Tue, 11/01/2016 - 09:48

SEMA News—November 2016

EVENTS

By John Stewart

50 Years Later: The Pioneers

50th SEMA Show Logo

A major factor in the vitality and growth of the association was the advent of the annual SEMA Show. In 1965 and 1966, Noel Carpenter, publisher of Speed Equipment Directory, produced an industry-wide exposition that was initially promoted as a chance for the speed-equipment manufacturers to showcase new products. While the shows were not sponsored by SEMA, the association did receive a share of the profits from the 1966 gathering.

Meanwhile, rival publisher Robert E. Petersen of Petersen Publishing Company had started his own equipment expo, promoting the event in his Hot Rod Industry News, as well as in Hot Rod and Car Craft. Petersen ultimately won SEMA’s backing and produced what historically has been considered the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the banner of Hot Rod Industry News (edited by Alex Xydias), with Dick Wells producing the Show as an employee of Petersen’s Special Events Division. That first SEMA Show was held under the cold and damp grandstands of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles while the organizers awaited the completion of the Anaheim Convention Center, where the exposition was moved in 1968. The exhibitors who participated in the 1967 event, known as the “High Performance & Custom Trade Show,” are listed here, as documented in the pages of Hot Rod Industry News. Fifty years later, some are still with us, some are gone, but these pioneers were among the early companies that built the industry we know today.

Airheart Products Inc.Cyclone Automotive Prod. IgnitioneeringP.S.I. Industries Inc. 
Air Lift Co.Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams Inglewood Tire Serv.Raybestos Products 
Ansen Automotive Eng. Inc.Diest Drag Chutes Iskenderian Racing CamsR.C. Industries Inc. 
Appliance Plating Co.Douglass Muffler Mfg. Co. Jahns Quality Pistons Inc. Rocket Wheel Industries Inc. 
Arcadia Automatic Trans. Serv. Doug’s Headers Jardine Headers Roto Faze Ignitions 
Astro Enterprises Drag Fast Sales Inc. J.E. Engineering Corp. Segal Automotive Products
B&M Automotive Inc. Edelbrock Equipment Co. Joe Hunt Magnetos Schiefer Mfg. Co.
Belanger Headers Co.Eelco Mfg. & Supply Co.Lakewood Chassis Inc.Shelby American Inc.
Bell-Toptex Inc. EMPI Mallory Electric Corp. Simpson Drag Chute Co. 
Bid Products Inc. Federal Mogul Service Manufacturers Associates Inc. Speed & Custom Dealer 
Borg Warner Serv. Parts Co. Fenton Co. Merryman Piston Co. Spirit Safety Equip. 
Buco Products Fiberglass Trends Mickey Thompson Ent. Inc. STP Corp. 
Cal Automotive Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Milodon Engineering Co. Summers Bros. Eng. 
Calif. Custom Acc. Mfg. Co. Granite Equipment Co. Mondello’s Porting Serv. Tony Nancy Auto & Boat Upholstery 
Casler Racing Tires Inc. Grant Industries Inc. Moon Equipment Co. Traction-Master 
Cedar Rapids Eng. Co. Hayes Clutches Mr. Gasket Co. Trans-American Products Ltd. 
Cholakian (ED) Enterprises Hedman Hedders Muntz Stereo Pak Trans-Dapt of Calif. Inc. 
Chute Metal Co. Hellwig Products Co. Inc. NHRAUnited Western Enterprises 
Cragar Industries Hooker Headers Nickey-Bill Thomas Race Cars Valley Head Service 
Crane Engineering Co. Inc. Horsepower Engineering Offenhauser Sales Corp. Valvoline Oil Co. 
Crestline Mfg. Co. Inc. Hot Rod Magazine Perfection American Venolia Pistons 
Crower Cams & Equip. Co. Hurst Performance Prod. Inc. Petersen Publishing Co. Weber Tool Co. 
C-T Alloy Products Huth Mfg. Corp. Pollution Control Board Weiand Power & Racing Equipment 
Cure Ride Corp. Hydra Link Popular Hot Rodding Wheel Centre Co.
Tue, 11/01/2016 - 09:48

SEMA News—November 2016

EVENTS

By John Stewart

50 Years Later: The Pioneers

50th SEMA Show Logo

A major factor in the vitality and growth of the association was the advent of the annual SEMA Show. In 1965 and 1966, Noel Carpenter, publisher of Speed Equipment Directory, produced an industry-wide exposition that was initially promoted as a chance for the speed-equipment manufacturers to showcase new products. While the shows were not sponsored by SEMA, the association did receive a share of the profits from the 1966 gathering.

Meanwhile, rival publisher Robert E. Petersen of Petersen Publishing Company had started his own equipment expo, promoting the event in his Hot Rod Industry News, as well as in Hot Rod and Car Craft. Petersen ultimately won SEMA’s backing and produced what historically has been considered the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the banner of Hot Rod Industry News (edited by Alex Xydias), with Dick Wells producing the Show as an employee of Petersen’s Special Events Division. That first SEMA Show was held under the cold and damp grandstands of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles while the organizers awaited the completion of the Anaheim Convention Center, where the exposition was moved in 1968. The exhibitors who participated in the 1967 event, known as the “High Performance & Custom Trade Show,” are listed here, as documented in the pages of Hot Rod Industry News. Fifty years later, some are still with us, some are gone, but these pioneers were among the early companies that built the industry we know today.

Airheart Products Inc.Cyclone Automotive Prod. IgnitioneeringP.S.I. Industries Inc. 
Air Lift Co.Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams Inglewood Tire Serv.Raybestos Products 
Ansen Automotive Eng. Inc.Diest Drag Chutes Iskenderian Racing CamsR.C. Industries Inc. 
Appliance Plating Co.Douglass Muffler Mfg. Co. Jahns Quality Pistons Inc. Rocket Wheel Industries Inc. 
Arcadia Automatic Trans. Serv. Doug’s Headers Jardine Headers Roto Faze Ignitions 
Astro Enterprises Drag Fast Sales Inc. J.E. Engineering Corp. Segal Automotive Products
B&M Automotive Inc. Edelbrock Equipment Co. Joe Hunt Magnetos Schiefer Mfg. Co.
Belanger Headers Co.Eelco Mfg. & Supply Co.Lakewood Chassis Inc.Shelby American Inc.
Bell-Toptex Inc. EMPI Mallory Electric Corp. Simpson Drag Chute Co. 
Bid Products Inc. Federal Mogul Service Manufacturers Associates Inc. Speed & Custom Dealer 
Borg Warner Serv. Parts Co. Fenton Co. Merryman Piston Co. Spirit Safety Equip. 
Buco Products Fiberglass Trends Mickey Thompson Ent. Inc. STP Corp. 
Cal Automotive Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Milodon Engineering Co. Summers Bros. Eng. 
Calif. Custom Acc. Mfg. Co. Granite Equipment Co. Mondello’s Porting Serv. Tony Nancy Auto & Boat Upholstery 
Casler Racing Tires Inc. Grant Industries Inc. Moon Equipment Co. Traction-Master 
Cedar Rapids Eng. Co. Hayes Clutches Mr. Gasket Co. Trans-American Products Ltd. 
Cholakian (ED) Enterprises Hedman Hedders Muntz Stereo Pak Trans-Dapt of Calif. Inc. 
Chute Metal Co. Hellwig Products Co. Inc. NHRAUnited Western Enterprises 
Cragar Industries Hooker Headers Nickey-Bill Thomas Race Cars Valley Head Service 
Crane Engineering Co. Inc. Horsepower Engineering Offenhauser Sales Corp. Valvoline Oil Co. 
Crestline Mfg. Co. Inc. Hot Rod Magazine Perfection American Venolia Pistons 
Crower Cams & Equip. Co. Hurst Performance Prod. Inc. Petersen Publishing Co. Weber Tool Co. 
C-T Alloy Products Huth Mfg. Corp. Pollution Control Board Weiand Power & Racing Equipment 
Cure Ride Corp. Hydra Link Popular Hot Rodding Wheel Centre Co.
Tue, 11/01/2016 - 09:48

SEMA News—November 2016

EVENTS

By John Stewart

50 Years Later: The Pioneers

50th SEMA Show Logo

A major factor in the vitality and growth of the association was the advent of the annual SEMA Show. In 1965 and 1966, Noel Carpenter, publisher of Speed Equipment Directory, produced an industry-wide exposition that was initially promoted as a chance for the speed-equipment manufacturers to showcase new products. While the shows were not sponsored by SEMA, the association did receive a share of the profits from the 1966 gathering.

Meanwhile, rival publisher Robert E. Petersen of Petersen Publishing Company had started his own equipment expo, promoting the event in his Hot Rod Industry News, as well as in Hot Rod and Car Craft. Petersen ultimately won SEMA’s backing and produced what historically has been considered the first SEMA Show in 1967 under the banner of Hot Rod Industry News (edited by Alex Xydias), with Dick Wells producing the Show as an employee of Petersen’s Special Events Division. That first SEMA Show was held under the cold and damp grandstands of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles while the organizers awaited the completion of the Anaheim Convention Center, where the exposition was moved in 1968. The exhibitors who participated in the 1967 event, known as the “High Performance & Custom Trade Show,” are listed here, as documented in the pages of Hot Rod Industry News. Fifty years later, some are still with us, some are gone, but these pioneers were among the early companies that built the industry we know today.

Airheart Products Inc.Cyclone Automotive Prod. IgnitioneeringP.S.I. Industries Inc. 
Air Lift Co.Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams Inglewood Tire Serv.Raybestos Products 
Ansen Automotive Eng. Inc.Diest Drag Chutes Iskenderian Racing CamsR.C. Industries Inc. 
Appliance Plating Co.Douglass Muffler Mfg. Co. Jahns Quality Pistons Inc. Rocket Wheel Industries Inc. 
Arcadia Automatic Trans. Serv. Doug’s Headers Jardine Headers Roto Faze Ignitions 
Astro Enterprises Drag Fast Sales Inc. J.E. Engineering Corp. Segal Automotive Products
B&M Automotive Inc. Edelbrock Equipment Co. Joe Hunt Magnetos Schiefer Mfg. Co.
Belanger Headers Co.Eelco Mfg. & Supply Co.Lakewood Chassis Inc.Shelby American Inc.
Bell-Toptex Inc. EMPI Mallory Electric Corp. Simpson Drag Chute Co. 
Bid Products Inc. Federal Mogul Service Manufacturers Associates Inc. Speed & Custom Dealer 
Borg Warner Serv. Parts Co. Fenton Co. Merryman Piston Co. Spirit Safety Equip. 
Buco Products Fiberglass Trends Mickey Thompson Ent. Inc. STP Corp. 
Cal Automotive Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Milodon Engineering Co. Summers Bros. Eng. 
Calif. Custom Acc. Mfg. Co. Granite Equipment Co. Mondello’s Porting Serv. Tony Nancy Auto & Boat Upholstery 
Casler Racing Tires Inc. Grant Industries Inc. Moon Equipment Co. Traction-Master 
Cedar Rapids Eng. Co. Hayes Clutches Mr. Gasket Co. Trans-American Products Ltd. 
Cholakian (ED) Enterprises Hedman Hedders Muntz Stereo Pak Trans-Dapt of Calif. Inc. 
Chute Metal Co. Hellwig Products Co. Inc. NHRAUnited Western Enterprises 
Cragar Industries Hooker Headers Nickey-Bill Thomas Race Cars Valley Head Service 
Crane Engineering Co. Inc. Horsepower Engineering Offenhauser Sales Corp. Valvoline Oil Co. 
Crestline Mfg. Co. Inc. Hot Rod Magazine Perfection American Venolia Pistons 
Crower Cams & Equip. Co. Hurst Performance Prod. Inc. Petersen Publishing Co. Weber Tool Co. 
C-T Alloy Products Huth Mfg. Corp. Pollution Control Board Weiand Power & Racing Equipment 
Cure Ride Corp. Hydra Link Popular Hot Rodding Wheel Centre Co.
Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

###

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

###

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

###

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

###

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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Tue, 11/01/2016 - 07:56

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016

Media Contact: Della Domingo 
909-978-6723 
dellad@sema.org

SEMA ANNOUNCES TOP 21 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS®  

Ultimate Builder Competition Heats Up 

LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Now in its third year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition today announced the Top 21 builders. Open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, the competition features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA to win the coveted title of the ultimate builder.

As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. The prestigious SEMA Battle of the Builders competition recognizes the builders the aftermarket community considers best.

Unique to Battle of the Builders, the competition includes all vehicles makes. From hot rods, to exotics, to sport compact vehicles to trucks and SUVs, builders demonstrate their amazing craftsmanship on customized vehicles at the SEMA Show and can compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.

New this year is the “young guns” distinction for builders who are 34 years old and under. The new category recognizes up-and-coming builders from across the country. This year, 98 Battle of the Builder entries were recognized as a “young gun.”

With over 1,500 unique vehicles at the SEMA Show, selecting standouts isn’t easy as every vehicle is one-of-a-kind. This year, vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country submitted more than 250 vehicles for consideration into the annual competition. The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, executive producer, TEN: The Enthusiast Network; Fred Williams, Editor-At-Large, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Customer Engagement Leader, Meguiar’s Inc.  The judges reviewed each entry and narrowed the selection to the top builds in four different categories: Hot Rod, Sport Compact, and Off-Road.

The 2016 Battle of the Builders Top 21 are (by category):

HOT ROD

  • Jeremy & Phil Gerber – 1967 Chevy Chevelle Onyx **Young Gun
  • Kyle Tucker – 1941 Willys 2-Door Coupe
  • Mike & Jim Ring – 1969 Chevy Camaro and 1948 Cadillac
  • Jessie Greening – 1961 Chevy 2 Door Sedan
  • Cam Miller – 1969 Chevy Camaro
  • Jason Pecikonis – 1965 Ford Mustang

OFF-ROAD

  • Cris Payne – 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel **Young Gun
  • Brad DeBerti – 2017 Ford Raptor **Young Gun
  • Kenny Hauk – 1948 Kaiser Willys Pickup
  • Greg Higgs – 2015 Chevy Colorado
  • Randy Weaver – 1938 Diamond T Hauler
  • John Cole – 1966 Ford Bronco
  • Mark Turner – 1958 Jeep FC170

SPORT COMPACT

  • Ernie Manansala – 2014 Nissan GTR **Young Gun
  • Big Mike – 1992 Honda Prelude **Young Gun
  • Dominic Le – 1974 Datsun 260Z **Young Gun
  • Gordon Ting – 2016 Prius
  • Jeremy Lookofsky – 2017 Toyota Corolla
  • Igor Polishchuk – 1989 BMW 325is
  • Anthony De Guzman – 1993 Toyota Supra **Young Gun          

From the 21, the industry experts will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on Wednesday. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicle, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after party that is open to the general public.

The Battle of the Builders Top Ten will be announced on the Velocity LIVE stage just outside Central Hall on Wednesday, November 2at 11:00AM. These ten finalists, chosen by the judges, represent the best of the best in the industry.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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Thu, 10/27/2016 - 13:44

By AJ Carney

mbr

SEMA members attending the Show as buyers this year will have access to the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program perks. Those who wear their MBR cards and lanyards during the 2016 SEMA Show will be recognized as MBR members.

Buyers at the Show are encouraged to stop by SEMA Central, join the association and be part of the Member Buyer Rewards program. Once a member, buyers will receive exclusive access to the following:

  • The MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to rest your feet Tuesday–Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR Taxi Lines: Located at both taxi areas, Tuesday–Thursday, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • SEMA Banquet Tickets: Access to the best seats at the SEMA Industry Banquet, held Thursday night of the Show. Spend the night with industry friends, SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and top entertainer, Larry the Cable Guy. Tickets are required for this event, and seating is limited. So, bring your MBR card with you to pick up your tickets by close of Show, Wednesday, November 2, in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby.

MBR cards will be mailed in late October.

SEMA membership has its rewards! To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.

In addition to the perks provided by the MBR program, SEMA members have access to an array of business tools and resources. Learn more about SEMA member benefits.