Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities have been announced.

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has amended and approved the “Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act” (S. 486) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation.

Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) participated in the June 19, 2013, “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill.

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the second stop of the 2013 Town Hall tour. Members and prospective members will be gathering at Bestop Inc. in Broomfield, Colorado, Wednesday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

FORCE AND SCHUMACHER LOOK FOR SUCCESS AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: 15-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force and seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher both are looking for continued success at Bristol Dragway during the upcoming Ford Thunder Valley Nationals June 14–16. Force has three wins at...

Here is a brief look at some of news and updates from around the specialty-equipment industry. Companies featured this week: Automotive Lift Institute, Petty's Garage, Motorz, University of the Aftermarket Foundation, and more.