By Nick Barajas

The red pinewood car was inspired by racing legend Mario Andretti, whose historic career spanned five decades.

This year, SEMA Cares has raised more than $50,000 for its three deserving charities—the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Whether they were $20 donations for a SEMA Cares lapel pin or $1,000 donations for a pinewood car to race in the Industry Cup Challenge at the recent SEMA Installation & Gala, all contributions have been greatly appreciated.

Some of the most appealing items for sale to benefit the charities were celebrity-signed pinewood cars. These cars were priced at $250 each and featured four distinct colors to represent the four celebrities and the vehicles they drive.

The white model was inspired by master mechanic Aaron Kaufman. Aside from being recognized for his epic beard, Kaufman starred on Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” for 12 seasons.

The silver model was inspired by SEMA Hall Of Fame member Chip Foose, who was inducted in 2016, and has spent his life building, designing and modifying all types of vehicles. Foose is also one of the stars of “Overhaulin’” on Discovery Channel.  

The gold model was inspired by drag-racing star Leah Pritchett, who has been drag racing since she was 8 years old. Now age 30, she has already won eight NHRA event pro titles.

The red model was inspired by racing legend Mario Andretti, whose historic career spanned five decades. During that time, Andretti claimed the checkered flag an unprecedented 111 times. To this day, many still consider him to be the greatest race-car driver of all time.

Want to get your hands on one of these celebrity-signed pinewoods? You still can; however, supplies are limited so act fast!

For more information, visit the SEMA Cares website and add one (or more) of these celebrity-signed pinewoods to your collection.

By Nick Barajas

The red pinewood car was inspired by racing legend Mario Andretti, whose historic career spanned five decades.

This year, SEMA Cares has raised more than $50,000 for its three deserving charities—the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Whether they were $20 donations for a SEMA Cares lapel pin or $1,000 donations for a pinewood car to race in the Industry Cup Challenge at the recent SEMA Installation & Gala, all contributions have been greatly appreciated.

Some of the most appealing items for sale to benefit the charities were celebrity-signed pinewood cars. These cars were priced at $250 each and featured four distinct colors to represent the four celebrities and the vehicles they drive.

The white model was inspired by master mechanic Aaron Kaufman. Aside from being recognized for his epic beard, Kaufman starred on Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” for 12 seasons.

The silver model was inspired by SEMA Hall Of Fame member Chip Foose, who was inducted in 2016, and has spent his life building, designing and modifying all types of vehicles. Foose is also one of the stars of “Overhaulin’” on Discovery Channel.  

The gold model was inspired by drag-racing star Leah Pritchett, who has been drag racing since she was 8 years old. Now age 30, she has already won eight NHRA event pro titles.

The red model was inspired by racing legend Mario Andretti, whose historic career spanned five decades. During that time, Andretti claimed the checkered flag an unprecedented 111 times. To this day, many still consider him to be the greatest race-car driver of all time.

Want to get your hands on one of these celebrity-signed pinewoods? You still can; however, supplies are limited so act fast!

For more information, visit the SEMA Cares website and add one (or more) of these celebrity-signed pinewoods to your collection.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tina Smith

Lumileds Names Tina Smith National Sales Manager

Lumileds has appointed Tina Smith national sales manager for the traditional U.S. aftermarket. In this role, Smith will manage all aspects of the U.S. aftermarket sales program and oversee its sales team and independent sales representative organizations. She will also be responsible for increasing market share with traditional distributors and achieving revenue growth objectives. Prior to joining Lumileds, Smith worked at NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. She started as the product services manager and advanced to become the groups manager for the North American buying groups, where she was responsible for implementing sales and marketing activities within the major automotive aftermarket buying groups. Before NGK, Smith was the lead engineering technician at Gates Corp., where she provided technical leadership and direction within the management and engineering teams. Smith began her automotive career at Yazaki North America and served the company for nine years as an application engineer and benchmark technician.

GET’M Garage Announces Acquisition Of COMP Performance Group’s MaxJet

In conjunction with its first-year anniversary, GET’M Garage has announced the acquisition of the MaxJet, the subsidiary of the Memphis, Tennessee-based COMP Performance Group. The carburetor and tuning products manufacturer will incorporate the traditional MaxJet “hex” jet, the MaxJet Phillips jets and the MaxJet Junior jets into its GET’M Garage brand. MaxJet products will continue to be made in the United States.

RETRAC Logo Undergoes Transformation

RETRAC has unveiled an all-new logo designed by the in-house creative team at CURT Group. The new logo will be seen at upcoming events and in all other print and digital assets in the next several months.

U.S. Manufacturer Searching for Purchaser

A 36-year-old U.S. manufacturing/distribution company is looking to be purchased. For more information, contact info@made4youproducts.com.

I-CAR Announces Key Enhancements to Its Core Education and Recognition Programming for 2019 Launch

I-CAR has announced a variety of enhancements designed to better serve the needs of the collision repair inter-industry. A summary of the key planned enhancements includes:

• I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair Industry Knowledge and Skills Protocol.
• Updated and industry-backed knowledge and skills protocol that focuses more extensively on specific skills and role performance requirements.
• Enhancements to I-CAR’s recognition programs (Platinum and Gold Class).
• Heightened Platinum and Gold Class requirements aligned with industry benchmarks and repair requirements.
• Optional Aluminum Structural Gold Class recognition for shops that complete I-CAR’s aluminum structural requirements.
• Complete refresh of all core curriculum (263 courses) aligned to the updated Protocol.
• Incorporating more hands-on live training, shorter course times, more online courses with increased interactivity, all leading to less time out of the shop and off the floor for technicians.
• Increased frequency of welding training and certification skill reverification, moving from five years to three years, and no longer requiring course repeat when skills are reverified.
• Automatic recognition for training with other providers that are I-CAR Sustaining Partners through I-CAR’s Training Alliance.
• Industry Training Relative to I-CAR Knowledge and Skills Area published as a companion cross-walk to acknowledge both OEM and Supplier Training Alliance courses approved to Protocol and Alliance qualification criteria.
• New tools for completing, planning and tracking I-CAR training.
• New learning interfaces, mobile technology and reporting functionality to make completing, tracking and planning I-CAR training easier for customers.
• An unlimited training subscription for Gold Class shops to protect shops from turnover, and encourage building bench strength by better training for all technicians.

Carmen Fiordirosa

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Names Carmen Fiordirosa Director of E-Commerce

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has named Carmen Fiordirosa director of e-commerce. She joined LSI in July and plans to work remotely from Chicago. In the newly created role, Fiordirosa will collaborate with cross-functional partners to grow e-commerce sales for multiple markets by ensuring a consistent brand message, robust content and online account support. Responsibilities will encompass business development and strategy, website and social media content and development, promotional campaigns, online marketing, website design, customer service, web analytics and technologies. Prior to joining LSI, Fiordiorsa served as the director of marketing for CleanTools Inc. in Westmont, Illinois. 

DENSO to Serve as Title Sponsor of Mello Yello Drag Racing Series

For the next three years, DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. will serve as the title sponsor of the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. The weekend event is held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the next competition scheduled for April 5–7, 2019.

MAHLE Aftermarket has announced it will continue as a parts sponsor for the eighth consecutive year for the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology for 2018.

MAHLE Aftermarket Renews SAM Tech Sponsorship

MAHLE Aftermarket has announced it will continue as a parts sponsor for the eighth consecutive year for the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech) for 2018, in support of the next generation of performance engine builders. MAHLE will supply the vocational school with bearings throughout the year, which will be used during engine builds, testing and competition, for both domestic and import applications. In addition, students at SAM Tech will have the opportunity to test MAHLE’s new performance-coated bearings in the school’s race engines and will use MAHLE bearings for all competition. SAM Tech’s race engine team will use Clevite bearings this year in the Amsoil Engine Master’s Challenge, a competition SAM Tech won as recently as 2016. New to the sponsorship this year will be the addition of MAHLE Performance bearings.

Larry Berger Jr.

ACL Distribution Names New Gasket Product Manager

ACL Distribution has named Larry Berger Jr. product manager for the company’s new line of Ajusa-brand gaskets. Berger will be responsible for the gasket line distribution—including selling, marketing and procurement—in the United States and Canada, and will also oversee the sales activities of ACL’s sales rep force. Berger joins ACL from Heartland Sales.

ODYSSEY Batteries Selected as Official Batteries of Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

EnerSys has announced that ODYSSEY batteries have been selected as the official batteries of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. The Simeone Museum, located in Philadelphia, has twice been voted “Museum of the Year.”

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Antron Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals.

Brown, Capps and Gray Victorious at the CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals

Antron Brown, three-time Top Fuel world champion, locked down his first victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 31st annual CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 16th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals. Capps used a 4.033 at 314.90 in his Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T to beat points leader Courtney Force in the finals to eliminate John Force Racing’s hopes of sweeping the Western Swing. In Pro Stock, Gray drove to a 6.632 at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Deric Kramer in the final round. Gray qualified fourth and locked in his position in the Countdown playoffs. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 16–19.

The 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities.

2018 National Speedway Directory Comes to Race Tracks

Now available, the 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities, including oval tracks, dragstrips and road courses. Listings for approximately 300 sanctions, 60 racing publications and 70 racing-related museums pushes the total to more than 1,730 motorsports related listings. Series schedules for 2018 are also included. Price per copy is $15 (including postage) or two copies for $25. Orders can be placed online or by emailing twfrost@speedwaysonline.com. Checks or money orders can be sent to National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. In addition, the brand-new completely updated History of America's Speedway—Past and Present is also available. The fourth edition lists information on more than 9,000 auto-racing facilities. The book is 853 pages with more than 700 photos spread throughout.

Unlimited Desert Truck Race Added to King of the Hammers Week

A new desert race is coming to the 2019 King of The Hammers (KOH) week lineup. The Toyo Tires Desert Invitational Presented by Monster Energy will feature 30 elite off-road desert racers in an invitation-only, traditional open-desert, off-road truck race in Johnson Valley, California. The event marks the return of unlimited off-road racing to Southern California, and is also the first time that four wheel drive will not be required of trucks to compete during KOH Week. The invited teams will vie for a $125,000 prize purse—said to be the richest off-road race in the history of the sport. The winner will take home $100,000, second place will earn $15,000 and third place will grab $10,000. The driver with the fastest lap of the day earns an additional $3,750. With increases in prize money to the Ultra4 class to match, the payout for KOH week exceeds $300,000.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Antron Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals.

Brown, Capps and Gray Victorious at the CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals

Antron Brown, three-time Top Fuel world champion, locked down his first victory of the season last Sunday as he emerged victorious at the 31st annual CatSpot NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 16th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Brown piloted to the winner’s circle with a run of 3.835 seconds at 322.84 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to take down teammate Leah Pritchett in the finals. Capps used a 4.033 at 314.90 in his Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T to beat points leader Courtney Force in the finals to eliminate John Force Racing’s hopes of sweeping the Western Swing. In Pro Stock, Gray drove to a 6.632 at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Deric Kramer in the final round. Gray qualified fourth and locked in his position in the Countdown playoffs. The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 16–19.

The 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities.

2018 National Speedway Directory Comes to Race Tracks

Now available, the 2018 National Speedway Directory lists detailed information on a total of more than 1,300 auto-racing facilities, including oval tracks, dragstrips and road courses. Listings for approximately 300 sanctions, 60 racing publications and 70 racing-related museums pushes the total to more than 1,730 motorsports related listings. Series schedules for 2018 are also included. Price per copy is $15 (including postage) or two copies for $25. Orders can be placed online or by emailing twfrost@speedwaysonline.com. Checks or money orders can be sent to National Speedway Directory, 2504 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. In addition, the brand-new completely updated History of America's Speedway—Past and Present is also available. The fourth edition lists information on more than 9,000 auto-racing facilities. The book is 853 pages with more than 700 photos spread throughout.

Unlimited Desert Truck Race Added to King of the Hammers Week

A new desert race is coming to the 2019 King of The Hammers (KOH) week lineup. The Toyo Tires Desert Invitational Presented by Monster Energy will feature 30 elite off-road desert racers in an invitation-only, traditional open-desert, off-road truck race in Johnson Valley, California. The event marks the return of unlimited off-road racing to Southern California, and is also the first time that four wheel drive will not be required of trucks to compete during KOH Week. The invited teams will vie for a $125,000 prize purse—said to be the richest off-road race in the history of the sport. The winner will take home $100,000, second place will earn $15,000 and third place will grab $10,000. The driver with the fastest lap of the day earns an additional $3,750. With increases in prize money to the Ultra4 class to match, the payout for KOH week exceeds $300,000.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

The 2018 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase for the first time features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product, and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2019 issue of SEMA News.
• Bonus: Those who purchase this promotion package before September 6 will be included in the Spotlight Product Listing section in the November 2019 issue of SEMA News.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product if entered by Friday, October 5, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the Showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By Juan Torres

Trevor Wilson’s ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport earned him the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Trevor Wilson, an on-call firefighter for Fire Station 14 of the Newton Township Fire Department in Michigan, had been looking for the perfect Wrangler to build his dream Jeep, and he found it in 2015 when he came across a ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport with very few modifications and low miles.

The Wrangler was the perfect canvas to build a Jeep with a fire and rescue theme that Wilson could use during a fire emergency. He equipped it with nearly everything that was required by the state of Michigan to be a Basic Life Support ambulance, and even named it “Jeep 14” in representation of where he and his father work.

“Although Jeep 14 is a personally owned vehicle and not directly a part of the Station 14 fleet, my father and I use it to respond to emergencies on a regular basis,” said Wilson, who recently employed the Wrangler during a house fire emergency. “I used three of the onboard fire extinguishers to put out the fire before more extensive property damage could occur. All occupants of the home were safe.”

The modified firefighting Wrangler earned Wilson the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he will compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders and display Jeep 14 in a designated feature spot—a benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“It is extremely rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off, especially on the level that is the SEMA Young Guns competition,” said Wilson. “I’m looking forward to proudly representing the Jeep community and young builders at the SEMA Show."

As a promoter of youth automotive programs, Wilson is excited to be a part of the SEMA Young Guns program and put Jeep 14 up against other top builds in the country in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA Young Guns Battle of the Builders helps to drive the interest of young individuals in the automotive industry. I hope to see increased participation from young builders for many years to come,” said Wilson. “I strongly encourage companies within the auto industry to invest in youth programs and to continue promoting our industry’s future.”

The SEMA Young Guns program makes it possible for younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show to network with industry leaders. This year, a total of 14 Young Guns prize packages will be awarded at select regional events throughout the country.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative that builds excitement and involvement among younger builders in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “The reception to the program has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition have until Friday, August 31, to register. Only feature or booth vehicles that have been accepted by SEMA for display at the 2018 SEMA Show and are not currently under an embargo at the time of entry will be considered for the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

By Juan Torres

Trevor Wilson’s ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport earned him the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Trevor Wilson, an on-call firefighter for Fire Station 14 of the Newton Township Fire Department in Michigan, had been looking for the perfect Wrangler to build his dream Jeep, and he found it in 2015 when he came across a ’11 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport with very few modifications and low miles.

The Wrangler was the perfect canvas to build a Jeep with a fire and rescue theme that Wilson could use during a fire emergency. He equipped it with nearly everything that was required by the state of Michigan to be a Basic Life Support ambulance, and even named it “Jeep 14” in representation of where he and his father work.

“Although Jeep 14 is a personally owned vehicle and not directly a part of the Station 14 fleet, my father and I use it to respond to emergencies on a regular basis,” said Wilson, who recently employed the Wrangler during a house fire emergency. “I used three of the onboard fire extinguishers to put out the fire before more extensive property damage could occur. All occupants of the home were safe.”

The modified firefighting Wrangler earned Wilson the Young Guns title at this year’s Silver Lake Jeep Invasion and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he will compete in SEMA Battle of the Builders and display Jeep 14 in a designated feature spot—a benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“It is extremely rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off, especially on the level that is the SEMA Young Guns competition,” said Wilson. “I’m looking forward to proudly representing the Jeep community and young builders at the SEMA Show."

As a promoter of youth automotive programs, Wilson is excited to be a part of the SEMA Young Guns program and put Jeep 14 up against other top builds in the country in Las Vegas.

“The SEMA Young Guns Battle of the Builders helps to drive the interest of young individuals in the automotive industry. I hope to see increased participation from young builders for many years to come,” said Wilson. “I strongly encourage companies within the auto industry to invest in youth programs and to continue promoting our industry’s future.”

The SEMA Young Guns program makes it possible for younger enthusiasts who may not already have a vehicle at the 2018 SEMA Show to network with industry leaders. This year, a total of 14 Young Guns prize packages will be awarded at select regional events throughout the country.

“Young Guns is a strategic initiative that builds excitement and involvement among younger builders in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “The reception to the program has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition have until Friday, August 31, to register. Only feature or booth vehicles that have been accepted by SEMA for display at the 2018 SEMA Show and are not currently under an embargo at the time of entry will be considered for the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders.