By SEMA News Editors

The racing and performance industry will be gathering next week at the 2025 PRI Show, December 11-13, in Indianapolis for three days of connection, innovation, development and planning for the race season ahead. Get a sneak peek of the Show below with previews of new parts and products, planned activations, celebrity appearances, Show-week events, educational opportunities and a lot more.

Inside the Show Hall: What to Expect at the 2025 PRI Show

At the heart of the PRI Show experience are the new product introductions and race car reveals. For many companies, the Show marks the debut of the latest engine components, safety equipment, chassis gear, electronics, and more. In addition to seeing cutting-edge product solutions for the first time, racers walking the Show floor may also get a peek at their competition as numerous race vehicles will be featured in the booths.

Each December in Indianapolis, Indiana, the PRI Show gives teams, builders and manufacturers a critical advantage in planning the future as well as tackling present-day challenges. Around each booth, bench racing sets the tone for the Show as everyone looks for the game-changers across their racing disciplines.

Read more here.

Have the Ultimate Insider PRI Experience: Get VIP Access With SEMA & PRI PAC

The 2025 PRI Show will be packed with lots of action, but the real insider experience happens in the SEMA & PRI PAC Lounge and Dining Room.

SEMA & PRI PAC donors will receive exclusive benefits all week, from premium access, exclusive hospitality and even an up-close look at a legendary race car.

Read more here.

PRI to Deliver Powerful Educational Programming for Motorsports Professionals

The PRI Show is offering a robust lineup of educational programming designed to empower motorsports professionals with the latest insights, strategies and technologies to drive success both on and off the track.

During the Show, there will be more than 50 educational seminars, breakout sessions and panel discussions covering technical innovations, marketing strategies, business management and more.

Read more here.

PRI to Open Doors for Students to Launch Motorsports Careers

The PRI Show is accelerating opportunities for the next generation of motorsports professionals through a dynamic lineup of student-focused programs.

From education tracks and networking events to hands-on competitions, the PRI Show is delivering experiences that connect students with industry leaders and career pathways while showcasing the strength and economic impact of the motorsports industry.

Read more here.

PRI Partners With RACER on Exclusive Creator Hub at PRI Show

Debuting at the PRI Show, the RACER Creator Hub will be a dedicated on-site space designed to support creators and media professionals with:
 

• A RACER-branded interview backdrop featuring PRI branding
• A Creator Networking Lounge with meeting areas, charging stations, Wi-Fi and refreshments
• Creator-focused panels, including a RACER-hosted session moderated by RACER Creator Network President Taro Koki
• Opportunities for filming, podcast recording, and collaboration on the show floor

Read more here.

Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey and More at PRI Show Prayer Breakfast

Kicking off the final day of the 2025 PRI Show, Saturday, December 13, the Prayer Breakfast is set to bring attendees together for an inspiring morning program with appearances from drag racers Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey, Jason Terrell and more.

Doors will open and a complimentary hot breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST, followed by a program from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. EST, ending before the show floor opens at 9:00 a.m. EST. (Guests must RVSP ahead of attending at ThePrayerBreakfast.com.)

Read more here.

Star Drivers Confirmed for Charity Bowling Event Before PRI 2025

NHRA headliners Alexis DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Stewart and Ida Zetterström will help kick off the festivities at the recently revived "Rev n Roll" fundraiser benefiting Riley Children's Foundation on Wednesday, December 10. The event returns after a six-year hiatus and will once again serve as an unofficial kickoff to the PRI Show's week of activities.

The event offers race fans the opportunity to bowl and mingle alongside their favorite drivers while supporting an important community cause.

Read more here.
 

Registration for 2025 PRI Show

The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media and others. To register, book hotel accommodations and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Cares is accepting applications for its Annual Contribution Program, helping fund initiatives that benefit the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. Through the Annual Contribution Program, applicants can raise awareness of their mission, highlight key projects or issues and strengthen their relationship with SEMA and the broader aftermarket community. 

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2026 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by Friday, January 16, 2026, at this link. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI continue to lay the groundwork for their 2026 priority of protecting the racing community, making a major push in Wisconsin to rally support for "Right to Race" legislation ahead of the next legislative session starting in January.
 

For three days last month, SEMA and PRI staff and advocates hit the ground in Madison, the state capital, to build momentum to support legislation that protects race tracks from nuisance claims, mirroring a recent SEMA- and PRI-led victory in North Carolina. The team met with lawmakers and later joined more than 35 race tracks at the Promoters of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) meeting at Angell Park Speedway to give a presentation outlining the legislation, explaining its urgency and organizing next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.
 

Left to Right: Gregg McKarns, owner of Madison International Speedway; Rep. Jeff Mursau; Mike Kertscher, president of Road America; Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of state government affairs at SEMA and PRI; Tom Deery, PRI ambassador.

SEMA and PRI’s Government Affairs team, alongside local race track owners and operators, met with 16 lawmakers to advance nuisance-protection legislation aimed at safeguarding long-standing facilities from challenges driven by new surrounding development.
 

On November 12, the Wisconsin Historical Society held a beam-signing event to celebrate its collaborative exhibit project with Road America, commemorating the track’s 70th anniversary. SEMA and PRI were honored to add their signatures to the future Wisconsin History Center, a state-of-the-art facility opening on Capitol Square in 2027.
 

Wisconsin History Center beam displaying the signature of SEMA and PRI, and Madison International Speedway in the Rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

PRI also hosted a presentation on November 11 for race tracks across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, outlining the legislation, highlighting its urgency and coordinating next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.

Lawmakers are listening, race tracks are mobilizing and momentum is building. Support is growing as leaders recognize the essential role race tracks play in the United States' economy, heritage and communities. This is a pivotal opportunity to protect the future of racing while preserving jobs, investment, tourism and long-standing traditions.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to advancing similar protections nationwide, ensuring motorsports facilities and related businesses have the safeguards they need to thrive.

Want to get involved?

Help us keep race tracks alive and thriving. For information on how you can support motorsports advocacy in your state, contact SEMA and PRI's senior managers of state government affairs: Tierra Hubbard, who leads efforts in the eastern states, at tierrah@sema.org, and Victor Muñoz, who covers western states, at victorm@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI continue to lay the groundwork for their 2026 priority of protecting the racing community, making a major push in Wisconsin to rally support for "Right to Race" legislation ahead of the next legislative session starting in January.
 

For three days last month, SEMA and PRI staff and advocates hit the ground in Madison, the state capital, to build momentum to support legislation that protects race tracks from nuisance claims, mirroring a recent SEMA- and PRI-led victory in North Carolina. The team met with lawmakers and later joined more than 35 race tracks at the Promoters of Wisconsin Auto Racing (POWAR) meeting at Angell Park Speedway to give a presentation outlining the legislation, explaining its urgency and organizing next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.
 

Left to Right: Gregg McKarns, owner of Madison International Speedway; Rep. Jeff Mursau; Mike Kertscher, president of Road America; Tierra Hubbard, senior manager of state government affairs at SEMA and PRI; Tom Deery, PRI ambassador.

SEMA and PRI’s Government Affairs team, alongside local race track owners and operators, met with 16 lawmakers to advance nuisance-protection legislation aimed at safeguarding long-standing facilities from challenges driven by new surrounding development.
 

On November 12, the Wisconsin Historical Society held a beam-signing event to celebrate its collaborative exhibit project with Road America, commemorating the track’s 70th anniversary. SEMA and PRI were honored to add their signatures to the future Wisconsin History Center, a state-of-the-art facility opening on Capitol Square in 2027.
 

Wisconsin History Center beam displaying the signature of SEMA and PRI, and Madison International Speedway in the Rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

PRI also hosted a presentation on November 11 for race tracks across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, outlining the legislation, highlighting its urgency and coordinating next steps to strengthen a unified statewide coalition.

Lawmakers are listening, race tracks are mobilizing and momentum is building. Support is growing as leaders recognize the essential role race tracks play in the United States' economy, heritage and communities. This is a pivotal opportunity to protect the future of racing while preserving jobs, investment, tourism and long-standing traditions.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to advancing similar protections nationwide, ensuring motorsports facilities and related businesses have the safeguards they need to thrive.

Want to get involved?

Help us keep race tracks alive and thriving. For information on how you can support motorsports advocacy in your state, contact SEMA and PRI's senior managers of state government affairs: Tierra Hubbard, who leads efforts in the eastern states, at tierrah@sema.org, and Victor Muñoz, who covers western states, at victorm@sema.org.

The following is a message to SEMA Members from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola about the 2026 Board of Directors nominations, which are now open to SEMA members online here:

Dear SEMA Member,

As a valued member of the association, we invite your recommendations for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Please take a moment to submit the name of an individual you believe would be an excellent candidate by completing and submitting a Nomination Form.
 

A strong board ensures strong leadership and an association that effectively serves its members. We encourage your participation in the nomination process--our industry has many exceptional professionals who would be a tremendous asset to the board, and your recommendations help bring these individuals to the attention of the nominating committee.
 

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due by January 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
 

Thank you for your engagement and continued support of the association.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

This article was originally published on Tuesday, December 2.

By SEMA News Editors

Jim Browning Sr.--the founder of Ultimate Headers in Berea, Ohio--has passed away. He was 87.

The following message was shared by CORSA Performance, a company that Browning also founded, on social media:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Browning Sr., the original founder of Corsa Performance and Corsa Marine.

Jim was a man that remembered everyone's name and could fix any problem. Through his network, he discovered an issue with the anti-surge valves in marine applications that caused frequent and costly hydro-locking. Working with NASA scientist Jerry Carek, Jim developed a long-lasting anti-surge valve solution to revolutionize the marine exhaust system industry. Working out of his garage, Jim started cooking Corsa Marine valves out of his kitchen oven. The business grew, and Jim developed the Captain's Call exhaust diverter system, which is still sold today through Corsa Marine.

With the introduction of the C5 Corvette, Jim noticed the vehicle's appearance was lacking the finish such a masterpiece deserved. This was the inception of the Corsa mission; to finish the vision of form that others have stifled by function. Working with [Lingenfelter Performance Engineering], Jim sent a marine exhaust for input on how to improve the C5 Corvette... Jim immediately began the development of Corsa's legendary Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC®) technology, which re-wrote the rulebook for performance exhaust systems. In 1998, Corsa's automotive division was born: Corsa Performance. In the beginning, Corsa relied on Jim's truly unique and uncanny ability to hone in on the Corsa sounds within half a decibel difference by ear.

Even after moving on to other ventures, Jim's infectious spirit, passion and vision for our brand left a lasting impression on the team that continues to live on in our team that is here today. He will be missed by our entire team, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones. 
 

Image courtesy of CORSA Performance

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Cruise once again delivered a high-energy finale to the 2025 SEMA Show earlier this month in Las Vegas, sending countless featured vehicles rolling out of the SEMA Show campus and Show floor and onto Convention Center Drive. Crowds lined the streets as custom cars, hot rods, lifted trucks, lowriders, race machines and one-of-a-kind builds paraded out in a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. With roaring engines, cheering fans and a truly festive atmosphere, this year's Cruise was a fitting sendoff to four days of innovation and excitement. Following is a look at images from this year's SEMA Cruise. Want more? Watch the SEMA Live presented by AutoZone official broadcast below.

Attendees line the street, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy as the crowds await each passing vehicle at the 2025 SEMA Cruise.

Just a small sample of the standout custom builds as they roll into the 2025 SEMA Cruise.

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kelli Gallagher, president at Dee Zee Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Gallagher in her interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Kelli Gallagher: I have been with Dee Zee since 2009; however, I worked part-time at Dee Zee when I was in high school and college. The people and the continual changes are the best parts of working here. I have met so many good people over the years. In the automotive manufacturing industry, there is always new technology or a new fad to keep up with. Dee Zee is a privately held, second-generation family business and I am proud of that. 
 

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

KG: Since 2020, the most challenging part has been keeping up with the volatility of the world. In 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to lay off more than 800 employees and that was not fun. It was even more challenging trying to bring them back as the pandemic fear and government incentives to stay home were available. To go along with that was the volatility in demand from OEM and aftermarket customers. Today, the most challenging part is keeping up with the changing tariffs and making sure Dee Zee is a company where people want to make a career. 
 

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

KG: I have been in the automotive industry since 1993. My first full-time job was as an automotive accountant for United Parcel Service. I kept track of all the package cars and semi trucks and trailers in the Iowa District. Following that, I worked as an accountant for a conglomerate of semi-truck dealerships and diesel repair shops for more than 15 years. 
 

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

KG: One: empathetic leadership is vital for managing diverse teams and employees across global markets. Strong interpersonal skills and empathy have helped me build inclusive teams, foster collaboration and create a culture of trust. 

Two: Resilience to keep up with the fast-paced competitive automotive industry and overcome gender biases, and grit to persist through the challenges with personnel, supply chain and everyday challenges of running a business. I am stubborn and I do not give up. I firmly believe where there is a will, there is a way! 

Three: a forward-thinking mindset because everything changes and nothing stays the same. Running a manufacturing company requires continual focus on shifting towards sustainability, anticipating trends, embracing emerging technologies and automation, while driving strategic transformation within the organization. 
 

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

KG: In the three jobs I have worked in during my career, I have always been outnumbered, one of the few or the only female at the table. I have been driven to show my worth and credibility to be there. Balancing my career with my personal life and still leading the way for more women in the industry has been a challenge in general. Leading a diverse team and recognizing that it takes a team has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Developing and retaining a dedicated leadership team is essential to Dee Zee's success. 
 

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

KG: Charlie Brendeland taught me if you are going to do something, do it big, do it right and do it even better the next time. 

Mark Wiederin exemplified the professionalism and knowledge of an accountant, applicable to any business and was steadfast in the existence of a straight line between business and personal expenditures. 

My father, Ron Shivers, started taking me to work with him on Saturdays when I was just a kid. I learned that you need to be 110% committed to the business 24/7, and all contributors to the team are essential. From the janitor to the C suite, it takes each skill, ability and dedicated person to have a successful company. 
 

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

KG: It is better to make a decision than not to make a decision. If the decision turns out to be incorrect or doesn't work the way you intended it to, make another one! Keep making decisions until you get it right. 

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

KG: No, automotive was not on my radar as a youth. I wanted to be a DEA Agent or work with marine life, but I did not have 20/20 vision. I truly enjoyed my responsibilities as an automotive accountant, and I am comfortable working in the automotive industry. Honestly, it is my family that keeps me here. I never intended on running the family business, but now I am committed to seeing it through and maybe someday, passing it on to the third generation. 

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

KG: My parents, Ron and Bev Shivers, were the most influential people in my career and goals. They worked hard to give me opportunities, and continually gave me the emotional support, confidence, and encouragement I needed to pursue my goals, take risks and overcome setbacks. They instilled a hard work ethic in me with discipline, perseverance and responsibility. 

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

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, is closing out 2025 with two major back-to-back OEM measuring sessions, giving aftermarket engineers and product developers early access to two of Toyota’s highest-volume, most strategically important platforms: the '25 Toyota Corolla and the all-new '26 Toyota RAV4.

Held December 2–3 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, these exclusive events offer dimensional access, 3D scanning, prototype test-fitting, and hands-on evaluation before these vehicles hit broader circulation.

On Tuesday, December 2, manufacturers can get up close with the '25 Corolla Sedan pictured above--Toyota's all-time best-selling model and one of the largest global opportunities in the aftermarket. With more than 230,000 U.S. sales in 2024 alone, even modest customization penetration represents massive revenue potential. Both gas and hybrid sedan models will be available, along with select parts on display and the ability to test GR Corolla crossover fitment. Reserve your spot for the '25 Corolla SEMA Garage measuring session now here.

Then on Wednesday, December 3, SEMA Garage hosts a first look at the 2026 RAV4 ahead of its public release. The new lineup includes the performance-driven RAV4 GR SPORT--the first GR SPORT trim offered in North America--and the rugged RAV4 Woodland, both featuring Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid powertrains delivering up to 324 hp. Multiple grades and powertrain configurations will be available, including vehicles on lifts in staged disassembly for underbody mapping and component evaluation. Reserve your spot for the '26 Rav4 SEMA Garage measuring session now here.

Both sessions offer aftermarket manufacturers the opportunity to:

✔ 3D scan and measure.
✔ Develop products.
✔ Test-fit prototypes.
✔ Receive an exclusive up-close experience.

Reserve your spot now, as space is limited for both events:

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, CA
1577 Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
View on Google Maps

By SEMA News Editors

Porsche Motorsport North America, Porsche Club to Establish New One-Make Racing Series

Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) is launching a new one-make racing series, the Porsche Sprint Trophy Porsche Club of America by Yokohama, in collaboration with the Porsche Club of America (PCA).

With more than 170,000 members, the PCA is the largest single-make auto enthusiast club in the world, according to the manufacturer, and has more than 1,000 active competitors now eligible to compete in the series.

The inaugural season of the Porsche Sprint Trophy will integrate established PCA Club Racing events at Sebring International Raceway (FL), Lime Rock Park (CT), Watkins Glen International (NY) and Road America (WI).

Porsche Sprint Trophy PCA aims to offer entry-level and experienced racers the chance to compete as a destination series or as a step in the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, offering progression through Porsche Sprint and Endurance Challenges to Porsche Carrera Cup North America and into open-competition GT racing in IMSA and SRO. The series will feature the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Types 992.1 and 991.2), along with the current Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and its predecessor, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, competing alongside each other in their own class during each event.

Each event weekend will include two practice sessions, a qualifying session and two 30-minute races. USAC will perform technical and safety inspections, while PMNA will provide engineering, parts and marketing support to streamline the race weekend experience for participants.

For more information, visit porsche.com.

Indy 500 Winner Palou Unveils Image on Borg-Warner Trophy

Alex Palou, winner of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, recently unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy, one of the most significant honors since he earned his first Indy 500 victory on May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IN).

Four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Palou, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, earned the first oval victory of his career and became the first Spaniard to win the race.

The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Palou is the 112th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.

"This is one of those days that I knew I wanted to be part of at some point in my career," Palou said. "I knew it was going take a lot of work, and finally to be here and to get to see the trophy for the first time, it's amazing.

"I know that it's always going to be there forever, if I race one more year or if I race 50 more years. And whatever the history of INDYCAR is going to be, it's always going to be there. So, it's great to be part of all those amazing drivers. And, yeah, I feel that now. I want to get that face again on that trophy. Try and be part again of the history of our sport."

Sculptor Will Behrends created Palou's image, as he has for every winner since 1990.

Behrends begins his creative process by studying a series of 360-degree photos of the winner to get a baseline for sculpting. Palou then visited Behrends' studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session where Behrends constructed a full-scale clay model of the driver's face.

This life-size clay version is used as a reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before adhering it to the trophy.

For more information, visit ims.com.

Image courtesy of Penske Entertainment – Chris Owens