By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2023 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

Now in its fourth year, the challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having six automotive restylers feature an accessory package for a new-model vehicle in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. Restylers benefit from gaining exposure for their company and skills by developing a build that is profitable and easy to replicate. The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others--including consumers, dealers and restylers--to customize their vehicles.

"The PRO Cup Challenge is the ultimate competition where restylers get to showcase the art of what they do every day and have it displayed in a high-profile location at the industry's premier aftermarket trade show," said SEMA Council Director and PRO Liaison Denise Waddingham. "Competing is a great way for restylers to get their name and business out there and share their unique take on how a new-model vehicle can be transformed."   

Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.

Applications are due Friday, August 11. To view the build criteria and submit your application, visit the PRO Cup Challenge website.

By SEMA Editors

There are 12 weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with tens of thousands of dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• August 18: Show Directory Listing Information due.
• August 18: Pocket Guide Company Listing due.
• August 25: Show Directory Advertising Space Reservations due.
• August 31: Show Directory Ad Materials due.
• September 1: Permit Application to Clark County: Hot Works.
• September 1: Permit Application to Clark County: Spraying & Dipping.
• September 1: Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 1: Hanging Sign Design Notification Form for Show Management.
• September 8: Celebrity Appearances Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 8: Booth Vehicle Display Application due (for vehicles displayed in the booth).
• September 15: Sponsorship Artwork/Materials due to Freeman.
• September 18: Lead retrieval rental (advanced rate)--CompuSystems.
• September 26: Freight-Freeman Warehouse--first day to accept advance freight.
• September 28: Freeman Discount Deadline--Various Freeman services, including audio-visual and computers; carpet and booth cleaning order; credit card authorization/method of payment; electrical; accessories (advanced rate); furnishings (advanced rate); first-time exhibitor booth package; labor for hanging signage/banner; labor for installation/dismantle; payment authorization form; rental exhibit order (advanced rate); third party payment authorization; utilities; internet/telephone.
• September 29: Exhibitor registration is due for domestic guests (to receive badges in the mail) at semashow.com/register.

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

By Juan Torres 

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit SEMA Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website. 

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. 

With thousands of media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center is designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Below are a couple of announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

• Metra to Display Infinity G37 Turbotactile™ Dash Kit at SEMA 
• Southfield Classics Ltd. to Premier New Electric Hot Rod in the Ampere EV Booth in the Electrified Section Featuring Amperes Atom Drive System With Cascadia Motion Motor
• Trulers Unveils Revolutionary Stainless Steel Ruler Set at SEMA Show 2023

 Here are a few press release tips: 

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader. 
• Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning. 
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information. 

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Radford Racing School, the Chandler, Arizona-based driving and racing school, has announced a collaboration with the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Chandler. With this news, Radford Racing School is now considered one of the world's largest driving and racing schools, spanning more than 447 acres.

The collaboration means Wild Horse's four permanent tracks are open and available to all Radford Racing School students. This includes the 14-turn, 1.6-mile main track road course; the 10-turn, 1.25-mile East track road course; the 12-turn, 1.1-mile West track road course with 3/8-mile straightaway; and the 1/4-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip.

The four tracks join Radford Racing School's existing offerings, including the recently upgraded 15-turn, 1.6-mile main track designed by champion racer Bob Bondurant in 1990; the 0.50-mile kart track; and the 10-acre skills pad.

In addition, a newly renovated guest center, trackside student lounge, gift shop and event center complete the Radford Racing School experience.

"We are here to stay in a big way," said Pat Velasco, owner of Radford Racing School. "Since adding new courses, including a drag racing class with a 9-second NHRA license option, we've had tremendous interest from enthusiasts, pro racers, and partners alike."

For more information, visit radfordracingschool.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is accepting applications for its 2023 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Program and is looking for up to 10 unique builds to display in its TORA Feature Vehicle Trail display at the SEMA Show.

Available to TORA members as a membership benefit, the program enables manufacturers and builders to showcase their talents and expand their footprint beyond their SEMA Show booth. The TORA Trail is located outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, where thousands of industry buyers pass by daily.

Submissions are being accepted in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road and CUV crossover. All selected participants will have their build voted on by Showgoers for the chance to win the TORA Best in Show award, which will be announced during the TORA Reception at the SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 1.

Applications are due August 23. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that donated to SEMA Cares, the fundraising arm of the association that supports a variety of children’s charities. Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today. Not a TORA member? Apply here.

By Marissa Guajardo

Applications to be included in the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are due tomorrow, August 4.

Exhibitors who will make breaking news announcements at the 2023 SEMA Show can submit a press conference application here. 

Once an application is submitted, exhibitors will receive an automatic email confirming their application was received. Those who do not receive a confirmation email or experience a technical problem are encouraged to reach out to pr@sema.org for assistance.

Since media are not required to attend press conferences, many exhibitors also choose to reach out to media through an alternative means, such as submitting a press release through the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. 

With thousands of media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements. 

Below are a couple of announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

• Metra To Display Infinity G37 Turbotactile™ Dash Kit At SEMA 
• Southfield Classics Ltd. To Premier New Electric Hot Rod in the Ampere EV Booth in the Electrified Section. Featuring Amperes Atom Drive System With Cascadia Motion Motor 

 Here are a few press release tips: 

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader. 
• Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning. 
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees (PACs) on Sunday, August 13, for an unforgettable day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a private-suite gathering to witness the heart-pounding action of the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

U.S. law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources to support the lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing and aftermarket industry and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access and the right to race.

Tickets are limited and include suite and garage access, full catering and an open bar. Interested in attending or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Space is limited and requires a purchase to attend--RSVP today!

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at semabotb.com. Participants interested in the Young Guns category, for builders 29 years and younger, should be aware of an upcoming deadline for a special prize package (more details, below).

Josh Michaels built this '66 Chevrolet Corvette, which earned him the class champion title for the Young Guns Category in the 2022 Battle of the Builders.

The Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA's communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four unique categories--Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns--before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.

Young Guns' Virtual Golden Ticket Competition Deadline Is August 15

The Young Guns category (for builders 29 years and younger) is part of SEMA's initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. 

"Participating in last year's Battle of the Builders Young Guns program opened doors I didn't even know existed. The second I arrived at the SEMA Show, I started connecting with all the other Young Guns competitors, whom I still stay in contact with today. It's hard meeting people my age that share the same passion for hot-rod building as I do, and the SEMA Show is a great place to connect with them," said the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns class champion Josh Michaels. "Winning the Young Guns category also validated my work as a hot-rod builder and got my name on a lot of people's radars. It's given me numerous connections and sponsorships, which have been crucial to how much I've grown my business this past year."

The "Top 3" Young Guns from the 2022 Battle of the Builders competition (from left to right), Austin Phipps, Cameron Cocalis, and Josh Michaels.

All Young Guns entries submitted before Tuesday, August 15, will also have the opportunity to compete in up to three virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes: 

• Round-trip economy airfare for two to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show (or fuel expenses if driving to Las Vegas; the amount awarded will be based on the lesser of two options: the price of the airline tickets if SEMA booked the flight or the cost of mileage reimbursement from the winner's home to Las Vegas based on $.655 per mile (IRS mileage rate for 2023). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
• One hotel room, double occupancy, for seven (7) nights in Las Vegas during The SEMA Show (check-in Saturday, October 28 and check-out Saturday, November 4). The approximate retail value depends on market fluctuations. 
• Vehicle shipping to and from the SEMA Show for one (1) competition vehicle (via CONUS). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
• Five hundred dollars ($500) cash to use for meals and incidental expenses while at the SEMA Show. Approximate retail value: $500
• All prizes are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of SEMA.

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders or to register, visit semabotb.com.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation that, if approved, would require the state to adopt California's latest motor vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. Connecticut has historically followed California's tailpipe laws.

Click here to submit comments opposing the regulation to the DEEP by August 23.

SEMA believes that Connecticut's residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes 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, not just electric vehicles.

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By the SEMA D.C. office

U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced S. 2462, the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. The SEMA-supported, bipartisan legislation would provide certainty to racing facility owners about long-term investments by amending the Federal Tax Code to make permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for investments in motorsports entertainment complexes. Currently, this tax incentive expires at the end of 2025.

"The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act is a simple fix to our tax code that will offer speedways the freedom to make long-term investments and upgrades to their facilities," said Sen. Warner. "I'm proud to introduce legislation that will improve driver safety, enhance fan experience and support jobs in our racing communities." 

Companion legislation, H.R. 2696, was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), along with seven bipartisan co-sponsors. The legislation would allow racetracks nationwide to plan long-term improvements and safety updates. In 2004, Congress codified a temporary provision that defined "motorsports entertainment complex," and a 2020 appropriations law extended the accelerated depreciation of investments through December 2025.

The Federal Tax code defines a motorsports entertainment complex to mean a racetrack facility that "(i) is permanently situated on land, and (ii) during the 36 months following the first day of the month in which the asset is placed in service, hosts one or more racing events for automobiles (of any type), trucks, or motorcycles which are open to the public for the price of admission."

Accelerated depreciation of investments in a motorsports entertainment complex applies to capital expenditures, including a facility's ticket booths, race track surfaces, suites and hospitality facilities, grandstands and viewing structures, props, walls, facilities that support the delivery of entertainment services, other special-purpose structures, facades, shop interiors, and buildings in addition to support facilities (including food and beverage retailing, souvenir vending, and other non-lodging accommodations), parking lots, sidewalks, bridges, fences and landscaping.

"Motorsports are engrained in Indiana's history and culture and play a major role in our state's economy. This bill will make a simple fix to our tax code to give speedways the ability to make needed improvements, invest in safety, and enhance the spectator experience. I'm proud to support this bill on behalf of the Hoosier motorsports industry and race fans across Indiana," said Sen. Young.

Congress should act on this legislation to support the more than 1,500 race tracks across the United States that have been the source of affordable, family-friendly entertainment for more than half of a century. Most motorsports facilities are small businesses that employ many hard-working Americans and provide positive economic benefits to the surrounding communities they serve. Congress should make this provision permanent to all owners to make necessary investments in their tracks and property to ensure that racing continues to be available to enthusiasts nationwide.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.