By SEMA News Editors
Think your 2026 SEMA Show build has what it takes to stand among the industry's best? Submit it for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care and put your craftsmanship, creativity and innovation in the spotlight at the SEMA Show. The industry's most prestigious builder competition is officially open for 2026, and builders across the automotive and motorcycle worlds are invited to enter now. If your vehicle has a confirmed spot on the 2026 SEMA Show floor––as either a booth vehicle or through the Feature Vehicle Display program––now is the time to throw your hat in the ring at semabotb.com.
Now in its 13th year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care has become the ultimate proving ground for custom vehicle builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show. For 2026, the competition is expanding beyond four wheels with the debut of the SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout, creating a new opportunity for custom motorcycle builders to earn industry recognition on one of the biggest stages in automotive culture. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution, with entries advancing through the competition until one builder is ultimately named the overall Bike Builder champion.
The Bike Builder Shootout joins the program's four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. As in years past, winners from these four classes will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.
Supporting the Next Generation of Builders With the BFGoodrich Young Guns
Builders age 29 and younger can enter the BFGoodrich Young Guns category, which continues to provide emerging talent with increased visibility and opportunities to compete alongside some of the industry's most respected names.
Eligible Young Guns entrants may also be selected to participate in virtual Golden Ticket competitions throughout the summer. Winners receive prize packages that can include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, hotel accommodations and travel assistance (keep an eye on SEMA News for additional details in the coming weeks).
If you have already secured a spot on the 2026 SEMA Show floor for your build, you can enter now at semabotb.com.
Enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care today.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.
SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.
Note: Battle of the Builders submissions must have secured placement on the SEMA Show floor prior to entry. Applying for the Battle of the Builders does not grant your vehicle a spot at the 2026 SEMA Show. You must be able to provide feature or booth vehicle confirmation by October 16, 2026.
