Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House on November 5, delivering a decisive defeat to Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has promised on "Day 1" to end federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates, a major factor in the nation's decision to deliver him a second election victory.  

SEMA and PRI played a major role bringing the EV mandate issue to the forefront of the election, using its Driving Force Action SuperPAC to educate American voters on the damage that such policies will cause for the nation's automotive small businesses and consumers.

PRI CEO Mike Spagnola reacted to the results in a statement. Read the full statement here.

"SEMA celebrates the re-election of Donald J. Trump as president, which promises to deliver to the nation and automotive aftermarket industry a host of important policies wins, including the prospect of tax cuts to support small businesses, a more-fair regulatory environment and most importantly, a Day-1 end to EV mandates, which would have stifled American innovation and hindered an industry whose economic and cultural impact is integral to the American experience," Spagnola said. "We're excited to work with a second Trump administration to advance policies and legislation that will continue to make America a more prosperous and powerful nation." 

Trump has also pledged to deliver a new round of tax cuts and push for regulatory relief for businesses. 

Meanwhile, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate after flipping seats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana. Among the winners was Republican Bernie Moreno, an Ohio car dealership magnate. SEMA and PRI were among the very first to endorse Moreno in his campaign to win his primary and defeat three-term incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown. 

VP Racing, the fuel, lubricant and additive supplier based in San Antonio, Texas, has been named the official racing fuel of the NHRA in a multi-year agreement beginning with the 2025 season.

VP Racing's C-25 Racing Fuel will be the official spec fuel for all pro stock car and motorcycle races. VP will also be the official spec nitromethane for top fuel and funny car, while multiple VP fuels will be run in factory stock and factory x races.

VP Racing will fuel all NHRA national events for 2025, including the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, which kicks off with the Gatornationals on March 6 at Gainesville Raceway. VP's fuel will be available, serviced by VP Racing professionals at the tracks for all 20 racing weekends.

For more information, visit vpracingfuels.com or nhra.com.

Above, QA1 President and CEO Melissa Scoles accepts the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year honors during this year's SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast.

QA1 was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Keystone Automotive was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. Both companies were recognized at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry over the past year.

"We are proud to honor QA1 and Keystone Automotive for their relentless dedication to advancing the industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It takes hard work to drive meaningful change, and these companies have exemplified the teamwork, innovation, and service needed to propel the industry forward."

QA1 is an industry leader in high-performance suspension and driveline for the automotive aftermarket. From individual shock absorbers to suspension systems for entire vehicles, they are dedicated to designing and producing high-quality, cost-effective solutions across several markets. QA1's commitment to providing customers with high-quality product data, a passion for pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and investing in their employees through professional development opportunities are what made them the ideal recipient of this year’s award. Visit them and learn more about their products at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, Booth #21357.

Above, Keystone Automotive President Bill Rogers accepts the SEMA Channel Partner of the Year honors at the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast.

Keystone Automotive is a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories, serving the diverse interests and needs of auto enthusiasts. With eight warehouses and multiple cross docks supported by their own fleet of trucks, their distribution network is second to none. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone's ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, embracing new technologies and trends, and investing in cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that have revolutionized the way aftermarket parts are distributed, ensuring that customers receive timely and accurate deliveries. Visit them at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, Booth #21249.

QA1 and Keystone Automotive are among the more than 2,400 exhibiting companies at the 2024 SEMA Show. Taking place Nov. 5 – 8, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show is the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills. More information can be found at semashow.com.

Andy Nelson, the interior and tire specialist with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), passed away last month. He was 39 years old.

Affectionately known as "Doggie" by friends, according to ARCA, Nelson was a member of the ARCA Menards Series East championship-winning team each of the last two years, and a key member of the team that won 11 races and the ARCA Menards Series Owner's championship in 2024. Nelson, originally from Dalles, Oregon, before moving to the Charlotte area, also worked for Dave Blaney Racing, Turner Scott Motorsports and MDM Motorsports before moving to JGR in 2019.

Nelson was also part of Ryan Blaney's winning team for his first NASCAR touring series victory in the West Series at Phoenix Raceway in 2011 and was a part of East series championship-winning teams for both Justin Haley and Harrison Burton in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

In addition, former ARCA Menards Series competitor Ken Rowley, who drove in ARCA Menards Series and USAC Stock Car Series races from 1974-1998, passed away last month at the age of 77. 

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 17, at Davis Lodge on Lake Bloomington in his native Illinois.

For more information, visit arcaracing.com.

Historic Sportscar Racing has unveiled its 2025 schedule, which is among the largest calendars in series history.

The 2025 schedule of HSR sprint and endurance events has been expanded to seven race weekends and includes the all-new HSR Classic Endurance Championship. The four-event series will include the new HSR Classic 10 Hour at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, which joins the existing HSR Classic tribute races at Daytona International Speedway, Sebring International Raceway and Watkins Glen International.

The season begins on March 7-9 at the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour and concludes at the same Florida facility for the HSR Pistons and Props, December 5-7.

For more information, visit hsrrace.com.

See the full schedule below:
 

Following the completion of a repave and renovation project for the 2024 motorsports season, New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), located in Millville, New Jersey, is continuing its infrastructure investment with the addition of a new course configuration ahead of the 2025 season.

The new section, "The Devil's Pass," will be a fast, flowing variation of the Thunderbolt Classic circuit with 358 linear feet of new racing surface.

Beginning with the 2025 motorsport season, both the Thunderbolt Classic and Devil's Pass circuits will be available for NJMP's drivers, riders, clubs, partners and professional series. Both retain the option of the Turn 3 chicane, resulting in four unique layouts for NJMP members and customers. 

For more information, visit njmp.com.

The 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing schedule has been finalized with 61 events planned at 36 unique facilities across 20 states for the second-year national sprint car series.

New in 2025, the series will shift the season-opening event to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on NASCAR weekend, March 13-15, culminating in a $25,000-to-win finale. The season will be again headlined by a trio of six-figure paydays: the Joker’s Jackpot at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 16-17, the 71st Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on August 21-23, and the Skagit Nationals at Skagit Speedway in Burlington, Washington, on August 28-30.

Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track will again host the All-In Championship Weekend on October 17-18.

The series also confirmed several rule changes for the series, beginning with the 2025 season. View the changes here.

For more information, or to see the full 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing Series, click here.

Hoosier Racing Tire, the racing tire manufacturer based in Lakeville, Indiana, is returning to the SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the first time in 30 years, and will be introducing a new car cleaner product line.

The line of cleaning, shining and care products will be known as Hoosier Daddy and Hoosier Momma and is expected to launch in December. The product line is a collaboration between Hoosier Racing Tire and Century Chemical, both headquartered in northern Indiana.

Located in Booth #21209, Hoosier Racing Tire will be exhibiting alongside various racing and performance product manufacturers in the Central Hall, showcasing several of the company's newest products, including the TrackAttack Pro, MonoRide, NemesisX, DR3 and more.

"We're excited to be back at the SEMA Show after 30 years, reconnecting face-to-face with industry leaders, partners, and customers," said Joerg Burfien, president, Hoosier Racing Tire. "This event offers an incredible opportunity to showcase our latest innovations, hear firsthand feedback, and strengthen the relationships that drive our industry forward."

For more information, visit hoosiertire.com.

QA1, the chassis and suspension component manufacturer based in Lakeville, Minnesota, has entered into an agreement with Holley Performance Brands to acquire the assets of Detroit Speed & Engineering in Mooresville, North Carolina. 

Operations of Detroit Speed will continue in Mooresville, North Carolina, according to the announcement. More details will be announced upon the deal closing, which is anticipated at year-end.

This addition aligns with QA1's mission to deliver high-performance suspension and chassis solutions, elevating its premium offerings and enhancing support for builders throughout the performance industry, company representatives said.

"QA1 is thrilled to welcome the Detroit Speed team," says Melissa Scoles, QA1's CEO. "We've been continually impressed by the innovation and quality of their products, and we're excited for what the future holds."

"We continue to take steps at Holley Performance Brands to position our brands for long-term growth and success," said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO, Holley Performance Brands. "QA1 is the right strategic partner to take Detroit Speed to the next level and we look forward to seeing what these two businesses accomplish together as one team." 

Formula DRIFT has revealed its event schedule and provisional driver lineup for the 2025 season.

The 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO and PROSPEC Championship schedule retains the same venues as 2024, aside from Irwindale Speedway, which will close in December. The Southern California facility previously hosted every season-ending event in the 21-year history of the series. Talks to replace the venue on the schedule are underway, according to series officials.

The series has also announced the provisional driver lineup for both PRO and PROSPEC Championships. All of the familiar names remain, joined by new license winners from other series.

The 2025 FD PRO Championship will welcome the top three finishers from this year’s PROSPEC Finals, including Tommy Lemaire, Connor O’Sullivan and veteran Austin Matta.

Click here to see the full provisional driver lineup.

See the full 2025 schedule below: