While the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be packed with the latest aftermarket innovations this November, the real noise will be happening outside. The 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is putting High-Octane Motorsports front and center, transforming its outdoor spaces into a weeklong showcase of speed, skill, and tire smoke, all powered by Optima Batteries.

From November 4–7, the moment attendees step outside, they’ll be immersed in Optima’s “Unleashed” activation. The main event is the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI), where nearly 100 of the country’s best custom builds will be judged. These same cars will then hit the track to compete in the Optima Peak Performance Challenge, a timed event that tests acceleration, braking, and agility, proving that these show cars have the go to match their shine.

Adding to the excitement, professional drivers like Tanner Foust and Chris Forsberg will be performing choreographed drift demos all week, with some lucky attendees even getting a chance to win a ride-along. This focus on live-action performance is a key part of the modern SEMA experience. “Activations like Optima’s showcase how our industry’s creativity extends beyond products on display and into performance in action,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso.

The week of High-Octane Motorsports culminates on Friday, November 7, with SEMA Fest, a massive celebration of music and car culture that is open to the public. For the first time, enthusiasts are also invited to experience the final day of the trade show with a “SEMA Show Friday” ticket. “Attendees will see world-class drivers push vehicles to the limit, smell the burning rubber, and feel the energy of the crowd,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins.

The SEMA Show has evolved from the country’s largest trade show into a full-blown celebration of car culture. This year’s focus on High-Octane Motorsports proves that the experience is now just as much about the smell of burning rubber and the roar of engines as it is about the polished parts inside. Are you excited for this year’s SEMA event? Let us know your expectations!