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.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, can now lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Several available properties are connected to the Las Vegas Monorail, the quick and reliable transportation alternative for travelers on the Las Vegas Strip. Directly connected to the SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Monorail is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get from one end of the Strip to the other in just minutes.

Trains are scheduled every few minutes, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday; 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, at each of the following sessions: 

• MGM Grand Station
• Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas Station
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
• Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center
• Westgate Las Vegas Station
• SAHARA Las Vegas Station

View the map of the Las Vegas Monorail.

Exclusive Las Vegas Monorail Discount for SEMA Showgoers

Be prepared for the most convenient transportation option during SEMA Week with 24-hour to 7-day passes available, and let your mobile phone be your ticket to ride. And, even better news: Las Vegas Monorail is offering SEMA Show attendees exclusive fare discounts. Purchase your discounted passes at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA23. Skip the line and scan your phone right at the gate. Paper tickets are also available at ticket vending machines and customer service desks at the station for full price.

Take Advantage of Monorail discounts for the 2023 SEMA Show! Purchase your discounted tickets here for the best rates available.

By SEMA Editors

In June 2020, the second-gen BMW 4-Series debuted, with its distinctive grille becoming quite notorious. However, only a short while has passed, and the automaker is already planning a mid-lifecycle update for this model. 

Photographers have captured a camouflaged prototype of the four-door GranCoupe,  a mid-lifecycle update for this model.

This prototype sports the M Sport Package, which may indicate BMW will discontinue the standard body kit option and equip all trims with the M Sport bumpers. The front of the car retains the sporty bumper intakes and the familiar grille design, along with redesigned LED graphics in the headlights, resembling the boomerang-style DRLs seen in newer BMW models like the facelifted X5/X6.

The taillights are concealed at the back, but the M Sport rear bumper continues from the previous model.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

AFCO Performance Group

Mechanical Design Engineer

Boonville, Indiana-based AFCO Performance Group is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who wants to make a tangible impact and be part of a company's success story.

Canepa

Motorsports Technician

Porsche Technician

Entry Level Auto Detailer/Polisher

Canepa in Scotts Valley, California, is seeking several positions, including a Motorsports Technician who needs a broad knowledge of all mechanical aspects of a vehicle from suspension and brakes to engine and transmission. Applicants must also have experience in IMSA Sports cars, GTP and GT, Trans-Am WEC or equivalent racing background. 

MGP Caliper Covers

Sales Representative

MGP Caliper Covers in Chula Vista, California, is seeking a professional to relentlessly "hunt and farm" and "go-get and nurture" profitable sales for MGP Caliper Covers "by whatever legal and ethical means necessary."

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here.

By SEMA Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, is gearing up to have incredible industry support from several different industry segments from across the world. Beyond the enormous buying power set for the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show also delivers scores of qualified trade, mainstream and new media members alongside established and emerging influencers. These unique attendees help exhibitors expand their branding and product lineups well beyond their booths, making the SEMA Show a sound investment for the year to come. 

"This year's SEMA Show is shaping up to be one of the best events to date. The industry support is reminiscent of our highest attendance records, and participation is trending above pre-pandemic levels," said SEMA Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From key buyers, top media members and qualified industry influencers, the professionals you need to help grow your business will be in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3. We're ready for this industry homecoming!"

Be Part of the SEMA Show Global Business Ecosystem

A company's credibility improves when news outlets publish stories about their offerings and services, one of the best endorsements a brand can receive. With more than 3,000 media members registered each year, the SEMA Show is the single-largest gathering of automotive media professionals in one location.

In addition, the Show is attended by influencers of all types, including those working for exhibiting members, marketers, suppliers, athletes, celebrities and more. Social-media influencers can help your brand establish social proof and build awareness. An influencer snapping a photo of your booth can drive purchase decisions and increase sales--at no cost to your business.

Everyone walking around the SEMA Show is part of the global automotive business ecosystem, offering the opportunity for participating companies to create brand evangelists from every sector in the marketplace.

It's never too early to get started on your SEMA Show exhibit plan. In fact, records indicate that a majority of attendees decide to attend the SEMA Show six months in advance, providing ample opportunities for pre-event connections that maximize your time on-site.

There is still time to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show. Visit SEMAShow.com to start creating your Show plan today! Exhibitor, attendee, media and students/educator registration is available at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation submitted by an environmental group 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. Maine has historically followed California's tailpipe laws.  

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Furthermore, 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. Simply put, the government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions, not just electric vehicles.

Click here to submit comments to the DEP by August 28, 2023.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations until Friday, August 4, for its 2023 council and network awards honoring the unwavering passion, dedication and innovative spirit that drives the automotive aftermarket industry.

The awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of council and network members and honor leading companies and individuals who have significantly impacted their respective industry segments.

"Among the nine SEMA communities in the council and network program are members who volunteer their time and expertise to protect, promote and advance the automotive aftermarket," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils. "Participating in the nomination process helps ensure that SEMA is aware of all of the remarkable contributions that drive our industry forward and that no company or individual who deserves to be recognized goes unnoticed."

Nominations are open in the following categories:   

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO): Business of the Year, Person of the Year. 
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN): Engineer of the Year. 
• Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award. 
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year, Design & Engineering Award, Evolution of Hot Rodding Award.   
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): Hall of Fame (awarded at the Performance Racing Industry Show).  
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award.  
• Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year.  
• Wheel & Tire Council (WTC): Hall of Fame.  

Award winners will be announced at each council and network's respective SEMA Show reception, which brings together influential industry leaders and members within each segment of the automotive aftermarket. Nominate today!

By Marissa Guajardo

The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is only four days away, Friday, August 4. Exhibitors who will make breaking news announcements that will interest a large number of media at this year's SEMA Show are encouraged to submit a press conference application today.

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.

The deadline to be part of the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is Friday, August 4. 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

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Networking is not only about trading information; it's a necessary investment that can help industry professionals build their reputations and establish long-term business relationships with mutual benefits.

SEMA members will not want to miss the next Wheel Tire & Council (WTC) Coffee and Conversation networking event, where they will establish valuable business connections and discuss the state of the wheel and tire industry. 

Taking place on Thursday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, the event will feature an open discussion among attendees about the latest trends, innovations and market dynamics happening in the wheel and tire aftermarket. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing, share their experiences, exchange ideas and build business relationships that can further their career or company goals.

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business. Register now.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.