Why I’m Running for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors

I have spent my entire life in the racing and aftermarket industry, as a racer, an enthusiast, a dealer, a distributor, and a manufacturer. I would use my experience to give back to the industry by serving on the SEMA board, representing our diverse membership as we tackle the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today and in the future.

Campaign Objectives

As a candidate for the SEMA board, there are a number of important topics that I would like to focus on, including:

1) Maintain the Identity of the PRI Show

The PRI show is the world’s leading trade event for the hardcore racing industry. I am committed to helping the show maintain its focus on industry needs and remain accessible to the racers and manufacturers that it serves while being able to adapt to a changing marketplace.

2) Preserve Vehicle Customization Rights

Regulatory hurdles, technological changes, and manufacturer lobbying have whittled away at the ability for enthusiasts and racers to customize their vehicles. I will continue to fight for our right to modify and enhance our cars and trucks by bridging the gap between regulatory language and the real-world impact.

3) Supporting Car Culture in America and Worldwide

Car culture is a universal language. Young or old, when automotive enthusiasts talk about their projects, they come alive with a mutual respect and understanding. Encouraging and promoting this shared passion for all things automotive is critical for the future of SEMA and our industry as a whole.

Learn More

Endorsements

Dennis Overholser

Painless Performance Products

"As a former SEMA Board member and Council Leader, I have a good grasp of the challenges we have faced and the ones yet to come. Knowing this, I feel that Doug Lane has the business background as well as the involvement in the industry that would greatly benefit everyone in the SEMA community. I’ll be voting for Doug and I hope you will also. "

Read more

Heath W. Norton

President of Callies Performance Products Inc.

"Doug Lane is a natural fit for the SEMA board, bringing a value-driven, racer-centric viewpoint to SEMA and PRI. We have worked with Doug and his team at Lane Automotive/Motor State for many years, and his straightforward, fair approach is appreciated and valued. Doug pushes for win/wins in all of our interactions with him, and I believe he will bring this mentality to the SEMA Board. As our industry continues to change and evolve, we need to remember our heritage and roots. Doug has done this in his business while adding cutting edge technology, showing the rare ability to have one foot in each arena. He is well versed in the challenges facing our industry and can drive down to the core issues that are germane to the success of motorsports. Doug is a quiet force in this industry and will be a great addition to the SEMA board. I feel we are fortunate to have him running for this position and I put my full support behind him. "

Read more

Jason Meyer

President of Sanders Engineering, Two-Time World of Outlaws Champion

"Doug understands the needs of the racer because he is one, and on top of that he is one of the smartest businessmen I have ever met. He is humble, kind, smart, and loyal. I could not think of someone better suited to serve on the SEMA board. Doug has the experience and knowledge to bring it all together from the engineer, through the market, and to the racer."

Read more

Jim Bingham

Owner of Winner’s Circle, former SEMA Board of Directors

"Doug Lane brings a level of experience and insight to the automotive aftermarket industry that can only be achieved through years of being on the front lines. Whether he’s working with a seasoned business owner or encouraging a racer before his/her first race, Doug’s knowledge and compassion make him the kind of leader SEMA needs to face today’s challenges and help build our next generation of auto enthusiasts."

Read more

Joe Petlick

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee (HRIA) 2012-2018, Education Chair for HRIA, HRIA Hall of Fame Inductee 2021, General Sales Manager of Motor State Distributing

"Knowing Doug for over 44 years, I have always felt that Doug is deeply knowledgeable, insightful, compassionate, and intuitive. In addition, he is one of the most tactful people that I have ever known when dealing with difficult issues. Under his leadership, Motor State Distributing, six-time SEMA WD of the Year recipient, has been remarkably successful fulfilling the needs of wholesale business partners globally."

Read more

Max Papis

Professional Race Car Driver & President of Max Papis Innovations

"Doug Lane's overall knowledge and impartial view on the governance of motorsports, especially for small to medium-sized companies, makes him a tremendous leader representing our racing community. Doug has been a positive advisor for myself and MPI, and for anything Doug would do, he has my trust, including to ensure that the PRI Show remains true to its core as the leading motorsports trade show in the world."

Read more

Tim Odem

President of The AAM Group

"I endorse Doug Lane for the SEMA Board of Directors. Doug maintains a remarkable degree of engagement with jobber shops, racers and enthusiasts, and manufacturers within our industry, giving him a deep context for the needs of our industry which will add great value to the board. He is known as a quiet man, but he speaks with great clarity and passion. Doug will be a great asset to our industry as a SEMA board member!"

Read more