By SEMA Editors
 Rutledge Wood will host the 2015 “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA builder award presentation. |
Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) has announced the host of the 2015 “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA builder award presentation and the panel of experts who have been selected as judges for the award. The group of judges represent a cross section of the off-road industry, and includes some of the most recognizable individuals in off-road vehicle design, fabrication, journalism and competition. Hosting the award presentation will be renowned automobile enthusiast, NBC Motorsports personality and host of History Channel’s “Top Gear USA,” Rutledge Wood.
Representing rock crawling, rock racing, Ultra4 competition and fabrication is vehicle builder and race champion Shannon Campbell, whose innovative approach to “hard-core” 4x4 rock crawling and racing has earned him countless victories and established him as one of the foremost authorities in off-road vehicle design and fabrication.
Joining Campbell on the panel is fellow Ultra4 competitor, short-course off-road racer, Jeep enthusiast and scion of Curry Enterprises, Casey Curry. With his transition from freestyle motocross evolving into a successful Rallycross and short-course off-road racing career, action sports icon, Brian Deegan has quickly emerged as a tour de force in the world of off-road motorsports. As a team owner with multiple signature aftermarket products to his name, Deegan will bring his unique perspective and a businesslike approach to the proceedings.
Trophy Truck racing is the premier division in off-road racing with the custom, tube chassis vehicles commonly requiring an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and often climbing into seven figures for a complete high-end build. Rick Geiser and his brother Jeff are considered the Godfathers of the modern Trophy Truck. With more trucks on the course and more wins under their belts than all other builders combined, Geiser brings a high level of design, development and fabrication experience to the panel.
Rounding out the collection of experts are off-road journalists Sean P. Holman and Craig Perronne. Holman, an off-road enthusiast himself, currently serves as content director for the Truck Trend Network, overseeing the editorial content production and strategy for the group’s seven brands. Perronne now serves as both editor and publisher for 4 Wheel Parts’ Off-Road Adventures (ORA) magazine after a 10-year stint at Dirt Sports magazine.
The group will select 10 semi-finalists from among the previously submitted entries based on such criteria as off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, craftsmanship quality and overall vehicle presentation. From those contenders, one Jeep and one truck/SUV will be chosen as the two finalists to vie for the designation of being named the most authentic off-road-capable vehicle at the SEMA Show.
Launching this year at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the “Life is Better Off-Road” award is an annual industry prize awarded by Transamerican Auto Parts to the best presented, truly off-road capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the Show.
The award, a custom designed trophy, will be presented by Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO Greg Adler, Thursday, November 5, at 2:00 p.m., at the ProComp/Transamerican Auto Parts Booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot).
In addition to the award itself, the winner will receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA magazine, a professional photo shoot, recognition across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels, a promotional email campaign highlighting the award and winners, an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows, Truck & Jeep Fests, along with the benefits of extensive partner media coverage of the award. The 10 semi-finalists will also be included in the full media campaign and receive ribbons in recognition of their accomplishment.
To submit your off-road SEMA Show display vehicle for award consideration, visit Transamerican Auto Parts’ website. Complete your entry online or download the PDF application, complete it and email it to lifeisbetteroffroadaward@transamericanautoparts.com.
For more information, complete rules, terms and conditions for the Transamerican Auto Parts “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA builder award, visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award.