What’s the secret to impacting policy in Washington? The answer is easy—get to know your lawmakers by inviting them to tour your business and meet your employees. Hosting your elected officials gives them a chance to learn about your business and see firsthand the products you produce and sell. HP Tuners in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, understands this principle, recently hosting U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) for a tour, Q&A session with its employees, and a private meeting with HP Tuners’ executive management team.

“Packed with husky new overheads, the typical street rods of today are high-tailed and handsome.” That’s how Hot Rod editors began a story in the November 1956 issue called “Now and Then,” contrasting rod-building trends of the past and present. This car, Dick Phillips’ ’49 Ford, was chosen to represent the “now” side of the coin.

SEMA invests in infrastructure that allows the industry to move forward. The SEMA Garage and SEMA Show are tangible examples. Another key infrastructure investment, less tangible but no less significant, exists primarily as a digital platform.

When it comes to the racing and performance category, there’s perhaps no better glimpse into the market’s top trends than the annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. Billed as the three biggest business days in motorsports, the 2022 Show roared back to the Indiana Convention Center this past December 8–10, its aisles bustling with exhibitors and attendees eager to gain a competitive edge in 2023. For readers who may have missed the event, the following are some key PRI Trade Show takeaways.

Automotive technology is advancing on a wide variety of fronts and at an accelerating pace. For our industry, these advancements represent both hurdles and opportunities.

New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output and 4.5 million jobs in 2021.