SEMA Show Partners with VRX Simulators to launch VRX Speed Fest Sim Racing Competition

Sim racing’s growth creates new opportunities for brands, exhibitors, and buyers at the world’s largest automotive trade event

DIAMOND BAR, CA – October 2, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The SEMA Show is partnering with VRX Simulators to debut VRX Speed Fest, an innovative sim racing competition that merges the excitement of virtual racing with the energy of a live, in-person experience. For the first time, fans and competitors will qualify online and then see the action unfold during the SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas.

The Road to Las Vegas: The VRX Speed Fest competition begins with a three-part online qualifier series hosted on iRacing Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Top performers will earn their place at the SEMA Show, where they will compete for the ultimate prize: a turnkey VRX simulator valued at $50,000.

Live at the SEMA Show: The excitement culminates at the SEMA Show, where attendees will experience the thrill of professional-level sim racing firsthand. Fans will enjoy racing on 20 state-of-the-industry racing simulators, interactive zones, exclusive competitions, and the energy of esports racing on the world’s largest automotive stage.

“This is more than just a competition, it’s the future of motorsports,” said Robert Stanners, CEO of VRX Simulators. “We wanted to create a unique chance for fans to race, connect, and experience the intensity of sim racing like never before. With VRX Speed Fest, we now have that.”

A Growth Engine for Manufacturers and Brands: Sim racing’s explosive growth is creating new opportunities for the automotive aftermarket, and the SEMA Show is at the center of this evolution. The global sim racing market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025 and $5 billion by 2033 (DataInsights Market, 2025), with racing simulators alone expected to grow from $558.5 million in 2025 to $1.86 billion by 2034 (USD Analytics, 2025). This surge is driving demand for hardware, peripherals, and aftermarket performance parts, making sim racing a natural fit for SEMA Show exhibitors. Manufacturers can leverage this trend to showcase innovation, launch new products, and connect with a tech-driven audience that values realism and performance.

A New Sponsorship and Marketing Channel: Beyond manufacturing, sim racing offers brands a powerful marketing platform. With millions of active participants and a rapidly growing global audience, sponsorship opportunities include branded competitions, in-game product placements, and influencer partnerships — ideal for reaching a new customer base including Gen Z and Millennial consumers. VRX Speed Fest demonstrates how cutting-edge trends are shaping the future of motorsports, and why the SEMA Show remains the ultimate stage for companies to capitalize on this momentum.

SEMA’s Strategic Perspective: “Sim racing is reshaping how enthusiasts and businesses engage with motorsports,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The SEMA Show’s role is to reflect the industry we represent, create opportunities for companies to highlight innovation, and build meaningful connections. VRX Speed Fest does exactly that, bringing together cutting-edge technology, passionate fans, and the businesses that drive our industry forward.”

“VRX Speed Fest brings a new dimension to the SEMA Show floor,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Attendees will not only witness the excitement of competitive sim racing but also experience firsthand how this technology is engaging new audiences and influencing the future of motorsports. It’s an opportunity for everyone, from buyers and media to manufacturers and innovators, to explore latest trends, discover emerging technologies, and connect in a dynamic, interactive environment.” 

Don’t Miss It: Whether you’re racing online or attending the SEMA Show, VRX Speed Fest is set to be one of the most exciting motorsports events of the year. For updates, registration, and streaming details, visit VRXEsports.com and follow #VRXSpeedFest. 

Qualified attendees are encouraged to register now to maximize their ROI. Hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates are available exclusively through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

Spaces are still available for companies interested in exhibiting and connecting with tens of thousands of qualified buyers. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

Source: Specialty Equipment Market Association

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