was named Miss Pontiac, followed by Miss Atlanta Raceway and Hurst Golden Shifter Girl. Vaughn also held the position of vice president of public relations for Hurst. She is recognized for her volunteer service to industry causes and is a founding member of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). 

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, see a list of inductees, or nominate for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, visit www.sema.org/hof. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding people in the automotive specialty-equipment market who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association's growth.

This Women's History Month, SEMA recognizes women who have been inducted into its Hall of Fame for their contributions, integrity, and leadership. Get to know them below, and if you know someone worthy of being inducted into the 2026 SEMA Hall of Fame class, nominate them by March 13 at sema.org/hof.

Women of the SEMA Hall of Fame

Luanne Brown, 2025  

Fueled by entrepreneurial drive and deep technical expertise, Brown founded eTool Developers in 2001, building proprietary platforms that filled critical gaps in website development and product data management. Her work empowered manufacturers, resellers, solution providers, and rep agencies to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape, streamlining operations, improving data exchange, and driving real business growth.

Gigi Carleton, 2017  

"I was only doing my job" is how Carleton described her 50-plus years of working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation. As Petersen's executive assistant and special events coordinator--and in later years a party planner for trade show exhibitors and advertisers--Carleton played a pivotal role in the marketing and promotion of motorsports across the United States. Her dedication and perseverance were instrumental in organizing and successfully launching the inaugural SEMA Show.

Jessi Combs, 2021  

Combs built an accomplished career in the automotive industry as the host of several television programs, founder of a variety of businesses, and an accomplished fabricator and racecar driver. Combs inspired women through the launch of The Real Deal, an organization co-founded alongside Theresa Contreras, that inspires confidence, breaks stereotypes and motivates women to pursue their automotive passions. In 2019, Combs set a land speed record for women, 522.783 mph, on a dry lakebed in Oregon--a feat that resulted in an accident that led to her untimely death at the age of 39.

Amy Faulk, 2002

Fueled by a keen interest in automotive technology that started in her preteen years, Faulk held management roles at Racing Head Service/Competition Cams and TCI/Fel-Pro/Federal-Mogul throughout her career. She is currently the CEO at Hypertech and a former distinguished drag racer, earning the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) title "The Winningest Woman in Racing." Faulk devoted much of her time and talents to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)--now the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council.

Donna Imrie Foulger, 1982

Foulger began her automotive career working at SEMA as a young college student. With a very small staff, Foulger and then-CEO Eric Grant spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization. It was during Foulger's tenure that SEMA grew from a fledgling group into an internationally recognized trade association. She wore countless hats during her time--from membership liaison to communications director to operations director--and was often referred to as the "glue" that held SEMA together during its initial growing pains.

Marla Moore, 2019

Moore was known across the aftermarket for her tireless work as a business leader, industry advocate, and mentor to many. She chaired countless SEMA councils and committees and spearheaded numerous special projects that have helped advance the industry, which SEMA recognized through numerous awards. As co-founder of Autofluencer, Moore played an instrumental role in shaping the way brands and influencers connect in the automotive space. Prior to her work at Autofluencer, Moore served as the marketing director for Legendary Companies from 2019 to 2023 and held a similar role at Coker Tire Company, a subsidiary of Legendary Companies, from 2013 to 2019. Moore passed away in 2025.

Charlie Van Cleve, 2004

Van Cleve was the first woman in SEMA’s history to be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1999.

Van Cleve got her start in the automotive aftermarket as an inside salesperson at Hedman Hedders. Her ever-growing interest in specialty cars and all things performance related--along with her affinity for the people in the business--compelled her to become even more involved in the industry. She rose to prominence during her time as vice president, Sales for Hedman Manufacturing, and her contributions are matched only by the benefits and successes realized by the industry as a result of her efforts. 

Linda Vaughn, 1985

Nicknamed "The First Lady of Auto Racing," Vaughn established a successful career as one of the most famous personalities in motorsports. She began her career as a beauty queen in 1961; the following year, she was named Miss Pontiac, followed by Miss Atlanta Raceway and Hurst Golden Shifter Girl. Vaughn also held the position of vice president of public relations for Hurst. She is recognized for her volunteer service to industry causes and is a founding member of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). 

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, see a list of inductees, or nominate for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, visit www.sema.org/hof. 

By Ashley Reyes

The 2026 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries closes Friday, April 3, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

What is the SEMA Scholarship Program?   

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.

What are the eligibility requirements? 

1. Be a high school senior or 18 years of age at the time of submission.
2. U.S. or Canadian Citizen (permanent/legal residents are not eligible to apply).
3. Demonstrate passion for the automotive hobby and career.
4. Incoming freshmen or continued enrollment in college, university or post-secondary career and technology school in the United States or Canada.
5. Pursuit of degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive field. All disciplines welcome.

What are the application requirements? 

1. Demonstrate passion for the automotive industry in your answers to select questions.
2. Upload an unofficial transcript or technical training progress report.
3. Request an online recommendation from your teacher, employer or mentor.

What are the benefits of being selected? 

In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the chance to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities through the SEMA Show Student Program. Through the program, students witness the aftermarket industry in action, can participate in a Gear-Up Girl Networking event (exclusively for women students and professionals), and attend a Student Industry Networking Day, where students network with industry leading companies and their employees.

What is the application process? 

Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships before the Friday, April 3, deadline. If you know someone who may qualify, share this opportunity with them.

Call for Scholarship Judges

The SEMA Scholarship Program is also seeking passionate individuals to volunteer as SEMA Scholarship judges.

Volunteer judges play a vital role in reviewing scholarship applications and assisting with selecting deserving winners. It's a rewarding opportunity to make a difference and read inspiring stories from passionate students who are eager to enter the automotive aftermarket.     

Hours are flexible and can be performed around the volunteer's schedule. If selected, judging begins at the end of April and runs through end of May. Learn more and apply to volunteer here.   

By Ashley Reyes

As tariff policies continue to evolve and impact day-to-day business, now is the time to ensure your team is informed. SEMA members are invited to join an important discussion on tariffs affecting the aftermarket industry during the upcoming Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) virtual Coffee & Conversation, taking place via Zoom on Thursday, March 5, at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET.

WTSBC Coffee & Conversations are virtual events where members gather to network and exchange insights on industry challenges. This session will focus on current tariff developments and their impact on the aftermarket, U.S. government incentives and associated risks, and practical implications for manufacturing, sourcing and business planning. The conversation will be led by experts Brock Crocker, regional sales manager at PAC Brake, and Naveen Kumar, vice president of supply chain at The Wheel Group.

Unlike webinars that offer limited time for engagement, events like these offer an opportunity for open conversation and knowledge sharing. Don't miss this chance to ask questions and gain insights into tariffs to inform your future planning.

Join the conversation by registering here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Auto Additions Inc. out of Westerville, Ohio, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Auto Additions owner Josh Poulson below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Josh Poulson: Auto Additions started in 1976 doing stripes and moldings, then moved into bumpers and eventually all truck accessories, restyling products and 12V products.

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

JP: Today, we service more than 100 car dealerships and focus on traditional restyling products, film and fleet upfitting products.

SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.  

JP: Our '25 Lexus GX500 that won the People's Choice Award in the PRO Cup Challenge at the 2025 SEMA show. It features matte paint-protection film and bronze wheels, as well as a starlight headliner.

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JP: Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone on new products and services.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.