By Richard Hail
SEMA’s support for young, up-and-coming vehicle builders continues, as the Young Guns category of the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition kicks off with the Eastern U.S. regional qualifier on August 14, 2021.
With three qualifier events in this year’s Young Guns program, the events are divided by regions—Eastern, Midwest and Pacific, taking place August 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Selected participants will be interviewed and judged remotely via video chat.
Top prize for one young vehicle builder (age 27 and under) at each qualifier event is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, in November. The prize includes transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure for rising young builders who may not otherwise be able to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television.
“We’re seeing great innovation from our young builders”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are beyond excited to welcome our Young Guns back to a live SEMA Show this year.”
The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.
For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.