By SEMA News Editors

The performance aftermarket and motorsports industry are mourning the loss of brand ambassador and racer, Chris Raschke. Raschke, 60, passed away August 3 following a crash at Bonneville Speed Week in Tooele County, Utah, while piloting the Speed Demon streamliner. The Speed Demon team recently achieved a best run of 459.734 mph last year and was seeking a historic 500-mph record attempt in 2025. Officials from the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and local authorities are investigating the accident and its cause, according to reports. SCTA also posted the following press release:

At approximately 3:03 p.m. MT today, driver Chris Raschke, age 60, was attempting a speed record and lost control of his landspeed vehicle at approximately the 2.5-mile. Chris was treated by medical professionals at the scene. Unfortunately, Chris passed away from his injuries. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Known for his technical brilliance, Raschke was a staple in both landspeed racing and the engine-building community. He joined ARP in 1996 and rose to become the director of sales and marketing, helping shape the company's reputation as one of the most trusted names in fasteners. He had also recently taken over as Speed Demon's full-time driver after the passing of his close friend and industry icon George Poteet. The Speed Demon is a piston-powered landspeed vehicle powered by a twin-turbocharged 555-cubic-inch Chevy.

More than a racer or a brand ambassador, Raschke was a mentor, educator and unrelenting student of speed. Whether in the pits, at trade shows or on a seminar stage, he lit up the room with energy, generosity and deep technical know-how. He is survived by his wife, Connie Patterson, and children Kenny, Kristoph and Carly, and grandchildren.

SEMA sends its condolences to the Raschke family.
 

By Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is officially at the halfway mark of our 2025 GRIDLIFE partnership, and the momentum has never been stronger. From the first green flag at Carolina Motorsports Park to the high-speed thrills at Road America, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge has become a home base for our customers and partners alike. 

For the uninitiated, GRIDLIFE is more than just a race series. It's a full-throttle motorsports festival that fuses competitive racing, high-energy music, and an unmatched car culture. With time attack, drifting, HPDE sessions, and an inclusive, community-driven atmosphere, GRIDLIFE events deliver an immersive experience for both drivers and fans.

The partnership with GRIDLIFE is no accident. This strategic alignment is rooted deep in Turn 14 Distribution's understanding of the industry and its customers. GRIDLIFE is the leading grassroots event series, blending energy, performance, and culture into an experience that defines today's automotive community. It's a natural fit for Turn 14 Distribution, and exactly the kind of environment where the brand wants to show up and make an impact.
 

To complement that energy and reward the partners and customers who help drive Turn 14 Distribution's success, the company introduced the Turn 14 Partner Lounge. This exclusive hospitality space has already welcomed over 100 customers and dealers per race, and Turn 14 Distribution is only getting started. Specifically located in the paddock to deliver premium views, this space features catered breakfast, handcrafted coffee from an on-site barista, and daily lunch service throughout the event. This is an ideal hub for staying close to the action while enjoying a first-class experience.

GETTING STARTED

GRIDLIFE kicked off the 2025 season at Carolina Motorsports Park, with competitors and spectators eager to come out of winter hibernation. The racing action was intense, as track conditions varied wildly through the day with cool mornings giving way to warm, southern afternoons, and, of course, the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. The Turn 14 Partner Lounge debuted with a clear view of Turn 1, and the livestream on a big screen to follow the action around the track. The lounge provided welcome morning warmth in the form of hot coffee, espresso, and assorted handcrafted beverages from a skilled barista, the owner of Sidecart Coffee in central Florida, who will be present for every round this season. As the morning dew gave way to afternoon sun, the drinks turned iced and the tent provided welcome shade for Turn 14 Distribution's customers and partners. 
 

Next up, GRIDLIFE returned to Road Atlanta for a Special Stage event held in conjunction with Formula DRIFT. GRIDLIFE wheel-to-wheel and Time Attack racing classes and intense exhibition drifting filled the full course through the morning and early afternoon, transitioning to Formula DRIFT's competition at The Keyhole to round out the day. Turn 14 Distribution guests were treated to a suite in The Tower, making for an unforgettable stay and the perfect way to enjoy the weekend. 

At Midwest Festival, where it all started 12 years ago, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge was alive with energy. Thousands of fans descended on Gingerman Raceway for a weekend packed with music, motorsports, and community, and the lounge quickly became the go-to retreat for Turn 14 Distribution's customers and partners. Positioned trackside between Turn 1 and Turn 2, the Partner Lounge offered unbeatable views as drivers flew down the straight and started drifting sideways from turn to turn. Guests lined the edge of the tent, just feet from the action, taking it all in from one of the most exciting spots on the circuit.
 

Mid-Ohio delivered plenty of drama with shifting weather, soaking rain, thick foggy mornings, and intense summer heat. But while the conditions tested drivers on track, Turn 14 Distribution's guests stayed cool, dry, and well-fed from the comfort of the fourth floor of the Ohio Tower. This elevated space provided panoramic track views and a welcome escape from the elements. Each morning kicked off with a full-service hot breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, bagels, and donuts, ensuring guests were fueled up and ready for a full day of racing action.

Most recently, at Road America, the Turn 14 Distribution team set up in the Finish Line Tower, featuring an air-conditioned, multi-level suite complete with an outdoor viewing deck and roof access to see even more of the track. The suite was a welcome respite from the midwestern heat and humidity and provided an excellent view of every race's start and finish. The sound of full-throttle race cars accelerating down the straight after exiting the eponymous Turn 14. The Summer Apex Festival lived up to its name and was the largest event so far this season. 

PREMIUM HOSPITALITY BACKED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS

The lounge wouldn't be what it is without the support of Turn 14 Distribution's incredible sponsor partners. Special thanks to:

• Hawk Performance
• ARP
• Radium Engineering
• Aeromotive
• AST Suspension and Moton Suspension
• Gates

Together, these brands help Turn 14 Distribution deliver a hospitality experience that reflects the best of what the aftermarket community has to offer.

FULL SPEED INTO THE SECOND HALF

With deep roots in aftermarket performance, Turn 14 Distribution knows exactly what race weekends demand. From wrenching in the paddock to pushing limits on track, the pace is intense, and having a place to recharge makes all the difference.

So, with four high-energy events behind and five more to go, Turn 14 Distribution is only getting started. From Circuit Legends at Lime Rock Park to the season finale at Pitt Race, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge will continue to be where drinks and stories are shared and the motorsports passion comes to life. 

Anyone planning to attend an upcoming event should contact their Turn 14 sales or marketing representative. If space allows, Turn 14 Distribution would love to host more guests trackside.

Hope to see you at the next green flag!

UPCOMING GRIDLIFE EVENTS

Circuit Legends
Lime Rock Park, CT
August 15–17

Chicagoland
Autobahn Country Club, IL
September 12–14

Laguna Festival
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, CA
September 26–28

Pitt Race
Pittsburgh International Race Complex, PA
October 17–19

For more information, visit Turn14.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Veteran Leader Alicia Boler Davis Named President of Ford Pro

Ford Motor Company announced that Alicia Boler Davis, an accomplished executive with more than 30 years of experience in automotive, technology and customer experience, has been named president of Ford Pro, effective October 1.

Davis succeeds Andrew Frick, who has served as interim leader of Ford Pro since last year and will continue to lead Ford Blue and Ford Model e.

Davis was most recently CEO of Alto Pharmacy, and from 2019 to 2024, served in senior roles at Amazon, joining as vice president of global customer fulfillment and then promoted to senior vice president in 2022. In that role, she guided Amazon's global fulfillment network through the intense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, driving major advances in robotics and technology.

Before Amazon, Davis worked for 25 years at General Motors. She started as a manufacturing engineer and rose through leadership roles in manufacturing, quality and connected customer experience. In her final GM post--as executive vice president of global manufacturing and labor relations, reporting directly to the CEO--she oversaw 22 vehicle launches and managed 150 facilities in 20 countries.

For more information, visit ford.com.

Mopar Launches New Affiliated Accessory Program

Mopar, the original-equipment parts, accessories and customer care brand of Stellantis, has launched a new expanded accessories program for United States-based dealerships that sell and service Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.

The new Mopar Affiliated Accessories program offers more than 1,000 popular accessories from well-known and preferred aftermarket supplier partners that can be installed during the vehicle purchase or any time thereafter, providing customers with access to a wider choice of trusted aftermarket options than ever before to personalize or enhance the performance of their vehicles.

All Mopar Affiliated Accessories have been reviewed by Mopar for proper fitment and are guaranteed by each supplier separately. The expanding list of affiliated accessories can be ordered online through the Mopar eStore or at a local dealership. Items are then delivered to the selling dealership for customer pickup or installation.

Currently, more than 40 partnering suppliers are offering more than 1,000 items in the Mopar Affiliated Accessories program. The growing list of current suppliers includes:

• AccuAir Lift Kits
• Add-A-Tap
• AEV Bumper and Attachments
• AllTrade Tool Kits
• ASG Catalytic Converter Protection and Badge Overlays
• Baja Designs Lighting
• Cascadia 4x4 Solar Power
• ClearLidz Roof Panels
• Cobra CB and GMRS Radios, and Dash Cameras
• Competition Specialties – Bilstein, WeatherTech, ReadyLIFT, Pittman Outdoors and ARB
• CTEK Power Solutions 
• Curt Towing Accessories
• Dometic Coolers
• EGR Power Tonneau Covers
• Element Fire Extinguishers
• EZ 4x4 Door Racks and Hangers
• Guidepoint Systems EVTS
• HitchFire Grilles
• Kuat Roof Racks
• Leitner Cargo Systems
• LoadTamer Cargo Nets
• Lumen Phone Holder
• MB Quart Sound System
• MEK Magnet Graphics
• Napier Tents
• Nemesys Gear Cooler Bag and Pet Carrier
• Putco Storage Panels
• Racing Optics Windshield Protection
• RedArc Overlanding and Electrical Components
• Rival Hood Struts
• Rockslide Engineering Step Sliders
• SeaSucker Racks
• Segway Personal Transportation
• Sto N Sho Brackets
• Tailgater Tire Tables
• THULE Roof and Hitch Racks
• Tuffy Safes
• Visco Graphics
• WildTop Truck Caps
• XG Cargo Storage Units

For more information, visit mopar.com or stellantis.com.

Litens Aftermarket Hires Sam Molin as Inventory and Logistics Analyst

Litens Aftermarket N.A., a provider of aftermarket belt drive products, has hired Sam Molin as inventory and logistics analyst.

In this role, Molin will manage outbound shipments to customers, track inventory levels and support warehouse operations at the company's Toledo facility.

Joining Litens shortly after the addition of Mitchel Skamiera as operations analyst, the hiring of Molin further reflects the company's growing focus on enhancing its logistics and operations functions. These strategic additions are part of a broader initiative to streamline warehouse processes and enhance customer fulfillment, the company said.

For more information, visit litensaftermarket.com.

Lexani Tires Launches 3-in-1 Incentive-Based Dealer Program

Lexani Tires, a subsidiary brand from Turbo Wholesale Tires, has launched an all-inclusive rewards program with the Lexani, Lionhart and Rolling Big Power tire lines.

All three tire lines are assembled to support a variety of dealers with all their passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial vehicle needs. The new program includes LexaniShop.com, where each tire brand's literature, point-of-sale materials and apparel are all available and redeemable with program points.

"The easy-to-use and functional portal lets dealers know their accumulated points and where they stand in their annual goals," said Bridney Jordan, product manager. "Additionally, brand enthusiasts and customers can conveniently order official Lexani, Lionhart and Rolling Big Power apparel, drinkware, and other branded merchandise--delivered directly to their home or place of business."

"We're here to help our dealers turn heads and boost business with bold, eye-catching point-of-sale materials that bring our brand to life and build serious confidence with customers," said Todd Pickens, chief commercial officer.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Martin Klepper, technical assistant/customer-service representative for motorsports at Antigravity Batteries, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Martin Klepper: "When [General Motors] told me I couldn't do it, I went out and beat them." One of my old customers told me that, and it's just a reminder of what you can achieve in the face of any odds or obstacles. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

MK: I've wanted to be around cars since I was a teenager. I've never really looked past this industry as a career path. This is my industry. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

MK: Taking care of friends and family.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

MK: Take notes on my manager and how she wants to hear information. That way I know how to deliver information to her whether I'm prepared or not. 

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

MK: Bruce McLaren.  

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

Winter will be here again before we know it, bringing rain, snow and icy roads that will contribute to more dangerous road conditions. To help industry members get ahead of the season, the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host a virtual Coffee and Conversation on preparing vehicles for winter driving, with a focus on tires, wheels, brakes and suspension, on Thursday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.  

The discussion will focus on why it's crucial to plan ahead and address these components before the first snowfall. Attendees will learn how early preparation ensures product availability, avoids seasonal installation delays and keeps vehicles safe and reliable when winter conditions hit. 

Featured Experts: 

• Brian McCroskey, suspension senior manager--special projects, Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America 
• Mike Messina, general manager--racing division, Brembo North America 
• John Rastetter, Tire Rack 
• Gary Ruede, supervisor technical, Discount Tire 
• Ryan Rutlidge, suspension director of product development, Air Lift Company 

Don't wait until it's too late—get the insights you need to stay ahead of the cold. Register for the Coffee and Conversation here. 

By SEMA News Editors

As specialty-equipment industry manufacturers once again prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists at the forefront and take advantage of the many programs available to exhibitors that are designed to help your brand increase exposure and improve ROI.

In order to help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, here are some exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

Products for Project-Vehicle Builders Program

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2025 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2025 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article 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, including the upcoming July 25 deadline for Feature Vehicle Display applications. The Feature Vehicle Display program allows exhibitors to expand their Show presence beyond their booth space and is open to vehicles of all categories and applications of the aftermarket. Click here for more information on the Feature Vehicle Display program.

• August 13: SEMA Show Directory listing information.
• August 15: Press/Media Conference application.
• August 22: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations.
• August 28: SEMA Show Directory ad materials due.

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, October 2 discount deadline, which offers discounted prices 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 Ashley Reyes

Registration is now open for exhibitors to participate in the 2026 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, the aftermarket industry's premier event for establishing connections between motorsports parts manufacturers and media professionals. Taking place January 27-29, 2026, in Anaheim, California, this unique event delivers a focused, high-impact value like no other. 

Hear It From Those Who Were There 

Here is what past participants had to say about the 2025 event on social media: 

• "The Wharton Automotive Group team is off to an incredible start at the SEMA MPMC event! We're connecting with some of the brightest minds in the industry, sharing ideas and showcasing what makes our brands stand out." - @beardellinger on Instagram  
• "Representing Fluidampr, together with Nick Orefice, we welcomed nearly 40 introductory MTC meetings with the most variety of content creators I've experienced in my 14-plus years with the company. Thank you to all who took the time to meet with us!" - Brian LeBarron on LinkedIn 
• "Proud to have been part of the 2025 SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference! A fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and showcase Speedmaster's latest innovations. Excited for the future of automotive excellence." - Speedmaster on LinkedIn 
• "Likened to 'speed dating' between media and manufacturers, the program is a great way to network and share information with the media about our latest products to get the word out to the masses! It's three days of 30-minute meetings (with some fun thrown in at night)!" - COMP Cams on Facebook 
• "Another great SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference! Our ProCharger Superchargers team crushed it with more than 45 meetings in 3 days." - Kyle Fickler on Facebook 

Put Your Brand in Front of the Industry's Top Voices  

Ready to put your brand front and center? Save $100 off your registration by registering by September 8 at mediatradeconference.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its highly regarded Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award. Designed to place an emphasis on engineers and their impact on the industry, the award honors a featured vehicle at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

"Engineers are continuously pushing the envelope of custom car building, implementing innovative upgrades and technology that make cars look cooler, operate more efficiently and deliver at the highest of performance standards," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "Whether it's a fresh take on a timeless classic or a never-before-seen cutting-edge concept, this award embraces innovation and the creative minds of builders who have perfected their craft."  

Blazin Rodz from Rancho Santa Magarita, California, received SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year honors at the 2024 SEMA Show for their '70 Chevrolet Chevelle. The Chevelle--dubbed "Doughboy"--is powered by a twin-turbo Chevy-based big-block delivering more than 2,800 hp and built utilizing multiple 3D-based design and printing techniques. Featuring the aesthetics of a GT Cup car, the Chevelle was designed, manufactured and assembled in-house using 35 custom CNC and 3D-printed parts, including its bespoke metal widebody. 

Apply Now  

The deadline to submit nominations for SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award is Wednesday, October 29. Submit a nomination at the button below or this link, and read more about Blazin Rodz's award-winning Chevelle here.   

The award winner will be announced at the 2025 SEMA Show on Thursday, November 6, in SEMA Central.  

By Ashley Reyes

In today's world of social media, where content is king, it takes a creative mind, authentic storytelling and high-quality content to capture and keep an audience's attention. For automotive content creators, this means producing photos and videos that are not only entertaining to watch but also educate, inspire and engage passionate enthusiasts across the automotive spectrum. 

To recognize and celebrate a content creator whose exceptional dedication has enriched automotive culture during the past year, SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2025 SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award.  

The SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award recognizes a content creator's significant impact in shaping a vibrant community and fostering a positive environment among automotive enthusiasts. Nominees should be individuals whose creative efforts have not only elevated the discourse around automotive passions but have also inspired a deeper appreciation for art and innovation within the industry. 

If you know a content creator who has used their platform to promote positive automotive content, messaging and/or entertainment which has benefited the automotive aftermarket and automotive culture, this is your chance to help them get the recognition they deserve! Submit a nomination by Friday, August 15, at sema.org/awards.  

SEMA is also accepting nominations for other prestigious SEMA Industry Awards. The SEMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in six different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Visionary 8. 

The 2025 SEMA Show festivities will shift into gear on Tuesday, November 4, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. 

On Thursday, November 6, the Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue the same day at the newly reimagined industry homecoming--SEMA Industry Honors--now staged at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and the coveted Person of the Year. 

Learn more, and submit your nominations at sema.org/awards.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it would seek the repeal of the 2009 "endangerment" legal interpretation on greenhouse gas emissions that has since formed the backbone of federal and state emissions policies and standards. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin also outlined the agency's plans to repeal its multipollutant standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles (i.e., tailpipe standards). 

SEMA is excited by this announcement–but why? We explain below. 

What's happening? 

The EPA is taking concrete steps to repeal a formal declaration from 2009 that establishes that greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and welfare. The agency will use the federal rulemaking process, a series of steps that will play out over the course of several months (including an opportunity for the public to comment), before a repeal is official. It all started with the July 29 announcement of a forthcoming proposed rule to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding and with it all subsequent greenhouse gas emissions regulations for motor vehicles and engines.   

Why is this important? 

The greenhouse gas emissions endangerment finding has served as the legal and scientific backbone of many federal actions to regulate the emissions of motor vehicles, but also power plants and other industries determined to be sources of carbon dioxide, methane and several other heat-trapping air emissions. 

How did this all happen? 

Like a lot of things in Washington, D.C., it started with a court case. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA ruled that greenhouse gases are air pollutants covered under the Clean Air Act and therefore subject to regulation. The EPA, under the Obama Administration, then underwent an extensive rulemaking period (similar to the one that's about to start), which resulted in a "cause or contribute" determination for motor vehicles.  

The first greenhouse gas emissions standard for vehicles was issued in 2010 under the Obama Administration, with both the Massachusetts decision and rulemaking as the legal justification. Ever since then, the EPA has used the greenhouse gas endangerment finding as its basis to regulate motor vehicle emissions. 

What's affected? 

If finalized, this proposed rule will eliminate greenhouse gas standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty engines on new vehicles. This will ensure that automakers are able to produce vehicles based on consumer demand, rather than staying under greenhouse gas limits defined by the EPA, which have significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years. 

What's not affected? 

The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new car requirements, but does not allow vehicle owners to remove emissions control features from vehicles driven on-road. 

Accordingly, defeat devices remain illegal under section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act and 40 C.F.R. §§ 1068.101(b). This has not changed; the EPA continues to maintain the authority to enforce against businesses that manufacture, offer for sale, sell or install any parts or components that bypass or defeat emissions controls for on-road vehicles. 

Similarly, any production, sale, distribution or use of aftermarket products that take a street-use motor vehicle out of compliance with federal emissions standards could still face action by EPA and the Department of Justice. 

Check out our previous FAQ for more information. 

My friends say if I support this, I'm anti-environment. Is that true? 

Absolutely not. This proposed regulation is about supporting the free market and not handcuffing our nation's innovators. "Vehicle choice" isn't anti-environment–it's about providing a foundation upon which automakers can build and sell cars that people want to drive. If the product is right, people will buy it, and this frees up the marketplace to follow the lead of the consumers.  

In a free-market economy, options drive down prices and consumer demand dictates production on behalf of manufacturers. That's great for families, small businesses and anyone else who relies on their vehicle day in and day out. 

Same with the aftermarket; this frees you up to develop products that are better than the ones our predecessors offered. If you've got an idea that's safer, more efficient and downright better, you should have the opportunity to see if your customers agree. Because isn't that what our industry is all about? For more than 100 years, your work has consistently delivered more horsepower while reducing emissions profiles. You deserve the opportunity to continue this legacy, and this is what this policy change is about. 

What can I do? 

First, help combat misinformation and work with us to educate the public. This is complicated, slow government policy stuff. It's not instant, it's not black-and-white, and it can be pretty technical and heady (and boring!) at times.  

So call out people when they misrepresent what's happening here – on both sides.  

Yes, that means those in our community who see a clickbait headline and use it as an excuse to break the law or encourage others to do so. Those who oppose our industry are paying attention and they keep receipts, just like we do. Let's not give them any fuel for the fire that our opponents can use to fire up their supporters. 

Second, and just as important, consider submitting a comment. Your story and perspective are highly valued. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks on how to submit your own comments for consideration. 

I still have questions. 

And we've got answers! Contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.