Our History
From the early days of SEMA to a globally recognized safety standards organization, SFI has been dedicated to reducing product failures in motorsports.
Heritage
A Legacy of Motorsports Safety
For over four decades, SFI Foundation has worked to ensure the highest levels of
quality and safety in motorsports equipment.
1963
Racing product manufacturers form the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA)
to serve the growing automotive aftermarket industry.
1970s
SEMA creates the Service Bureau to handle the increasing demand for safety specifications
and product quality standards in motorsports. The need for a dedicated organization
becomes clear.
1978
The SEMA Foundation, Inc. (SFI) is established as a non-profit organization to replace
the Service Bureau and manage an expanded specifications program. This marks the
beginning of SFI as a formal institution.
1990s
SFI becomes independent from SEMA while retaining the SFI Foundation, Inc. name.
The organization expands its specification programs to cover an ever-wider range
of motorsports equipment.
1999
The SFI Test Laboratory opens in Escondido, California, giving manufacturers
access to professional testing for heat and flame resistance, structural integrity,
seatbelt strength, and more.
2000s–2010s
SFI grows to serve approximately 100 member sanctioning bodies worldwide.
The test lab relocates to Poway, CA. Spec programs expand to cover drag racing chassis,
boat racing, tractor pulling, and more.
Today
SFI serves over 300 manufacturers across 85+ specification programs. The organization
continues its mission to reduce product failures and improve safety across all
forms of motorsport worldwide.