By Juan Torres
 Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached the Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor. |
With his ’17 Ford Raptor, Brad DeBerti is one of three Young Guns who made it into the top 10 in the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. At 22 years of age, DeBerti has been modifying vehicles for as long as he can remember. His father taught him how to grind and weld in his shop, DeBerti Designs in Pismo Beach, California, where DeBerti currently works. He also races in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, where he has won multiple events.
Since there are currently no aftermarket accessories available for the truck, DeBerti and his father created everything and completed the modification in only six weeks. They stripped the truck down to the cab, built a completely new suspension and new fenders and installed a rollcage.
“It looks like a factory truck from a distance, but then you notice the details as you get close,” he said. “It’s virtually a Trophy Truck that I made to look like Ford built it.”
Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air February 6, 2017, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVR and tell your friends not to miss the show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/botb.