By SEMA Editors
Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at semabotb.com. Participants interested in the Young Guns category, for builders 29 years and younger, should be aware of an upcoming deadline for a special prize package (more details, below).
Josh Michaels built this '66 Chevrolet Corvette, which earned him the class champion title for the Young Guns Category in the 2022 Battle of the Builders.
The Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA's communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four unique categories--Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns--before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.
Young Guns' Virtual Golden Ticket Competition Deadline Is August 15
The Young Guns category (for builders 29 years and younger) is part of SEMA's initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry.
"Participating in last year's Battle of the Builders Young Guns program opened doors I didn't even know existed. The second I arrived at the SEMA Show, I started connecting with all the other Young Guns competitors, whom I still stay in contact with today. It's hard meeting people my age that share the same passion for hot-rod building as I do, and the SEMA Show is a great place to connect with them," said the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns class champion Josh Michaels. "Winning the Young Guns category also validated my work as a hot-rod builder and got my name on a lot of people's radars. It's given me numerous connections and sponsorships, which have been crucial to how much I've grown my business this past year."
The "Top 3" Young Guns from the 2022 Battle of the Builders competition (from left to right), Austin Phipps, Cameron Cocalis, and Josh Michaels.
All Young Guns entries submitted before Tuesday, August 15, will also have the opportunity to compete in up to three virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes:
- Round-trip economy airfare for two to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show (or fuel expenses if driving to Las Vegas; the amount awarded will be based on the lesser of two options: the price of the airline tickets if SEMA booked the flight or the cost of mileage reimbursement from the winner's home to Las Vegas based on $.655 per mile (IRS mileage rate for 2023). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
- One hotel room, double occupancy, for seven (7) nights in Las Vegas during The SEMA Show (check-in Saturday, October 28 and check-out Saturday, November 4). The approximate retail value depends on market fluctuations.
- Vehicle shipping to and from the SEMA Show for one (1) competition vehicle (via CONUS). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
- Five hundred dollars ($500) cash to use for meals and incidental expenses while at the SEMA Show. Approximate retail value: $500
- All prizes are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of SEMA.
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders or to register, visit semabotb.com.