By SEMA News Editors

Registration for the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish is open at semabotb.com. Now in its 11th year, SEMA Battle of the Builders is the industry's leading vehicle competition, providing an international platform for SEMA Show builders to showcase their ingenuity.  

"We're excited to launch the second decade of Battle of the Builders and continue to spotlight the most innovative vehicle builds at the SEMA Show," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "The vehicles entered into the competition highlight the talent that prevails in our industry. We look forward to seeing builders use the latest parts and showcase their fabrication skills."  

The 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders will recognize class champions as the best in four categories:

• Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
• 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
• Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
• Young Guns

One of these four will be crowned the overall BOTB champion during this year's SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Industry experts serve as judges and review all qualifying applications, including vehicle descriptions and photos, before walking the SEMA Show floor to review builds in person and select the Top 10 finalists in each category. The finalists are then narrowed down to the Top 3 in each category, and these 12 finalists become the judges and select the winner of each category and the overall champion. 

"Battle of the Builders has opened the door for builders on an international level, providing a world stage for their custom cars and trucks," said Cam Miller, Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck judge and former Battle of the Builders Overall Champion. "The uniqueness of the builds and how builders use the industry's finest parts is always one of the most exciting parts of the contest." 

A special element of SEMA Battle of the Builders is the Young Guns category, which is open to builders who are 29 years and younger at the time of the SEMA Show. As part of SEMA's initiative to support the next generation of builders, Young Guns entries can compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show along with travel and hotel accommodations. 

"Battle of the Builders has helped launch the careers of dozens of builders by bringing both established and up-and-coming modifiers to the forefront of the global automotive stage," said de Vera. "The vehicles that are entered into the competition are truly iconic builds that take the world of customization to new levels." 

For more information on the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition or to register, visit semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 18. 

The SEMA Show, taking place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business connections, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers and their businesses from good to great. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of housing and travel discounts. Registration (available online here) is $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. To learn more or to register to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

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 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors 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 2024 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org or call 949-373-9210.

By SEMA News Editors

PRI released its first-ever market research report, showing that track-use motorsports parts accounted for more than $8 billion in sales in the United States in 2023 among many other racing market data points. The report includes key industry trends and sales metrics and is available to PRI Business and Individual members for free as a membership benefit.   

The inaugural "2024 State of the Racing Market Report" is PRI's first step towards providing industry-specific data and insights that will help members grow their businesses and stay competitive. Produced by PRI Market Research, updated reports will be released annually in the first quarter of the calendar year.   

"As the industry continues to evolve, businesses need to rely on facts to understand where the market currently stands and where it's headed," said PRI President Michael Good. "This study takes the guesswork out for our members, helping them to identify new opportunities in an easy-to-read and comprehensive download."  

The report finds that "businesses across the racing ecosystem are seeing positive signs that motorsports is getting back to its usual rhythm." According to the report, 76% of racing businesses view the racing market as either stable or on the rise. While companies saw strong sales growth following the reopening of tracks and resumption of races post-pandemic due to pent-up demand, the growth slowed slightly in 2023 amidst recession and inflation concerns. Still, overall sales were largely positive or remained stable for those selling racing parts.  

Over the past year, 47% of racing parts resellers saw sales growth and 51% anticipate their sales will grow over the next year. Similarly, 32% of racing parts manufacturers experienced sales growth and 50% expect their sales to grow over the next year.  

"The racing segment continues to be a strong piece of the specialty-equipment market and a revenue opportunity for many businesses," added Good. "Whether you are a CEO, salesperson or race-service provider, this report can help you stay ahead of the curve and navigate the dynamic motorsports landscape." 

The most common racing products sold are engine, intake/fuel/exhaust, and suspension/brakes/steering/chassis parts. The percentage of racing businesses that sell directly to teams is 59%; however, many also have built partnerships with distributors and other resellers to help expand their audience.  

Many race tracks, racing series and racing associations feel that the industry is still recovering from the pandemic but are more optimistic about the outlook for racing; 68% of tracks expect to run as many, or more, races in 2024 than a typical year. The average number of television viewers of the 2024 Indianapolis 500 was 5.34 million, up 8% from 2023, which is a good indicator that racing continues to see strong popularity at high levels. Still, 54% of tracks report feeling that there is a way to go to reach full occupancy in the stands compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  

Since 1986, PRI has served tens of thousands of racing entrepreneurs as the key source for industry trends, merchandising ideas, new products, business strategies and more. In addition to offering data on how the racing industry buys and sells parts for racing vehicles, the report includes insight into industry trends, track updates, an overview of racing types and more.  

PRI Business and Individual members can download the new "2024 State of the Racing Market Report" by using their individual/personal login to access their member portal at PerformanceRacing.com. Once logged in, the report can be found by clicking "My Benefits." 

By Ashley Reyes

Understanding the value of allyship to women is important for raising awareness and educating others on the allyship movement. By knowing and sharing its value, you can encourage more people to buy into, participate in and grow the allyship conversation.

Men and women in the automotive aftermarket industry are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar "Real-Life Discussion on Allyship" on Tuesday, June 4 at 12:00 p.m. PDT to hear best practices for sharing the value of allyship.

Register now and learn:

• A review of what a male ally to women is and successful practices.
• A review of strategies to grow the ally conversation.
• The value that allyship brings to companies and team culture.
• The value that allyship brings for employee retention and recruiting.
• The value of allyship for problem-solving.
• The value that allyship brings for team productivity and profitability.

Melissa Parker-Boudreaux (ORACLE Lighting) will moderate this session, which will feature speakers Rebecca Olavarrieta (Roco 4x4), Mitch Williams (Rigid Industries) and Terry Pritchard (ORACLE Lighting).

Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days, a staple program held annually at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, is expanding for the first time to include the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. HRIA Education Days at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals will take place July 12-13 and at the NSRA Nationals on August 1-2.

HRIA Education Days provides a unique opportunity for consumers, builders and enthusiasts to attend educational seminars presented by top manufacturers in the hot-rod and restoration space. Manufacturers share valuable information on their product lines, as well as best practices for building a hot rod and installing and choosing certain products.

"Since 1995, HRIA Education Days has enabled the hot-rod community to not only work on their projects with confidence, but stay ahead of industry trends, advancements and technologies," said HRIA Council Director Marcy Yanus. "This year's seminars will feature a variety of product demonstrations and build tips across both events, giving attendees an opportunity to stay ahead of the evolving market."

HRIA Education Days at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals will include seven seminars covering a range of topics, from the basics of hot-rod and musclecar air conditioning to digital gauge systems, instruments and gauges and more. HRIA Education Days at the NSRA Nationals will offer 12 seminars, with seminars focused on, but not limited to new products and options in steering, modern suspension technology, how to make horsepower and brake system basics.

"Whether you want to enhance your knowledge for your business or career, or simply want to learn a new skill, HRIA Education Days is the go-to event to get your questions answered," added Yanus. "The manufacturers on-site make it easy to obtain detailed information that you may not be able to find anywhere else."  

Learn more and view the HRIA Education Days seminar schedule for both events at www.sema.org/hria-education-days.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitor registration for the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, scheduled for January 21-23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, opens on June 3. 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference enables motorsports parts manufacturers to take part in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings with media over a span of three days and offers a unique opportunity to build valuable connections with media in a targeted environment. The meetings are held in private suites and focus on manufacturers sharing detailed information about their products and developments in their company. Attending media represent a range of outlets, including print, digital, radio, podcast and social-media content creators, who use the information collected to publish in their channels year-round.

"It's always a value to connect with media," said Trent McGee of Centerforce Clutches. "We're lucky if we see even well-established members of the media more than once a year, but we can count on seeing them at the Media Trade Conference. Also, having the opportunity to discover up-and-coming media formats and meet with the people driving them makes being a part of the MPMC conference a no-brainer."

Relocating from Los Angeles, California, to Orlando for the first time since the program's inception in 1997, the 2025 conference is anticipated to attract new manufacturers and media participants from the East Coast. Networking breaks and a reception scheduled throughout the week will give participants multiple opportunities to further their connections. 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and PRI manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference. Manufacturer registration opens June 3 and runs through September 9, with early-bird pricing closing August 4. Media registration will open in September. Learn more at sema.org/mtc.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Attention all SEMA members in Pennsylvania: Get ready to hit the road for the SEMA Pennsylvania Rally in Harrisburg on June 11. This is your opportunity to amplify your voice and stand up for the future of the automotive aftermarket industry alongside fellow leaders, engaging directly with key lawmakers in Pennsylvania. Registration closes May 31.

Seize this chance to steer the conversation and advocate for policies that strengthen your business and drive the industry forward. Join us as we tackle vital issues such as supporting emerging vehicle technologies, navigating small-business issues and ensuring the ongoing importance of internal combustion engines.

The rally offers a special platform to connect with other SEMA members, establish valuable relationships with lawmakers and collaborate to foster innovation within Pennsylvania's automotive aftermarket community.

Don't miss out. Register now at sema.org/parally to reserve your spot.

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

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Attention all SEMA members in Pennsylvania: Get ready to hit the road for the SEMA Pennsylvania Rally in Harrisburg on June 11. This is your opportunity to amplify your voice and stand up for the future of the automotive aftermarket industry alongside fellow leaders, engaging directly with key lawmakers in Pennsylvania. Registration closes May 31.

Seize this chance to steer the conversation and advocate for policies that strengthen your business and drive the industry forward. Join us as we tackle vital issues such as supporting emerging vehicle technologies, navigating small-business issues and ensuring the ongoing importance of internal combustion engines.

The rally offers a special platform to connect with other SEMA members, establish valuable relationships with lawmakers and collaborate to foster innovation within Pennsylvania's automotive aftermarket community.

Don't miss out. Register now at sema.org/parally to reserve your spot.

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

By SEMA News Editors

SPEED SPORT 1 Launches on Amazon Freevee

SPEED SPORT 1, "The Live Racing Network," has announced its debut on Freevee, Amazon's free ad-supported television platform. With an emphasis on live domestic and international racing, SPEED SPORT 1 will bolster Amazon's growing sports content portfolio. 

The Freevee partnership marks a significant milestone for the network. To date, SPEED SPORT 1 is accessible as an app on all major mobile devices and on various free ad-supported television platforms, including Sling Freestream, LocalNow, Sports.TV and more. With the addition of Freevee, SPEED SPORT 1 is now available in more than 100 million households and devices.

"The timing of our Amazon launch is perfect," said SPEED SPORT 1 President Dan Teitscheid. "As we enter the heart of the racing season, we are thrilled to bring our extensive lineup of live events to Amazon Freevee. This partnership allows us to reach an even broader audience and share the excitement of motorsports with more fans than ever before. Kicking off with marquee events such as the ADAC GT4, Ferrari Challenge and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, we are set to deliver unparalleled racing action right from the start. Our goal is to provide fans with front-row seats to the most thrilling moments in motorsports."

SPEED SPORT 1's live coverage includes the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and America, DTM (German Touring Car) and Australia's Repco Supercars Championship. 

SPEED SPORT 1's primetime lineup during the week features informative news and magazine-style programs such as Mobil 1 The Grid, GP Confidential and Fastzone, with new content added daily. SPEED SPORT 1 is also enhancing its grassroots racing content, showcasing some of the best short-track racing in the United States each week with the "Prime Cuts Racing" series, along with live and tape-delayed events. Additional programming is in development and will be announced soon.

To access SPEED SPORT 1 on Amazon Freevee, look for the Freevee app on your connected TV or navigate to free live programming via Amazon Prime. SPEED SPORT 1 content will also be available on-demand on Freevee and AmazonPrime. Select live content will be presented in the Live Guide on the platform as well. For a complete list of platforms and apps, program listings and more, visit SPEEDSPORT1.com.

INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series to Debut in September

iRacing, INDYCAR, and ButtKicker are partnering to launch the INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series, a virtual INDYCAR series set to debut in September.

With a total prize pool of $50,000, the top open-wheel sim racers in the world will compete starting September 19 in a series that features many INDYCAR SERIES venues. Each race will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on Thursdays via iRacing social channels and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES YouTube channel and website.

It also becomes the latest professional iRacing eSports series to be managed in conjunction with one of the world's premier racing series, joining efforts with NASCAR, Porsche, the World of Outlaws and more.

Qualifying for the INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series will begin in July and August. More information on the qualifying series and both series schedules will be released in the coming months.

In addition, iRacing has also announced the inaugural FIA F4 eSports Global Championship, a new series that will kick off September 14, with global qualifying beginning in June. The all-new, pro-level eSports series is the latest step in the successful partnership between the two parties around the Formula 4 platform. The four-event, eight-round series will see drivers from around the world battle for a $25,000 prize pool. Races will be broadcast live across iRacing social-media channels. To discover more about the partnership and access an iRacing license via your local ASN, visit FIA.com/iracing.

For more information, visit iracing.com.

NASCAR Wins 2024 Sports Business Awards 'Event of the Year' for Chicago Street Race

NASCAR was awarded 'Event of the Year' for the first-ever Chicago Street Race during the 2024 Sports Business Awards, a ceremony hosted by Sports Business Journal.

The event was the first NASCAR Cup Series street race in its 75-year history, resulting in more than 80% of ticket buyers attending a NASCAR event for the first time. 

"We're incredibly proud of the first-ever Chicago Street Race, and we're honored to have Sports Business Journal recognize it as the 'Event of the Year'," said Steve Phelps, president, NASCAR. "Following the leadership of Ben Kennedy, Julie Giese and many others, the entire NASCAR industry and the city of Chicago banded together to pull off something truly extraordinary that has opened up an entirely new world of possibility for this sport moving forward. We can’t wait to get back to Chicago for the second running this July."

The race also helped NASCAR establish local partnerships, including trophies designed by local artists, relationships with Chicago Public Schools, Special Olympics of Illinois, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more, in addition to opening a new, permanent Chicago office in 2022. Led by longtime executive and track president Julie Giese, the office currently has around 20 full-time employees. 

Joining the Chicago Street Race as finalists for the 'Event of the Year' award were the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, NHL Stadium Series, Super Bowl LVIII, U.S. Open Tennis Championships and the World Baseball Classic.

For more information, visit nascar.com. 

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Integrated vehicle electronics now means all systems are sharing data across several different networks. Making changes to a vehicle (ride height, performance, braking, infotainment, etc.) could have unintended consequences if you do not know or understand the relationship between electronic control units (ECUs).

Automotive aftermarket engineers, product developers or any SEMA member who uses a scan tool for development or product validation are invited to the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) webinar on Tuesday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT to learn about new vehicle communications standards.

Attendees will hear from Brian Herron, Opus IVS's president and CEO, as he presents the fundamentals of the currently used controller area network (CAN bus) and how they are being upgraded/migrated to faster standards as the need for more data computing increases.

While the currently used CAN bus communication protocols are very robust and stable, the advent of data fusion across network ECUs requires faster data transmission and lower latency. The two newer protocols--FD CAN and DoIP--are already on vehicles on the road and will require updated hardware to communicate with the laptop.

Register here for the webinar "Vehicle Communication Standards Update, presented by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)."