STILLWATER, OK (07.03.26) – Lori Boyer, KICKER’s Southeast Regional Sales Manager, has been named by the editors of Boating Industry magazine to its prestigious roster of 2026 “Women Making Waves.”
This major awards recognition, now in its ninth year, recognizes outstanding women leaders from all segments of the North American boating industry. Boyer was one of 30 nominees tapped for this honor and profiled in a feature story alongside all winners in the latest edition of Boating Industry magazine. A special event celebration to present the awards is slated for later this year.
Lori Boyer
“We are very proud of Lori’s outstanding recognition among her peers and appreciate the countless contributions she has made in her 38 years at KICKER,” said KICKER CEO Steve Irby. “Lori has certainly been a trailblazer and a highly dedicated member of the KICKER team. She has always focused on developing herself as an individual and a team member. Her dedication to product knowledge and expertise has made her a trusted and highly valued leader. We are very pleased by her significant distinction and well-deserved recognition.”
Boyer began her career as a file clerk at KICKER in 1988 and has proven her capability with eight progressive roles within the organization, each assuming new areas of responsibility. For the past 11 years, she has served as the southeast regional sales manager – the first female aftermarket manager in the company’s history – with responsibilities for ongoing communications and strategic 1:1 partnership collaboration to help customers increase sales and improve profitability.
“I am so honored to be included among this group of outstanding women in the marine industry and very much appreciate the nomination and recognition,” said Boyer. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career at KICKER and the continued opportunities for personal and professional growth. After 38 years, I’m still learning and growing and loving the business more every day.”
VANCOUVER, BC (7.2.26) – THINKWARE is expanding its support for the 12V specialist channel with the launch of the new THINKWARE PRO Series, a dealer-exclusive dash cam lineup designed for professional retailers and installers.
Available only through authorized THINKWARE dealers, the PRO Series includes four models: the flagship U3000 PRO, U1000 PRO, Q850 PRO, and Q200 PRO. Each model is designed to give dealers a premium dash cam offering built around advanced video performance, parking surveillance, driver assistance features, professional installation value, and stronger profit opportunities.
The PRO Series also strengthens the dealer-customer relationship with added post-sale confidence, including THINKWARE’s 3-year warranty on professionally installed systems. That extended coverage helps reinforce the benefits of purchasing through an authorized 12V retailer.
The lineup is led by the U3000 PRO, THINKWARE’s flagship PRO Series model, featuring 4K UHD front and 2K QHD rear recording, Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, Dual HDR, Super Night Vision 4.0, built-in GPS, built-in radar, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ADAS, and THINKWARE CONNECTED support with an optional LTE module.
The U1000 PRO offers premium 4K front and 2K rear recording with HDR, Super Night Vision 3.0, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radar module compatibility, and expandable multi-channel recording with optional accessories.
The Q850 PRO provides 2K front and 2K rear recording, Sony STARVIS imaging, rear HDR, Super Night Vision 2.0, built-in GPS, ADAS, safety camera alerts, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional multi-channel expansion.
The Q200 PRO rounds out the lineup with 2K QHD front and 1080p rear recording, Super Night Vision 2.0, ADAS, safety camera alerts, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, parking surveillance features, and optional multi-channel expansion.
Across the PRO Series, THINKWARE gives dealers a channel-focused dash cam lineup that supports higher-value sales, installation revenue, accessory attachment, and industry-leading margin potential. With dealer-only availability, OEM-grade quality, and advanced in-house technology, the THINKWARE PRO Series gives 12V retailers a compelling new way to position dash cams as a serious safety, security, and convenience upgrade.
WASHINGTON, DC (7.2.26) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion that states that a SEMA Certified-Emissions certification qualifies as a reasonable basis under the Tampering Policy and companies can rely on this certificate to demonstrate compliance. With this formal recognition, the EPA is establishing a regulatory pathway allowing for 49-state sales (excluding California) and reestablishes the federal government’s leadership on clean-air issues.
“Today, the EPA has verified what SEMA for years has told regulators at the state and federal levels: that the automotive aftermarket industry has a precise mechanism to support emissions testing compliance with federal laws, and it’s called SEMA Certified-Emissions,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “This EPA recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program is nothing short of a pioneering action by the federal government to utilize private-public partnerships in service to industry regulatory compliance efforts. We’re beyond pleased to continue to provide this service to aftermarket businesses so they can bring their innovative products to the market, and with a renewed certainty that our nation’s clean-air laws are being followed.”
“Americans should not be forced to solely rely on California to certify aftermarket products. Starting today, Americans can trust that products certified by SEMA meet federal requirements and can be used to repair vehicles,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “President Donald Trump’s commitment to reviving the American auto industry has been unwavering and has already yielded hundreds of billions in new investments, supported American jobs, and expanded consumer choice. With the aftermarket sector being a key piece of the industry, the EPA is proud to deliver on the president’s agenda, for the small businesses producing aftermarket parts, and on behalf of the Americans who purchase those parts.”
The EPA’s action directly responds to a June 29, 2026, presidential memorandum by President Trump that encouraged the agency to “expeditiously consider, and act on any requests from organizations capable of testing aftermarket parts for conformance with the CAA,” to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act and other relevant EPA regulations.
This is a significant win for the automotive aftermarket, an economically significant industry made up of primarily small businesses who design and manufacture innovative, American-made, emissions law-compliant products that enhance the performance of cars and trucks across the globe.
The SEMA Certified-Emissions program is the product of years of heavy investment and development by the Specialty Equipment Market Association through its SEMA Garage program. The envisioned purpose of SEMA Certified-Emissions was to create a robust, sustainable, and practical pathway to Clean Air Act emissions compliance under federal law. As a result of this work, the SEMA Garage is now the automotive industry’s foremost venue for showing a documented, reasonable basis for aftermarket products having no adverse impact on emissions.
In the last decade, previous administrations’ EPAs have ceded authority to California, enabling the state to serve as a de facto national regulator and require manufacturers to obtain California Air Resource Board (CARB) Executive Orders (EOs) to sell anywhere in the country. The EPA’s recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program verifies a transparent, data-driven process to serve as an affordable, accelerated pathway for aftermarket companies to follow. It offers much-needed certainty for aftermarket businesses, particularly with regards to products that meet federal standards (i.e., internal combustion engine products).
Additionally, recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program rebalances EPA authority over Clean Air Act emissions compliance and provides manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with a viable, nationally recognized option for illustrating compliance. In particular, aftermarket businesses gain much-needed certainty, including those whose products where California has not provided a clear path to compliance.
SEMA thanks President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and the entire team at the EPA for their leadership and unyielding push to re-balance our nation’s environmental goals so that the ability of American businesses to thrive is never hindered.
WHAT THE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY IS SAYING
BluePrint Engines Founder Norris Marshall: “The level of investment of resources and expertise that SEMA has made in its SEMA Certified-Emissions program really stands out as an asset for businesses like BluePrint Engines – it enables us to focus on bringing superior products to market by knowing that SEMA matches our expertise and experience with their rigorous attention to quality, in federal emissions compliance. Our industry’s products deserve to reach our customers in a timely manner, and the SEMA Certified-Emissions program is an important tool for providing the necessary documentation that the EPA expects, with the rigor that the American people deserve.”
Holley Performance Vice President Aaron Stewart: “Holley is committed to performance, quality, and responsible business practices, including ensuring our products support emissions compliance and help consumers operate their vehicles legally and responsibly. The SEMA Certified-Emissions program provides an important and credible pathway for evaluating products against applicable emissions standards. It gives Holley confidence that our products are reviewed with compliance in mind and gives our customers confidence in the products they choose. We appreciate the SEMA Garage’s role in supporting responsible emissions compliance across the performance aftermarket industry. The program is important to Holley’s business, our customers, and the long-term credibility of the industry.”
VMP Performance President Justin Starkey: “VMP Performance has been using the SEMA Garage for emissions compliance since its inception in 2015; we were actually the Garage’s first customer. We’ve poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into emissions testing and compliance. SEMA exhibiting leadership in this area is critical to the industry’s long-term success, and we finally have an alternative to the CARB EO process.”
Magnuson Superchargers CEO Kim Pendergast: “Magnuson Superchargers has filed for CARB EOs since the beginning. Jerry Magnuson, the founder and owner at the time, did it simply because he believed it was the right thing to do. He always said, ‘One day everyone will follow the EO process and we will already be there.’ When SEMA started their Certified program for emissions, Magnuson decided to use SEMA, even though we already had the internal capabilities; we liked the transparency of a third party’s validation. We hoped other members would sign on so we would all see the benefit of using the same system at the federal and state levels. That’s happening now. I hope more SEMA members will join SEMA Certified-Emissions. It helps all of us.”
JASPER Engines & Transmissions Group Leader Brad Boeglin: “JASPER utilizes the SEMA Certified-Emissions program to support identification of worst-case vehicle and engine configurations, and to ensure our emissions testing strategy and documentation align with EPA reasonable basis requirements. SEMA’s technical review serves as an independent third-party validation of our emissions documentation and testing, reducing inconsistencies, rework, and delays. Overall, the SEMA Certified-Emissions program allows us to launch compliant products sooner while protecting both JASPER and our customers.”
BD Diesel Director of Product Development Jeff Harris: “When our industry demanded greater focus on emission compliance and testing, the SEMA Garage stepped up as a great partner for both consulting and achieving compliance with our product. SEMA has helped guide our company’s emissions compliance statement as well as providing a third-party review process, enabling quicker compliance turnaround than traditional methods. The team at the SEMA Garage compliance center is always eager to help, and it is refreshing to have a point of contact that is readily available to help on our projects.”
BACKGROUND
The EPA is tasked with ensuring compliance with federal law as established by the Clean Air Act. Such action is guided by the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; among the areas this office is involved is engine tampering and aftermarket defeat devices. Violators are subject to significant civil penalties and even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
Under EPA’s Tampering Policy, the agency typically does not take enforcement action for conduct that might be a violation of section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act if the person engaging in the conduct has a documented “reasonable basis” to conclude that the conduct (or, where the conduct in question is the manufacturing or sale of a part or component, the installation and use of that part or component) does not and will not adversely affect emissions.
SEMA Certified-Emissions is not a blank check to use a certified product in any way imaginable. Instead, SEMA Certified-Emissions products and components are tested and authorized for specific makes, models, model year, and engine configurations, providing a path to emissions compliance for companies and cleaner air for our communities.
The SEMA Certified-Emissions program maintains a centralized, transparent database of compliant products. This publicly searchable database adds to manufacturers’, retailers’, consumers’, and federal stakeholders’ confidence in the integrity of our nation’s emissions standards.
The SEMA Certified-Emissions program allows sales in 49 states; California sales still require a valid EO from CARB. Nonetheless, EPA’s recognition of SEMA Certified-Emissions provides a new path to 49-state legal sales and allows CARB to return to its historic role serving the California market.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (7.1.26) – SEMA has officially opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers at www.semabotb.com. Now in its 13th year, the competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket’s premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show, and for 2026 it will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion.
“It’s always exciting to see builders push creative boundaries year after year, and the addition of powersports brings an entirely new level of energy and excitement to the program,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. “Battle of the Builders continues to evolve alongside the industry, and we’re excited to see how builders push innovation at the 2026 SEMA Show.”
For 2026, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.
“Mothers High Performance Car Care is proud to continue supporting the SEMA Battle of the Builders and the talented builders who make this competition one of the most anticipated events at the SEMA Show,” said Mothers Vice President of Marketing Shane Christman. “Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion these builders bring to their projects. This program celebrates the dedication behind every build and gives the industry an opportunity to recognize the individuals pushing vehicle customization forward.”
The 2026 program will also debut a new side to the competition with SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout as a dedicated Motorcycle category, expanding the competition to include some of the finest custom two-wheel vehicles in America. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation, and overall execution, with the Top 10 finalists serving as judges to determine the Top 3 category winners and the overall Bike Builder champion.
In the automotive categories, a panel of aftermarket industry judges will again review all eligible submissions, evaluating build descriptions and photography before conducting in-person assessments on the SEMA Show floor. Judges will narrow entries to a Top 10 in each category, followed by a Top 3 selection. Those 12 finalists will then serve as judges to determine category winners and the overall champion.
“It’s been great to be back at the SEMA Battle of the Builders,” said Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy after winning the overall 2025 Battle of the Builders trophy last November. “It’s grown a lot since we first won the event eight years ago. We finally had a car worthy of being back in the competition. There were so many great cars this year. Everybody here is a winner, all 40, all 12, especially the Final Four.”
When asked what it’s like to win the SEMA Battle of the Builders for the second time, Trepanier said “It is always nice to be judged by your peers in the industry and get recognized.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Builders The BFGoodrich Young Guns category highlights emerging talent, open to builders 29 years old and younger at the time of the SEMA Show. Entrants may be selected to participate in virtual Golden Ticket competitions held throughout the summer, with prize packages that include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, plus travel and hotel accommodations. At the Show, the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists compete within their own field, narrowing to a Top 3. First introduced in 2024, the BFGoodrich Young Guns Top 10 competition format continues to expand opportunity and visibility for rising builders.
“BFGoodrich is proud to support the next generation of builders through the BFGoodrich Young Guns category at the SEMA Battle of the Builders,” said BFGoodrich Ultra High Performance Brand Manager T.J. Dennis. “Creating opportunities for young builders to showcase their talent, gain industry recognition, and compete alongside some of the best in the business is what makes this program so special. We’re excited to continue supporting the innovation, passion, and creativity that define the future of vehicle customization.”
For more information or to enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semabotb.com. For information on registration deadlines, rules, and additional details, click here.
The SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas, Nov. 3–6, 2026, bringing together the most influential brands, builders, and innovators in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Show remains the premier destination for discovering new products, technologies, and trends shaping the future of vehicle customization and performance. For more information or to register, visit www.semashow.com.
KANSAS CITY, MO (06.30.26) The Crossroads Of America presented the 7th annual go GOOSTERO Bike Show at the Wagon Wheel Mobile Park just north of Kansas City. The Event took place June 27th and attracted hundreds of bikers to the event.
Chris Pace, was set up with the Arrowhead trailer and dared Bikers to listen!
Chris Pace was on site with the Arrowhead Sales and Marketing with the JBL trailer…. daring bikers to listen.
Pace related “I spoke with dozens and dozens of bikers showing them JB upgrades on the trailer. For the most part they had no idea that JBL offered upgrades like this for their bikes. In addition, we represent Epsilon and PPI that are very strong in the bike category. As a matter of fact, I’m in the process of adding some of their head units to show on the trailer for future events coming up this summer.”
There were many classes for Bikers to spotlight their rides.
Bikers gathered to connect.
The GOOSTERO included competitions for a number of classes, including vintage choppers, modern choppers, garage built choppers, lawless, choppers, vintage motorcycles, modern motorcycles, baggers, best of show, peoples choice and moose award.
Concluding Pace added “Having an in-person experience at a biker event like this really connects with their community. There’s just no way bikers can connect online to get a feel of what’s really available.”
Bikers were spread out across the venue.
Pace has a number of bike events on his calendar coming up this summer. One of the events will be at the Lake of the Ozarks and they’re anticipating more than 250,000 bikers to attend.
PALM BEACH, FL (06.29.26) – ZZ2 is excited to announce the release of the all-new ZW-RAM, the newest addition to the ZWAGZ family of OEM lighting solutions.
Designed specifically for select 2025–2026 Dodge RAM 1500 trucks, the ZW-RAM connects directly to the vehicle’s OE Security Gateway Module, allowing users to flash the factory lights using multiple selectable flash patterns.
The ZW-RAM is activated using the included push button or through a 12V upfitter input wire, making it an ideal solution for fleets, municipalities, contractors, utility vehicles, and safety applications requiring increased visibility.
Contact your ZZ2 sales representative to confirm compatibility for your specific vehicle trim and configuration.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The ZW-RAM is currently released as a preliminary hardwire version. While fully functional, some lighting outputs may have limitations when flashing. Please refer to the installation manual for complete functionality and application details.
Available now through ZZ2 and authorized dealers.
Contact your ZZ2 sales representative today for pricing and availability.
LIMA, OH (06.29.26) – AMA Pro Racing mourns the loss of American Flat Track competitor Dan Bromley, who passed following an on-track incident during Saturday’s Lima Half-Mile in Lima, Ohio. AMA Pro Racing and the American Flat Track community extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, teammates, fellow competitors, and all who knew him.
A third-generation flat track racer from Warrington, Pennsylvania, Bromley built one of the most respected resumes in the paddock. He was the 2018 AFT Singles champion and the 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers champion, and his career reflected the consistency, versatility, and determination that define the best of flat track.
Dan Bromley
“Few families have contributed more to the spirit and strength of flat track than the Bromley’s,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Dan carried that legacy with talent, humility, and a genuine love for the people around him. He was a true champion in every sense of the word. He earned respect as a racer, but his impact reached far beyond results on the track. His presence in the paddock made our sport better, and his loss will be felt across the entire flat track community. On behalf of AMA Pro Racing, we send our sincere condolences to the Bromley family during this difficult time.”
Information regarding memorial arrangements and any further updates will be communicated when appropriate.
ONTARIO, CA (06.26.26) – Gatorwraps is proud to announce the promotion of Brandi Flores to President. Brandi began her journey with the company more than 15 years ago as Office Manager and has been instrumental in helping grow the business through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Throughout her tenure, including her most recent position of Vice President of Operations, Brandi has successfully implemented key processes and procedures that have strengthened operations while fostering a positive and supportive environment for both customers and employees. Her passion for the company, focus on continuous improvement, and ability to inspire those around her have made her a driving force behind Gatorwraps’ success, and the company is excited to see her lead its next chapter of growth. Help us congratulate Brandi Flores in her new role.
WASHINGTON, DC (06.26.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has added Megan Kowalis to its Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team, bringing extensive grassroots mobilization experience to the organization’s acclaimed program for mobilizing automotive enthusiasts and content creators for advocacy. As manager of digital communications and partnerships, Kowalis will lead outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive space.
Before joining SEMA, Kowalis spearheaded national and statewide grassroots programs for the National Alliance for Care at Home and Twenty7Fifty Public Affairs. She has a familiarity with the organization and industry, having previously supported SEMA member advocates during Capitol Hill meetings for a 2025 fly-in.
Megan Kowalis
“Megan brings fresh energy to this role and a proven track record of success engaging new advocates on issues that impact their businesses and lifestyles,” said SEMA Director of Communications-Government Affairs Matt Daigle. “We’re excited to tap into her creativity to connect with the content creator community as we continue to grow a program that has provided tremendous value to SEMA’s advocacy efforts.”
“America’s car culture is a vibrant and important part of who we are as a nation, and the people who make it great deserve to have their voices elevated in Washington, D.C.,” said Kowalis. “I’m thrilled to be working for SEMA in an official capacity and can’t wait to engage with our community’s content creators, who make up a critically important group of voices in our industry and for our advocacy work.”
Kowalis, a Colorado native, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and English literature from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
SEMA’s groundbreaking work to engage content creators on advocacy has established a network of more than 150 creators spanning car culture, from builders to racers to off-road enthusiasts, whose authenticity and passion for the automotive industry has translated well to grassroots mobilization. The program has yielded significant legislative wins at the federal and state levels and was among the reasons SEMA was awarded the 2025 Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President’s Award for Excellence in Communications.
OXNARD, CA (06.25.26) – No car rebuild, especially done by teenagers, is complete without a new audio system, and BOSS Elite was there to step up and provide all the necessary components for the Agoura High School (Agoura Hills, Calif.) auto shop class and its students’ restoration of a 1970 Chevrolet C20 truck.
“The collaboration between our students and BOSS Elite represents exactly what career education should be, which is real, hands-on work with industry partners,” said Brian Wright, instructor, Agoura High School, and project lead. “Our students aren’t just learning in a classroom, they’re building, creating, and solving problems alongside professionals. That kind of experience is what prepares them for the next step, whether that’s college, a career, or starting their own path in the automotive world.”
Agoura High School’s auto shop class serves 75 students across three sections. Once the project is complete, the truck will be featured at a major car show before being raffled/sold to benefit the program.
“I met Brian (Wright) since my son and his son are in a garage band together,” explained Colin Ross, BOSS Elite associate band manager. “He mentioned that he is teaching auto shop at our kids’ high school and he then brought up the truck project. When I asked what brand they were using for audio, he said none. So, I gladly offered to help. Brian then invited me to the shop after school and showed me the vehicle the kids were working on so I could spec a system for it.”
Ross said that once he took a look at the Chevy C20 and discussed his thoughts with Wright, they decided to utilize the truck’s existing audio component sizes and locations so the students would get a good idea of audio installation without having to do any major cutting or fabrication.
In the end, the 1970 Chevrolet C20 truck’s new BOSS Elite audio system includes: • BE7ACP.WX double DIN 7-inch car stereo with Apple Carplay and Android Auto • BE6004D 600 Watt 4-Channel Class D amplifier • BE692C 2-way 6×9 coaxial speakers • CH4220 2-way 4-inch full range speakers • BOSS Elite wiring kit
“These kids are great, and they are truly learning a trade that could lead to quite a few different education and career choices after high school,” Ross concluded. “It’s wonderful that Brian was not only open and enthusiastic for our help and that we could provide a terrific system for the truck project, but also for the students to be introduced to the ins and outs of car audio installation.”
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