By Luanne Brown
 The Builder's Challenge allows selected hot-rod builders to create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit SEMA Cares charities. | |
Each year, some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders create unique pinewood race cars to participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge, to be held July 18, 2014, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. The Builder's Challenge allows these selected hot-rod builders to create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction.
2014 participants include:
- Theresa Contreras, L&G Enterprises
- Bodie Stroud, B.S. Industries
- Doug Poad, Poad Designs
- Jesse Greening, Greening Automotive
- Ty Hauer, Reisinger Custom Rebuilding
- Blake Meaux, Mo' Muscle Cars
- Will Hudson, Hudson's Rod Shop
- Doug Dwyer, Essential Marketing Services
- Keith Kaucher, Kaucher Designs
- Brent Vandervort, Fatman Fabrications
- Steve Tracy, Advanced Plating
- Josh Baker, Zinger Customs
- Derek Johnson, Unique Coaches
- Glenn See, Garage Majal
- Daniel Valjevic, Retro Designs
Theresa Contreras of L&G Enterprises will be the first lady builder to participate in the HRIA Builder's Challenge, and Doug Dwyer of Essential Marketing Services has designed and built an incredible Mooneyes-themed pinewood that will be sure to turn heads.
The rules for the race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their skills to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Drag Races, the cars will be put on display in the HRIA booth and at the HRIA reception at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7, 2014.
The race winner, best engineered and best in show will be auctioned live during the SEMA Show's HRIA reception. Members and Showgoers can own one of these incredible collectible cars by bidding on them as a part of a silent auction in the HRIA booth at the Show.
Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, will take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.
Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.
Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race car is easy and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.