"...this change disrupts the essence of what SEMA is all about. Really cool cars at the Toyo booth."

LAS VEGAS—The annual SEMA Show, renowned for its spectacular lineup of customized and modified vehicles, is facing a wave of discontent as show car owners grapple with new requirements imposed on their display cars. This year's event is marked by a significant change in rules, all rooted in an unexpected source: SEMA organizers' deep embarrassment over the perennial criticism that many display cars in years past were mere shells, non-operational and unfinished.

The SEMA Show, an acronym for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has a history of pushing the boundaries of design and performance. However, the event's organizers were left red-faced by the constant criticism that many show cars were merely static displays, drawing mockery and ridicule from the most hardcore car enthusiasts, who used their infinite genius to point out that these vehicles couldn't even run

To address this long-standing issue, SEMA organizers have taken a drastic step by requiring that all display cars meet stringent standards, ensuring that they run. This decision has left many show car owners blindsided and seething with anger because they didn't bring a motor.

Rachel Martinez, one of the affected display car owners, voiced her frustration, saying, "I understand the need for change, but this new rule came out of nowhere. I've been working tirelessly to make my car stand out at the show, and now I have to focus on making it run? Seriously?"

John Anderson, another participant, added, "While I appreciate SEMA's desire for fully functional cars, this change disrupts the essence of what SEMA is all about. Really cool cars at the Toyo booth."

The clash between tradition and progress is evident, as SEMA organizers seek to rectify the long-standing issue of non-operational display cars, while car owners vehemently oppose the changes, believing that they disrupt the core values of the event.