By Juan Torres

Edwin Caballero (right) will go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he hopes his ’14 Subaru STI will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

When Edwin Caballero entered his ’14 Subaru STI into AutoCon Los Angeles this year, he was looking to simply show off the modifications he had done to his car during the last two years. Instead, the 22-year-old’s life as a vehicle enthusiast was forever changed when he was named winner of the event’s Young Guns category.

As part of the prize package, Caballero was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders contest at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he will display his STI in a designated feature spot—a unique benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“I have no words to describe how surprised I was to win one of the Young Guns regional titles and the opportunity to attend the SEMA Show,” said Caballero. “During the event, a friend told me he had seen someone at AutoCon last year win a trip to the SEMA Show. I thought he was lying, but it turns out I should have believed him.”

Caballero will now go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the SEMA Show, held October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where he hopes his Subaru will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

“I don't know what to expect,” said Caballero, who has added bucket seats, wider tires and a wide body kit to the STI since taking possession of it. “I've seen the SEMA Show on the Velocity Channel. It is so big and just the greatest, and to think that I will be showing my car there is amazing.”

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 at the trade show. 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 to build excitement and involvement among younger builders in our industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “We’ve been very pleased with the reception to the program so far, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

Caballero is anxiously awaiting his opportunity to meet industry icons at the SEMA Show and see the builds of other enthusiasts.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and seeing the competition in person. Hopefully I’ll make the top 10 in my category, but really I’m just happy to be there,” he said. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world, the ultimate dream come true.”

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 at www.sema.org/botb. 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

Edwin Caballero (right) will go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he hopes his ’14 Subaru STI will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

When Edwin Caballero entered his ’14 Subaru STI into AutoCon Los Angeles this year, he was looking to simply show off the modifications he had done to his car during the last two years. Instead, the 22-year-old’s life as a vehicle enthusiast was forever changed when he was named winner of the event’s Young Guns category.

As part of the prize package, Caballero was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders contest at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he will display his STI in a designated feature spot—a unique benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“I have no words to describe how surprised I was to win one of the Young Guns regional titles and the opportunity to attend the SEMA Show,” said Caballero. “During the event, a friend told me he had seen someone at AutoCon last year win a trip to the SEMA Show. I thought he was lying, but it turns out I should have believed him.”

Caballero will now go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the SEMA Show, held October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where he hopes his Subaru will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

“I don't know what to expect,” said Caballero, who has added bucket seats, wider tires and a wide body kit to the STI since taking possession of it. “I've seen the SEMA Show on the Velocity Channel. It is so big and just the greatest, and to think that I will be showing my car there is amazing.”

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 at the trade show. 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 to build excitement and involvement among younger builders in our industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “We’ve been very pleased with the reception to the program so far, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

Caballero is anxiously awaiting his opportunity to meet industry icons at the SEMA Show and see the builds of other enthusiasts.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and seeing the competition in person. Hopefully I’ll make the top 10 in my category, but really I’m just happy to be there,” he said. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world, the ultimate dream come true.”

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 at www.sema.org/botb. 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

Edwin Caballero (right) will go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he hopes his ’14 Subaru STI will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

When Edwin Caballero entered his ’14 Subaru STI into AutoCon Los Angeles this year, he was looking to simply show off the modifications he had done to his car during the last two years. Instead, the 22-year-old’s life as a vehicle enthusiast was forever changed when he was named winner of the event’s Young Guns category.

As part of the prize package, Caballero was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders contest at the 2018 SEMA Show, where he will display his STI in a designated feature spot—a unique benefit typically reserved exclusively for exhibitors at the trade-only event.

“I have no words to describe how surprised I was to win one of the Young Guns regional titles and the opportunity to attend the SEMA Show,” said Caballero. “During the event, a friend told me he had seen someone at AutoCon last year win a trip to the SEMA Show. I thought he was lying, but it turns out I should have believed him.”

Caballero will now go head-to-head against hundreds of vehicles from top builders in the world at the SEMA Show, held October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where he hopes his Subaru will be named to the Young Guns Top 10 list.

“I don't know what to expect,” said Caballero, who has added bucket seats, wider tires and a wide body kit to the STI since taking possession of it. “I've seen the SEMA Show on the Velocity Channel. It is so big and just the greatest, and to think that I will be showing my car there is amazing.”

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 at the trade show. 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 to build excitement and involvement among younger builders in our industry,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “We’ve been very pleased with the reception to the program so far, and we’re thrilled to build upon its success.”

Caballero is anxiously awaiting his opportunity to meet industry icons at the SEMA Show and see the builds of other enthusiasts.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and seeing the competition in person. Hopefully I’ll make the top 10 in my category, but really I’m just happy to be there,” he said. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world, the ultimate dream come true.”

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 at www.sema.org/botb. 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 SEMA Editors

MOTORin’ is a cost-effective, modern tool for organizers to promote their events and reach all consumers, including younger enthusiasts who are always on the move.

Automotive event organizers throughout the country can reach thousands of consumers and promote their events using MOTORin’—an app created through a partnership between SEMA and ClassicCars.com that makes it easy for auto enthusiasts to find events nearby.

Promoters can create an account by downloading the app, which is available at no cost at both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once registered, event organizers can submit their events, along with details, a photo and a link to purchase tickets, if desired. Visitors will automatically obtain a list of upcoming events local to them when they access MOTORin’, but they can also search for events by date, location, distance, keyword or event category.

“SEMA is committed to building programs and platforms that help the automotive industry flourish,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “Organizers are invited and encouraged to submit their events so they don’t miss out on this opportunity to reach MOTORin’ users.”

MOTORin’ is a cost-effective, modern tool for organizers to promote their events and reach all consumers, including younger enthusiasts who are always on the move. Event listings are also accessible to consumers online at www.motorin.com.

To begin posting and promoting events on MOTORin’, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play or visit www.motorin.com.

By SEMA Editors

MOTORin’ is a cost-effective, modern tool for organizers to promote their events and reach all consumers, including younger enthusiasts who are always on the move.

Automotive event organizers throughout the country can reach thousands of consumers and promote their events using MOTORin’—an app created through a partnership between SEMA and ClassicCars.com that makes it easy for auto enthusiasts to find events nearby.

Promoters can create an account by downloading the app, which is available at no cost at both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once registered, event organizers can submit their events, along with details, a photo and a link to purchase tickets, if desired. Visitors will automatically obtain a list of upcoming events local to them when they access MOTORin’, but they can also search for events by date, location, distance, keyword or event category.

“SEMA is committed to building programs and platforms that help the automotive industry flourish,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “Organizers are invited and encouraged to submit their events so they don’t miss out on this opportunity to reach MOTORin’ users.”

MOTORin’ is a cost-effective, modern tool for organizers to promote their events and reach all consumers, including younger enthusiasts who are always on the move. Event listings are also accessible to consumers online at www.motorin.com.

To begin posting and promoting events on MOTORin’, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play or visit www.motorin.com.

By SEMA Editors

Wayne Williams

Wayne Williams, president of Wayne Williams Marketing in La Habra, California, passed away on July 18. He was 62. Williams was a former SEMA Wheel & Tire Council chair-elect and the “Counter Intelligence” columnist for Modern Tire Dealer. With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, he also served in wholesale and retail sales roles before working his way up to regional sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing for companies such as Parnelli Jones, Discount Tire Centers and Winston Tire. Williams served on the WTC select committee for several years and was often a guest speaker at council meetings.

While working for famous racecar driver and Indy 500 Champion Parnelli Jones, Williams earned recognition for his skills in sales and marketing, rising to the position of vice president of marketing for Parnelli Jones Firestone. After 22 years there, he served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Discount Tire Centers in Los Angeles.

Services will be held Saturday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m., at Whittier Warehouse, 10925 Valley Home Ave., Whittier, CA 90603. The family encourages attendees to wear black as a tribute to Williams.

By SEMA Editors

Wayne Williams

Wayne Williams, president of Wayne Williams Marketing in La Habra, California, passed away on July 18. He was 62. Williams was a former SEMA Wheel & Tire Council chair-elect and the “Counter Intelligence” columnist for Modern Tire Dealer. With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, he also served in wholesale and retail sales roles before working his way up to regional sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing for companies such as Parnelli Jones, Discount Tire Centers and Winston Tire. Williams served on the WTC select committee for several years and was often a guest speaker at council meetings.

While working for famous racecar driver and Indy 500 Champion Parnelli Jones, Williams earned recognition for his skills in sales and marketing, rising to the position of vice president of marketing for Parnelli Jones Firestone. After 22 years there, he served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Discount Tire Centers in Los Angeles.

Services will be held Saturday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m., at Whittier Warehouse, 10925 Valley Home Ave., Whittier, CA 90603. The family encourages attendees to wear black as a tribute to Williams.

By Kyle Cheng

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is growing at a fast pace. Last year, American consumers spent nearly $43 billion on specialty aftermarket parts—continuing a multiple-year trend. SEMA projects that the market will continue to grow through the end of 2018 and bring retail sales close to $45 billion. Do you have the information you need to keep up?

By the end of 2018, the automotive specialty-equipment market is projected to close in on $45 billion in retail sales.

Visit www.sema.org/research and download the “2018 SEMA Market Report” today to learn more about the market and your consumers.

By Kyle Cheng

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is growing at a fast pace. Last year, American consumers spent nearly $43 billion on specialty aftermarket parts—continuing a multiple-year trend. SEMA projects that the market will continue to grow through the end of 2018 and bring retail sales close to $45 billion. Do you have the information you need to keep up?

By the end of 2018, the automotive specialty-equipment market is projected to close in on $45 billion in retail sales.

Visit www.sema.org/research and download the “2018 SEMA Market Report” today to learn more about the market and your consumers.

By Kyle Cheng

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is growing at a fast pace. Last year, American consumers spent nearly $43 billion on specialty aftermarket parts—continuing a multiple-year trend. SEMA projects that the market will continue to grow through the end of 2018 and bring retail sales close to $45 billion. Do you have the information you need to keep up?

By the end of 2018, the automotive specialty-equipment market is projected to close in on $45 billion in retail sales.

Visit www.sema.org/research and download the “2018 SEMA Market Report” today to learn more about the market and your consumers.