Chris Main
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Articles by Chris Main
FOX Factory Names Troy Henige Chief Technology Officer
FOX Factory appoints Troy Henige as chief technology officer. (Photo courtesy FOX Factory) FOX Factory Holding Corp.—a design, engineering and manufacturing company of performance-defining products and systems for customers worldwide—announced the promotion of Troy Henige to chief technology officer (CTO), marking the next evolution in the company’s commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation and technology leadership, company officials said in a press release.
Crush Customs Wins SEMA PRO Cup Challenge With Kia K5 Accessory Package
Crush Customs wins 2026 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge with Kia K5 accessory package. (Photos courtesy SEMA) The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Crush Customs of Marietta, Georgia, the winner of the 2026 PRO Cup Challenge for its restyled 2026 Kia K5. Unveiled at the 2026 SEMA Show, the winning vehicle was selected for its marketability, creativity, ease of replication and profit potential, SEMA officials announced in a press release.
Mercedes-Benz, NVIDIA Expand Partnership to Advance Automated Driving
Mercedes-Benz & NVIDIA expand strategic partnership to advance safe, highly automated driving. (Logos courtesy Mercedes-Benz) Mercedes-Benz and NVIDIA announced the extension of their strategic partnership to advance the next generation of automated driving systems. The collaboration brings together Mercedes-Benz’s automotive engineering and safety expertise and its MB.OS operating system with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI technologies, company officials said in a press release.
2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 4 Builders Announced
SEMA announces Battle of the Builders Top 4. (Photos by Chris Main) The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the Top 4 builders in the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers competition. Each of the Top 4 finalists won their category and is in the running to be named Overall Champion. The 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 4 are: Eddie Pettus – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Eddie Pettus’ 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle.
BILDTRAK Signs Multiyear Agreement With Factory Five Racing
BILDTRAK signs multiyear agreement with Factory Five Racing. (Photo courtesy BILDTRAK) BILDTRAK Inc. announced at the SEMA Show a multiyear agreement with Factory Five Racing Inc., a manufacturer of component car kits. Beginning in 2027, every Factory Five complete vehicle kit will include a BILDTRAK G1, so builders receive both the parts to build their car and a system to track exactly how those parts go together, BILDTRAK company officials said in a press release.
Pirelli Plans $1.2B Expansion of Rome, Georgia, Tire Plant
Pirelli to invest $1.2 billion in Georgia expansion. (Photo courtesy Pirelli) Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced on Sept. 22 that Pirelli will create 1,000 new jobs as part of a multiyear, $1.2 billion expansion of its existing facility in Rome, Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp previously met with Pirelli’s executives while leading an economic mission to Italy in 2024, laying the groundwork for this announcement, state officials said in a press release.
Subaru Survey: 73% of Pet Owners Prefer Road Trips Over Flying
Subaru survey finds pets are reshaping holiday travel & road trip plans. (Photos courtesy Subaru) Subaru of America Inc. announced new proprietary data revealing just how central family pets have become to Americans’ holiday travel plans.
Taiwan Excellence Pavilion Showcases 21 Automotive Brands at 2026 SEMA Show
Taiwan Excellence showcases 21 automotive innovators at SEMA 2026. (Photos courtesy Taiwan Excellence) Taiwan Excellence kicked off SEMA 2026 with an opening celebration at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together U.S. and Taiwan government and industry leaders to celebrate automotive innovation and explore new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, Taiwan Excellence officials said in a press release.
SEMA Names 2026 Battle of the Builders Top 12 Across Four Categories
SEMA announces Battle of the Builders Top 12. (Photos by Chris Main) The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the Top 12 builders in the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers competition. These builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs, SEMA officials stated in a press release.
WARN EVO Winch: A Little Color Goes the Long Way
WARN EVO Winch. (Photos courtesy WARN Industries) The new WARN EVO combines proven pulling power, rugged durability and dependable performance in a winch built to reliably recover in all conditions. EVO is available in capacities ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 lbs., plus your choice of steel or synthetic rope. Now, you can make it every bit as distinctive as the rig it’s mounted on.
Hemmings Honors Awards Recognize 10 Standout Builds at the 2026 SEMA Show
Hemmings recognizes 10 standout collector vehicles at the SEMA Show 2026. (Photo courtesy Hemmings) Hemmings announced the 2026 Hemmings Honors Award winners at the SEMA Show 2026 in Las Vegas. Presented to 10 standout vehicle owners and builders across the show floor, Hemmings Honors recognizes the vehicles that capture the creativity, craftsmanship, personality and future of collector car culture, company officials said in a press release.
Goodguys Releases 2027 Event Schedule With 14 Shows From Coast to Coast
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association releases its 2027 season event schedule. (Photos courtesy Goodguys Rod & Custom Association) Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has released its 2027 event schedule for its 44th season. The schedule consists of 14 events over nine months, ranging from coast to coast and bringing “America’s Favorite Car Show” to thousands of classic car enthusiasts, organization officials said in a press release.
Hot Shot’s Secret Unveils Morgan Evans’ Five-Day Duramax Swap at SEMA
Hot Shot’s Secret unveils Morgan Evans five-day Duramax swap on opening day at SEMA. (Photos courtesy Hot Shot’s Secret) Hot Shot’s Secret unveiled a Morgan Evans project truck, a 1982 GMC C3500 High Sierra dually swapped with a 6.6-liter diesel Duramax at its booth early on opening day, Nov. 3, of the 2026 SEMA Show, Hot Shot’s Secret officials said in a press release. Over five days, Oct.
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee 5.7L Sells Out Through First Quarter in 24 Hours
Strong consumer demand drives sellout of 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee 5.7L through the first quarter. (Photo courtesy Stellantis) Reinforcing strong demand, the initial 2026 calendar-year allocation of 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee 5.7L models sold out in 90 minutes, with all available allocation through March 2027 filled within 24 hours.
Mishimoto Silicone Body Mounts: Do It Once. No Squeaks. No Callbacks
Mishimoto Silicone Body Mounts. (Photos courtesy Mishimoto) The Ford Super Duty is built to work, but after years of hauling, towing and hard miles, the factory rubber body mounts start to give out. They crack, harden and crumble, and the truck starts telling on itself with rattles, clunks and a cab that no longer sits straight. Urethane replacements fix the wear but can squeak and be less forgiving than silicone.
Dodge, Radford Racing School Renew High-Performance Driving Partnership
Dodge extends partnership with Radford as Official High-Performance Driving School of Dodge. (Photo courtesy Dodge) Dodge and Radford Racing School extend their partnership with Radford continuing as the Official High-Performance Driving School of Dodge. The school is currently gearing up to add a new 600-horsepower classroom in 2027: the Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition, school officials said in a press release.
FABTECH Draws Record Crowd to Las Vegas, Its Largest Show Outside Chicago
FABTECH 2026 breaks attendance record outside of Chicago in historic Las Vegas return. (Photo courtesy FABTECH) FABTECH 2026 drew more than 32,500 industry participants to the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 21-23, marking the event’s largest attendance outside Chicago, event officials said in a press release. Its return to Las Vegas after a decade also brought the highest first-day attendance in FABTECH history, with 59% of attendees experiencing FABTECH for the first time.
Holley Partners With Universal Studios on ‘Fast & Furious’ Roller Coaster
Holley Performance Brands announces its Preferred Performance Auto Parts partnership with Universal Studios Hollywood & the all-new high-speed roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.” (Photo courtesy Holley Performance Brands) Holley Performance Brands has joined Universal Studios Hollywood as the Preferred Performance Auto Parts Partner for the theme park’s all-new high-speed roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” featuring an array of recreated film props within the...
SRT Reimagines Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler as High-Speed Desert Concept
SRT unleashes the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler Concept, reimagining an American off-road icon. (Photo courtesy Jeep) The SRT Performance division has unveiled the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept, a reimagining of the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler that combines open-air freedom, pickup versatility, authentic Jeep capability and SRT attitude, company officials announced in a press release. “The original Scrambler became an icon because it broke the rules.
SEMA Names 2026 New Product Award Winners in 15 Categories
SEMA announces 2026 New Product Award winners. (Photo courtesy SEMA) The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the winners of its 2026 SEMA Show New Product Awards. The awards recognize outstanding new aftermarket products being brought to market and featured in the New Products Showcase in Lower South Hall, Booth #41271, SEMA officials said in a press release. More than 1,300 products competed for top honors across 15 New Products Showcase categories.
Classic Recreations Debuts Carbon-Fiber ’67 Shelby GT500 at SEMA Show
Classic Recreations returns to SEMA debuting the world’s only production ’67 Carbon-Fiber Shelby GT500. (Photos courtesy Classic Recreations) Classic Recreations is making its first SEMA appearance under Velocity Restorations ownership, giving builders, suppliers and media their first look at the reborn brand, company officials announced in a press release.
The Trail Just Got More Colorful
The WARN EVO Series winch with optional powder-coated color kits available in gray, blue, green, yellow & red. (Photo courtesy Keystone Automotive) The WARN EVO Series brings a fresh new look to one of the most trusted names in winching. Featuring interchangeable die-cast armor, EVO lets customers customize their winch with optional powder-coated color kits available in gray, blue, green, yellow, and red.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum Seeks Vehicles for ‘Local Flavor’ Exhibit
LeMay - America's Car Museum invites the local community to build its next major exhibition. (Logo courtesy LeMay – America’s Car Museum) LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) has announced that it is inviting vehicle owners, automotive enthusiasts, collectors and community members throughout Tacoma, the South Sound and the greater Pacific Northwest to help build its next major exhibition, “Local Flavor,” opening Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027.
Keystone Automotive Operations Announces Retirement of Bill Rogers
Keystone Automotive announces retirement of Bill Rogers (left), who will be succeeded by John Ruch (right). (Logo courtesy Keystone Automotive) Keystone Automotive Operations has announced that President Bill Rogers will retire effective Jan. 1, 2027. Rogers has served as president since 2015 and, prior to that, managed the Category Management organization. Rogers joined the company in 2011 after leadership roles at other organizations, including GE, Textron and Armstrong World Industries.
HRC Reveals 1,300-Plus HP Hybrid Honda Passport Trophy Truck for Desert Racing
HRC Honda Racing reveals 1,300-plus horsepower hybrid-powered Passport trophy truck. (Photos courtesy Honda) Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) unveiled the Honda Passport Baja Spec, a new trophy truck that will be the first hybrid-powered vehicle to compete in the SCORE World Desert Championship’s top Trophy Truck class.
Oracle Lighting to Present 2026 Partner Awards at SEMA
Oracle Lighting to present 2026 Partner Awards at SEMA. (Photo courtesy Oracle Lighting) Oracle Lighting announced it will present its 2026 Partner Awards during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, Nov. 4, at noon PT at the Oracle Lighting booth #57147 in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
CSR2 Returns as SEMA Show Gaming Partner for 3rd Year in a Row
CSR2 partners with SEMA Show as gaming partner for third consecutive year. Pictured: Last year’s Battle of the Builders winner, a 1936 Ford Roadster named “Fenderless” by Rad Rides by Troy. (Images courtesy CSR2) Zynga Inc., a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. and a global leader in interactive entertainment, announced that CSR2 is returning as an official partner of the SEMA Show and the Battle of the Builders showcase.
LCI Industries Stands by Patrick Merger After Reviewing Monomoy Proposal
LCI board determines that the proposal from Monomoy Capital Partners does not constitute a superior proposal.
Meguiar’s SEMA Show Outdoor Booth to Feature Four Custom Builds
Meguiar’s will reveal special vehicles at its SEMA 2026 outdoor display. Pictured: Pierre Chan’s Datsun 240Z. (Photos courtesy Meguiar’s) Meguiar’s will close out its 125th anniversary with a celebration at the 2026 SEMA Show taking place in Las Vegas from Nov. 3-6. Meguiar’s is hosting numerous activities at Booth # 22357 in Central Hall as well as its outdoor Booth # 80030, company officials said in a press release.
Austin Hatcher Foundation To Debut Factory Five Mk5 Roadster at SEMA Show
Austin Hatcher Foundation to unveil custom Factory Five Mk5 Roadster at SEMA Show. (Photos courtesy Austin Hatcher Foundation) A custom 2026 Factory Five Mk5 Roadster, built over the past year with help from pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their siblings, will make its public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 3–6, before going to an online auction on Bring a Trailer beginning Black Friday, Nov. 27, through Monday, Dec. 7.
Rockford Fosgate Names Longtime Leader Tammy Lowe Vice President of Marketing
Rockford Fosgate promotes Tammy Lowe to vice president of marketing. (Photo courtesy Rockford Fosgate) Rockford Fosgate, maker of high-performance audio systems, announced the promotion of Tammy Lowe to vice president of marketing, effective immediately. With nearly 39 years of experience at Rockford Fosgate, Lowe brings an exceptional understanding of the brand, its customers and the relationships that have helped shape the company’s success, Rockford Fosgate officials said in a press release.
Luftgekühlt 12 Draws 8K Fans & 300 Air-Cooled Porsches to Atlanta Area
Luftgekühlt 12 brings together the global community with its signature air-cooled Porsche heritage celebration. (Photos courtesy Luftgekühlt) Luftgekühlt 12 debuted at Trilith near Atlanta on Oct. 10, welcoming 8,000 attendees and presenting more than 300 air-cooled Porsches. Located just down the road from the Porsche Cars North America headquarters, Luft 12 brought together a wide spectrum of the Porsche community for a diverse mix of programming, event organizers said in a press release.
TOPDON USA Launches Techs of Tomorrow Annual Scholarship Program
TOPDON USA launches Techs of Tomorrow annual scholarship program with $37,000 for automotive tech students. (Photo courtesy TOPDON USA) TOPDON USA—a provider of automotive diagnostic tools, technology and software—announced the Techs of Tomorrow scholarship program, which will provide four annual awards totaling $37,000 to students pursuing careers in automotive technology and related fields.
TMI Products Returns to 2026 SEMA Show With 5th Annual TRIM Awards
TMI Products’ Fifth Annual 2026 TRIM Awards at the SEMA Show. (Photos courtesy TMI Products) TMI Products, an industry leader in custom automotive interiors, has officially announced the fifth annual TRIM Awards, returning to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Dana To Showcase Off-Road Drivetrain Engineering at 2026 SEMA Show
Dana showcases performance engineering and an interactive off-road experience at SEMA 2026. (Photo courtesy Dana) Global powertrain technology company Dana Incorporated is bringing an immersive experience to the 2026 SEMA Show designed to connect automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals with the advanced technologies and engineering expertise shaping the future of vehicle performance, company officials announced in a press release.
Garrett Motion Board Member Steven Tesoriere Steps Down
Garrett Motion announces the resignation of Steven Tesoriere from the board of directors. (Logo courtesy Garrett Motion) Garrett Motion Inc., a global provider of differentiated turbocharging and electrification technologies for automotive and industrial applications, announced that Steven Tesoriere, managing director and portfolio manager at Oaktree, has resigned from Garrett’s board of directors.
RPM Foundation Lands $50K After Larry Chen Wins RADwood Build Challenge
RPM Foundation awarded $50,000 following Larry Chen's RADwood Build Challenge victory. (Photos courtesy RPM Foundation) RPM Foundation, an entity of America’s Automotive Trust, is celebrating a major victory following the conclusion of Hagerty’s RADwood Build Challenge, where renowned automotive photographer and builder Larry Chen claimed the top prize with his customized 1996 Honda Accord Si-R.
Meyer Distributing Announces New Partnership With Dynatrac
Meyer Distributing adds Dynatrac to its line card. (Photo courtesy Meyer Distributing) Meyer Distributing announced the addition of Dynatrac heavy-duty, high-performance aftermarket axle assemblies to its 4×4/off-road sector.
LIQUI MOLY Heads Back to the ’80s at AAPEX & SEMA 2026
LIQUI MOLY brings 1980s motorsports heritage to AAPEX & SEMA 2026. (Photo courtesy LIQUI MOLY) LIQUI MOLY USA is taking visitors back to the golden era of 1980s motorsports at this year’s AAPEX and SEMA shows in Las Vegas, company officials said in a press release. With iconic German vehicles, modern engineering and booth activations, the lubricant specialist will celebrate its racing heritage while showcasing how it continues to protect performance for the future. AAPEX takes place from Nov.
Kahn Media Report: How Automotive Aftermarket Buyers Discover & Buy Products
Kahn Media research reveals how aftermarket buyers discover, research & buy. (Photo courtesy Kahn Media) Aftermarket and performance brands have more ways to reach a buyer today than at any point in the industry’s history, according to new research from Kahn Media. Enthusiasts now discover products across a dozen different channels—from social feeds, search and word of mouth to YouTube, events, retailers and AI tools—with no single channel accounting for more than 10% of first discoveries.
Monomoy Capital Makes Unsolicited Bid for LCI Industries Amid Patrick Merger
LCI Industries confirms receipt of unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Monomoy Capital Partners. (Logo courtesy LCI Industries) LCI Industries, a supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, confirmed that it has received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Monomoy Capital Partners to acquire LCI for $101 per share in cash.
Astemo Expands Aftermarket Portfolio, Debuts Off-Road Shock Line at SEMA
Astemo Americas to showcase expanding aftermarket & performance product portfolios at AAPEX & SEMA. Pictured: Josef Newgarden at Nashville Superspeedway in 2025. (Photo courtesy Astemo) Astemo Americas Inc. will showcase an expanding lineup of automotive, performance and powersports products at AAPEX 2026 while launching an entirely new SHOWA Performance shock absorber line at the 2026 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
Method Race Wheels Introduces the All-New 711-HD Bead Grip
Method Race Wheels introduces the all-new 711-HD Bead Grip. (Photo courtesy Method Race Wheels) Engineered for heavier loads, harder impacts and demanding terrain, the all-new Method Race Wheels 711-HD Bead Grip combines patented tire-retention technology, motorsports-derived engineering and heavy-duty strength with a versatile design that offers additional protection and customization.
Holley To Make Product Announcements & Bring Automotive Icons to the SEMA Show
Holley Performance Brands brings major announcements & automotive icons to the SEMA Show. (Photo courtesy Holley Performance Brands) Holley Performance Brands, home to more than 60 iconic automotive aftermarket brands, is preparing for the 2026 SEMA Show, Nov.
Take Your 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV to New Heights
Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV. (Photo courtesy Eibach) Engineered specifically for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV, the Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT delivers a 1.5-inch front lift and 1.7-inch rear lift without the need for coil-over systems or spacer lifts. Developed using Eibach’s race-winning off-road spring technology, these performance lift springs maintain full suspension travel while delivering a balanced combination of ride comfort, control and off-road capability.
Holley, Amotiv Collaboration Targets North America, Australia & New Zealand
Holley Performance Brands, Amotiv form strategic collaboration to expand brand reach across North America, Australia & New Zealand. (Photo and logos courtesy Holley Performance Brands) Holley Performance Brands and Amotiv Limited, which owns a portfolio of companies specializing in the automotive aftermarket and accessories sector, announced a strategic collaboration designed to expand the reach of each company’s brands across North America, Australia and New Zealand.
GEN-Y Hitch To Bring Heavy-Duty Towing Solutions to 2026 SEMA Show
GEN-Y Hitch brings heavy-duty towing to SEMA 2026. (Photo courtesy GEN-Y Hitch) GEN-Y Hitch announced that it is returning to the 2026 SEMA Show, Nov. 3–6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors to the GEN-Y Booth 60027 in the West Hall will get a hands-on look at the company’s heavy-duty, American-made towing products, along with a first look at what’s next from GEN-Y, company officials said in a press release.
Tmat Truck Bed Organizer Named Best Auto Accessory by Popular Mechanics
Tmat Truck Bed Organizer named Best Auto Accessory in Popular Mechanics Home Innovation Awards 2026. (Photo courtesy Tmat) Tmat Products LLC announced that its Tmat Truck Bed Organizer has been named Best Auto Accessory in the 2026 Popular Mechanics Home Innovation Awards. The recognition highlights Tmat’s approach to truck bed cargo management, combining modular organization, adaptable configurations and easier access to everyday gear, company officials said in a press release.
Mopar To Showcase Limited-Edition ’27 Dodge Charger Package at SEMA Show
Exclusive Mopar ’27 Dodge Charger commemorates 90 years of Mopar at SEMA Show. (Photo courtesy Mopar) Mopar marks its 90th anniversary in 2027 with the introduction of the exclusive Mopar ’27 Dodge Charger, a limited-edition package that blends distinctive Mopar styling, modern muscle-car attitude and factory-engineered personalization, company officials announced in a press release. Mopar ’27 will debut at the Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge Oct. 30-Nov.
PGI Celebrates 30 Years With New Products & Brand Identity at AAPEX 2026
PGI celebrates 30 years of growth & innovation at AAPEX 2026. (Photo courtesy PGI) Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) will showcase its latest innovations, products and brand initiatives at AAPEX 2026 in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-5, at Booth #V2438. This year’s exhibit will highlight the continued evolution of PGI, bringing together established automotive brands, award-winning technologies and new product innovations across a growing range of categories, company officials said in a press release.
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