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Movers & Shakers: Hemmings, RealTruck, Tread Lightly! and More

By SEMA News Editors

 

Hemmings Launches Giveaway for One-of-One Trail 70 Minibike
The custom Honda Mini Trail built by Hemmings.

 

Hemmings, the online collector car marketplace, is launching the "Hemmings Stay Gold Sweepstakes," a giveaway offering one winner the opportunity to own a custom-built Trail 70 Minibike.

 

Built from the ground up in the Hemmings Garage in Bennington, Vermont, the minibike, dubbed "Stay Gold," is the product of countless hours from Shop Manager Junior Nevison, Technical Editor Terry McGean and the Hemmings Garage team.

 

The project began after the crew restored a family heirloom '70 Honda CT-70 and rediscovered the charm of the minibike that introduced generations of enthusiasts to riding and wrenching. Inspired by the ability to source nearly every component new, the team set out to create something that honored the CT-70's legacy while pushing its design in a new direction.

 

Using all-new parts from Bart Moto Co., the Hemmings crew designed and assembled the custom machine before partnering with renowned painter Travis "Tuki" Hess, whose signature metal flake artwork gave Stay Gold its unmistakable personality. From concept to completion, Stay Gold showcases the dedication, craftsmanship and countless hours invested by the Hemmings Garage team, as told in a video on Hemmings' YouTube Channel.

 

"Stay Gold represents everything we love about this hobby," said Jonathan Schaw, president of Hemmings. "It's creative, personal and deeply rooted in the memories that first sparked our passion for cars and motorcycles. Projects like this remind us that collector culture today should preserve the past and balance that with inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts to build, create and make memories of their own." 

 

To bring the vision to life, Hemmings partnered with Hess of Kolor by Tuki Kustom Auto Paint. Widely respected throughout the drag racing and custom automotive communities, Hess is known for his intricate metal flake paintwork and period-inspired designs, Hemmings said. For Stay Gold, he applied his signature artistry across the frame, fenders and headlamp nacelle, creating a finish that captures the bold spirit of '70s custom culture while remaining unmistakably original.

 

Every component was selected to complement the custom paint scheme and create a machine that feels equally at home on display or on the road. 

 

Features include:

  • 125cc engine with high-lift cam and manual four-speed gearbox
  • Nibbi 24mm carburetor
  • Wide-body frame with 5.5L fuel tank
  • Adjustable inverted aluminum front forks
  • One-piece aluminum 12-in. wheels
  • Coker Classic whitewall tires
  • Chrome drag-pipe exhaust
  • Hydraulic front disc brake and rear drum brake
  • Stretched aluminum swingarm
  • Digital speedometer cluster
  • Custom gold metal flake diamond-stitched seat hand-sewn by Hemmings Shop Manager Junior Nevison

 

The "Stay Gold Sweepstakes" is now open and runs through August 20. One winner will take home the custom-built machine.

 

For more information and complete rules, visit hmn.com/staygold.

 

Image courtesy of Hemmings

 

Toy Story 5-Inspired Porsche 911 Trio Leads to $3 Million Donation
Toy Story 5 Porsches.

 

Three one-of-one Porsche 911 models customized to embody the spirit of Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie debuted at the red-carpet World Premiere of Toy Story 5.

 

Now, those same vehicles are generating a real-world story of giving. The intended buyer has committed to donate $3 million, with $1 million designated for each of the following non-profit organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children's Foundation. The Porsche collector and philanthropist would like to remain anonymous.

 

"When we first learned about the project--the incredible cars and the work these charities do for children and families--we knew it was a natural fit," says the anonymous buyer. "Our passion for unique Porsches and giving back runs as deep as our love of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the Toy Story 5 characters. Seeing the teams at Porsche and Pixar come together with their creativity and resources to bless and inspire others is something that is easy to get behind, matching our resources with theirs to expand the potential impact. It truly hits on all cylinders for us, and we hope it inspires others to do the same."

 

The vehicles were extensively customized by Porsche's Sonderwunsch "special wishes" department in collaboration with Disney and Pixar.

 

"This collaboration was always about more than extraordinary cars, it was also about creating meaningful opportunities to give back to our communities," said Timo Resch, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "We are incredibly grateful to the buyer for this generous $3 million donation, which will directly support organizations doing critical work every day. It's a powerful reminder of what can happen when passion and purpose come together."

 

The nonprofit partners highlighted how the funds will be used to advance their respective missions:

 

"We are incredibly grateful for partners like Porsche that provide us with the flexibility to support all areas of our mission," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "The willingness to contribute where the need is greatest--whether for disaster relief, lifesaving blood, support for the military community or other critical programs--ensures we can be there when help can't wait."

 

"At Starlight, our programs like Toy Deliveries and themed Hospital Gowns exist to bring moments of joy to children and families navigating challenging times," said Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight Children's Foundation. "Partnerships like this allow us to bring happiness and play to more kids across children's hospitals nationwide."

 

"Every positive mentoring relationship has the power to change the trajectory of a young person's life, building confidence and opening doors to new opportunities," said Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "This support helps us create even more of these transformative connections, building stronger, more hopeful communities and empowering young people to be the changemakers of today."

 

A 911 GT3 RS inspired by Buzz Lightyear features a striking white, green and purple color scheme, a prominent rear wing echoing his signature "wings" and custom "Lightyear" tires, complemented by a highly detailed, character-driven interior.

 

The 911 Targa 4 GTS channels Jessie's character with her name replacing the Targa designation on the roll bar, her signature catchphrase, "yeehaw," on the door sill guard, a newly developed pearl-effect white paint matching the pearl buttons on her shirt, and bold western-inspired accents with denim and cowhide interior elements.

 

Completing the trio, the 911 Carrera T, inspired by Woody, showcases a unique denim-like paint finish, mimicking the wear of his jeans, vintage-inspired leather and playful character details that reflect his iconic style.

 

The cars are currently touring the United States at events hosted by the nonprofit partners and are expected to be formally handed over to their new owner during Monterey Car Week in August.

 

For more information, visit porsche.com.

 

Tread Lightly! Reaches First Drive 35 Campaign Milestone
Tread Lightly! graphic for the Drive 35 program.

 

Tread Lightly! is celebrating a major milestone in its Drive 35 campaign after reaching the first goal of 1,000 Responsible Rider Masterclass course completions.

 

Originally launched to celebrate Tread Lightly!'s 35th anniversary, the Drive 35 campaign encourages riders and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to complete free online Responsible Rider Masterclass courses designed to educate users on how to minimize their impact and help protect trails, waterways and snow recreation areas for future generations.

 

The Drive 35 campaign is supported by BRP, a powersports manufacturer, through its Responsible Rider Program. For every Responsible Rider Masterclass completion, BRP has committed to donate $35 to Tread Lightly! to advance conservation and sustainable trail use across the country. With 1,000 courses completed, BRP is therefore contributing $35,000.

 

Following the achievement of this initial goal, Tread Lightly! is now encouraging riders to continue supporting the cause by completing an additional 1,000 courses for which BRP will continue to donate $35 per course to Tread Lightly!.

 

Tread Lightly! encourages riders, boaters and snow recreation enthusiasts to participate in the next phase of the campaign by completing one or more free courses at ResponsibleRider.com.

 

RealTruck, MasterCraft Partner to Celebrate America's 250 With Restoration and Custom Build Project
MasterCraft and RealTruck America 250 boat and truck.

 

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, RealTruck, the truck accessory brand, and MasterCraft Boat Company have announced a collaboration featuring a reimagined and customized Chevrolet Colorado paired with the restoration of MasterCraft's iconic 1975 "Stars & Stripes" ski boat.

 

The pairing will serve as the centerpiece of a charitable fundraising effort benefiting Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit that builds and modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage-free for veterans and first responders.

 

Originally introduced in the '70s, the MasterCraft Stars & Stripes helped establish the company as a leader in the towboat industry and became synonymous with competitive water skiing. Featuring a patriotic red, white and blue design, the tournament ski boat helped define the standard for waterski performance during its era and remains one of the most sought-after MasterCraft classics among collectors and enthusiasts, according to the company.

 

The classic design of the Chevrolet Colorado bridges yesterday's boat and today's truck, connecting timeless character with modern American innovation. Inspired by the classic two-tone paint jobs of a '85 square-body Chevy truck, and building on the '75 MasterCraft Stars & Stripes boat theme, the distinctive color is a fusion of design and style that forms a striking combination on both land and water. From its Ohio-made RealTruck's A.R.E. Z2 Cap, to the America 250 flag prominently placed on the roof, every detail was chosen to celebrate American innovation and patriotism. The truck also features the RealTruck A.R.E. Rod Pods (pole holders), A.R.E. Ascend Roof Basket, Elevate Rack and Go Rhino Xplor Lighting, and a DECKED Storage System.

 

The truck-and-boat pairing will go on a roadshow and be unveiled at numerous high-profile events, including the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 2026.

 

For more information, visit realtruck.com.