Wade Kawasaki Named Executive Director of SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees - Engine Builder Magazine

Wade Kawasaki Named Executive Director of SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees

The SEMA Board of Directors appointed industry veteran Wade Kawasaki to serve as the first executive director of SEMA’s and PRI’s respective political action committees (PAC). In this new volunteer role, Kawasaki will oversee each PAC’s Board of Directors and fundraising efforts, reporting to the SEMA Board of Directors.

By law, SEMA and PRI may not use its funds to contribute to federal political candidates. However, each organization’s PAC allows its members to contribute personal funds, which are used to help elect lawmakers who support its positions and initiatives.

“The specialty automotive aftermarket and racing industries are facing an uncertain future due to unparalleled government threats,” said SEMA Board Chairman James Lawrence. “SEMA and PRI believe clean air can co-exist with the automotive performance hobby and racing. Unfortunately, government bureaucrats want to restrict grassroots racing, make it burdensome to comply with emissions laws, and ban internal-combustion engines. We need to be prepared to defend the millions of automotive enthusiasts out there, and the best way to do that is through PACs that help elect lawmakers who value our hobby and the $50+ billion industry.”

Prior to his appointment as executive director of SEMA’s and PRI’s PACs, Kawasaki served as the president and CEO of Legendary Companies, overseeing 12 brands and operating six companies, including Coker Tire. He previously served multiple terms on SEMA’s Board of Directors, including as its chairman from 2017–2019, and was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2013.

“Advocating on behalf of the aftermarket industry is at the very core of what SEMA does,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “I’ve known Wade for more than 20 years. I’m thrilled to have somebody of his caliber helping to take SEMA’s PAC to the next level.”

“A strong PRI PAC is the best way to ensure racing’s future is free from government overreach. We have to have the means to fight back,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “I look forward to working with Wade to grow PRI’s influence in Washington.”

For more information, contact Samantha Large at [email protected].

You May Also Like

SEMA-Supported Bills Filed to Repeal Virigina ICE Ban

Virginia legislators have introduced companion bills (H.B. 3 and S.B. 3) to repeal the Commonwealth’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates. The legislation, filed by Delegate Tony Wilt and Senator Richard Stuart, follows SEMA’s first-ever independent expenditure effort in Virginia’s November elections around the state’s attachment to California’s emissions standards, including its impending zero-emissions vehicle mandates. The mandates would

Virginia legislators have introduced companion bills (H.B. 3 and S.B. 3) to repeal the Commonwealth's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates.

The legislation, filed by Delegate Tony Wilt and Senator Richard Stuart, follows SEMA's first-ever independent expenditure effort in Virginia's November elections around the state's attachment to California's emissions standards, including its impending zero-emissions vehicle mandates. The mandates would require that all sales of new cars and trucks be 100% zero emissions by 2035. However, earlier mandates start in 2026, with 35% of new vehicle sales required to be zero emissions.

Connecticut Withdraws Proposed IC Engine Ban

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California’s strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035.  Related Articles – PennGrade 1 Hosts Paralympian and Top Sportsman Driver Matthew Stutzman at PRI – Stanadyne to Debut New Performance Product

PennGrade 1 Hosts Paralympian and Top Sportsman Driver Matthew Stutzman at PRI

Born with no arms, Stutzman drag races competitively using his feet.

Stanadyne to Debut New Performance Product Line at PRI

Stanadyne, a global fuel and air management systems supplier, will officially unveil its new performance products, systems, and solutions portfolio at the 2023 PRI Show. The company’s new performance products will be on display at its booth (#2943) in the convention center’s Yellow Hall. Related Articles – King to Showcase New Godzilla Bearings and a

SADEV Racing Transmission to Showcase New Innovations at PRI

SADEV Racing Transmission, a manufacturer whose transmission systems have powered race cars to victory at the highest levels of competition, will offer PRI attendees a one-of-a-kind experience at this year’s show. Related Articles – Two Late Model Series to Merge – NASCAR Rebrands Canadian Series – New Venues Added for 2024 Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series

Other Posts

Speedway Motorsports Names Graham Smith VP of OEM Partnerships

Speedway Motorsports has named Graham Smith, formerly the vice president of Business Operations for U.S. Legend Cars International, as vice president of OEM Partnerships. In the new role, Smith will be responsible for strengthening company relationships, cultivating partnerships and establishing new corporate events with OEMs. Related Articles – Record Number of Manufacturers for 2024 WEC

Record Number of Manufacturers for 2024 WEC Entry List

The 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will feature a record-breaking 14 manufacturers across its Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. Related Articles – NASCAR’s 2024 Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class – World of Outlaws 2024 Late Models Schedule – SCCA Board of Directors Election Results Manufacturers competing in WEC next year include Alpine, Aston Martin,

Motor State Distributing Adds Monit Motorsports to its Offerings

Motor State Distributing, a Michigan-based wholesale warehouse distributor of racing and performance automotive parts, announced the addition of Monit Motorsports to their offering of performance and racing brands. Motor State Distributing is currently the sole U.S. warehouse distributor for Monit Motorsports products. Related Articles – Day Motor Sports Acquired – Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson Receives Bob Russo

Calico Coatings Launches Joint Venture with HEF Group

Calico Coatings, a Denver, NC-based provider of high-performance coatings, has formed a new joint venture with HEF Group, a French developer of surface engineering solutions.  The partnership gives Calico Coatings access to resources for developing advanced and customized coating solutions for its customers, according to the company. HEF Group, with 90 locations in 21 countries, specializes in tribology,