By Juan Torres

Kyle Tucker, 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner and 2016 top-three finalist.

Since the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition debuted in 2014, the program has become one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle build competitions. With a television special chronicling the competition and online webisodes featuring behind-the-scenes stories, the competition gives builders a chance to share their stories and gain recognition for being a part of the world’s premier automotive trade show.

Participants had this to say about the SEMA Battle of the Builders:

“Battle of the Builders is now the big thing for car builders. Builders are building cars to debut at the SEMA Show and compete in the Battle of the Builders.”

—Kyle Tucker, 2014 winner and 2016 top-three finalist

“You’re competing with the best of the best. Everybody that’s anybody is here.”

—Bobby Alloway, 2015 winner

“It's one of the most unreal occurrences that has ever happened to me. I feel very deeply honored to be on stage next to individuals and shops who have built some of the most spectacular cars I have ever laid my eyes on.”

—Big Mike, 2016 Top 10 finalist

“I’m just proud to be here, to be a part of such a great event. All these people I look up to so much, I can’t believe I’m in the same environment.”

—Cam Miller, 2016 winner

“I’m focused on ensuring the car is 100% ready for Battle of the Builders at the SEMA Show and generating as much exposure as possible. It will be great to help highlight young builders my age and see my car go up against other amazing builds.”

—Dylan Coleman, 2017 participant

September 1 is the deadline for SEMA Show builders to register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

By Juan Torres

Kyle Tucker, 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner and 2016 top-three finalist.

Since the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition debuted in 2014, the program has become one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle build competitions. With a television special chronicling the competition and online webisodes featuring behind-the-scenes stories, the competition gives builders a chance to share their stories and gain recognition for being a part of the world’s premier automotive trade show.

Participants had this to say about the SEMA Battle of the Builders:

“Battle of the Builders is now the big thing for car builders. Builders are building cars to debut at the SEMA Show and compete in the Battle of the Builders.”

—Kyle Tucker, 2014 winner and 2016 top-three finalist

“You’re competing with the best of the best. Everybody that’s anybody is here.”

—Bobby Alloway, 2015 winner

“It's one of the most unreal occurrences that has ever happened to me. I feel very deeply honored to be on stage next to individuals and shops who have built some of the most spectacular cars I have ever laid my eyes on.”

—Big Mike, 2016 Top 10 finalist

“I’m just proud to be here, to be a part of such a great event. All these people I look up to so much, I can’t believe I’m in the same environment.”

—Cam Miller, 2016 winner

“I’m focused on ensuring the car is 100% ready for Battle of the Builders at the SEMA Show and generating as much exposure as possible. It will be great to help highlight young builders my age and see my car go up against other amazing builds.”

—Dylan Coleman, 2017 participant

September 1 is the deadline for SEMA Show builders to register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members Tom Brooks with his son T.C. (Truckin Thunder) with their ’16 Jeep Wrangler in front of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to discuss expanding public-private partnerships.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Tom Brooks and T.C. Brooks discussed aftermarket modifications made to the ’16 Jeep Wrangler.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke intends to create a Recreation Advisory Committee to help expand public-private partnerships on America’s public lands. The announcement was made in conjunction with a July 18 meeting at the Department of the Interior with Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) representatives, federal lawmakers and high-ranking officials.  

The ORIR is comprised of 17 industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. Combined, the outdoor recreation industry generates $887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs. The ORIR’s primary mission is to spotlight the economic value of outdoor recreation and pursue federal policy reforms for rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

SEMA members Tom Brooks and his son T.C. with Truckin Thunder participated in an outdoor display of “made in America” recreation products. Secretary Zinke stopped by to inquire about their ’16 Jeep Wrangler, which has been outfitted with a multitude of performance and styling aftermarket parts. Truckin Thunder is a family-owned business that specializes in the sale, installation and service of towing and hauling accessories for both personal-use trucks and commercial fleets.

At the meeting and outdoor display, roundtable participants gave specific examples of how public-private partnerships can enhance the outdoor recreation experience and positively impact the economy. This includes reducing a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog, modernizing campsites and extending service hours and seasons. Public-private partnerships are already utilized by the National Park Service and other agencies, such as managing campgrounds, marinas and restaurants. 

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members Tom Brooks with his son T.C. (Truckin Thunder) with their ’16 Jeep Wrangler in front of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to discuss expanding public-private partnerships.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Tom Brooks and T.C. Brooks discussed aftermarket modifications made to the ’16 Jeep Wrangler.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke intends to create a Recreation Advisory Committee to help expand public-private partnerships on America’s public lands. The announcement was made in conjunction with a July 18 meeting at the Department of the Interior with Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) representatives, federal lawmakers and high-ranking officials.  

The ORIR is comprised of 17 industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. Combined, the outdoor recreation industry generates $887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs. The ORIR’s primary mission is to spotlight the economic value of outdoor recreation and pursue federal policy reforms for rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

SEMA members Tom Brooks and his son T.C. with Truckin Thunder participated in an outdoor display of “made in America” recreation products. Secretary Zinke stopped by to inquire about their ’16 Jeep Wrangler, which has been outfitted with a multitude of performance and styling aftermarket parts. Truckin Thunder is a family-owned business that specializes in the sale, installation and service of towing and hauling accessories for both personal-use trucks and commercial fleets.

At the meeting and outdoor display, roundtable participants gave specific examples of how public-private partnerships can enhance the outdoor recreation experience and positively impact the economy. This includes reducing a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog, modernizing campsites and extending service hours and seasons. Public-private partnerships are already utilized by the National Park Service and other agencies, such as managing campgrounds, marinas and restaurants. 

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA members Tom Brooks with his son T.C. (Truckin Thunder) with their ’16 Jeep Wrangler in front of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to discuss expanding public-private partnerships.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Tom Brooks and T.C. Brooks discussed aftermarket modifications made to the ’16 Jeep Wrangler.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke intends to create a Recreation Advisory Committee to help expand public-private partnerships on America’s public lands. The announcement was made in conjunction with a July 18 meeting at the Department of the Interior with Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) representatives, federal lawmakers and high-ranking officials.  

The ORIR is comprised of 17 industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. Combined, the outdoor recreation industry generates $887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs. The ORIR’s primary mission is to spotlight the economic value of outdoor recreation and pursue federal policy reforms for rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

SEMA members Tom Brooks and his son T.C. with Truckin Thunder participated in an outdoor display of “made in America” recreation products. Secretary Zinke stopped by to inquire about their ’16 Jeep Wrangler, which has been outfitted with a multitude of performance and styling aftermarket parts. Truckin Thunder is a family-owned business that specializes in the sale, installation and service of towing and hauling accessories for both personal-use trucks and commercial fleets.

At the meeting and outdoor display, roundtable participants gave specific examples of how public-private partnerships can enhance the outdoor recreation experience and positively impact the economy. This includes reducing a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog, modernizing campsites and extending service hours and seasons. Public-private partnerships are already utilized by the National Park Service and other agencies, such as managing campgrounds, marinas and restaurants. 

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Get the latest video, news clips and information on the motorsports bill here.

Get the latest video, news clips and information on the motorsports bill here.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.