By Della Domingo

One of the Virtual Reality Driving Experiences at the SEMA Show will allow Showgoers a chance to sit in the cockpit of the 850hp Trophy Truck with Baja 1000 champion Rob MacCachren.

The hottest trends in Virtual Reality (VR) video and Augmented Reality (AR) video will take center stage at the 2016 SEMA Show, where Showgoers can view a series of automotive-themed experiential demonstrations and learn how the technology can be applied to all areas of automotive aftermarket product sales, marketing and development. Featuring live VR broadcasting, 360-degree video and fully immersive VR and AR experiences, the SEMA VR Experience will be located in SEMA Central—one of the top locations of the SEMA Show found in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

One of the highlights of the SEMA VR Experience is a captivating 360-degree video presentation of the Diamond Bar, California-based SEMA Garage, including a tour of the Installation Center, Emissions Lab, Photo Studio, 3D scanner and 3D printer and more. The complete SEMA VR Experience will include:

• Live 360-degree Video Broadcast Demonstration: With special cameras placed around the SEMA Show, see how 360-degree video can enhance live social-media event broadcasts.
• SEMA Garage 360-degree Video Tour: Join “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic “AJ” as she virtually transports you to a complete tour of the 15,000-sq.-ft. SEMA Garage facility.
• VR Driver Experience: Immerse yourself in a tire-test driving experience with virtual instructors by your side, or sit in the middle of the action with ambassadors from the worlds of professional road racing, off-road racing, water skiing and bass fishing. You will also be able to sit in the cockpit of an 850 Horsepower Trophy Truck with Baja 1000 champion Rob MacCachren.
• Augmented Reality Parts Catalog Demonstration: Using sophisticated viewing technology, see how a parts catalog can come to life, with 3D holograms of parts literally floating off the catalog pages.
• Augmented Reality Car Customization Demonstration: Using new AR technology, see a fullsize sports car come to life before your eyes, and have the opportunity to select body color, racing stripes, wheels/tires and other modifications in virtual reality.

“The SEMA Garage 360-degree video tour is a great reason in and of itself to check out all of the cutting-edge demonstrations at the SEMA VR Experience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The added bonus is that SEMA Showgoers will be able to experience how virtual reality and augmented reality work, and learn how these new experiential video technologies can benefit their bottom line.”

VR and related technology, such as augmented reality, which powers Pokeman Go, are quickly being used as sales tools and influencing customer behavior. Businesses are able to use VR to tell stories and create deep, meaningful experiences. Showgoers can experience this amazing new video technology by visiting the SEMA VR Experience, located at SEMA Central during the SEMA Show, November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. 

By Della Domingo

One of the Virtual Reality Driving Experiences at the SEMA Show will allow Showgoers a chance to sit in the cockpit of the 850hp Trophy Truck with Baja 1000 champion Rob MacCachren.

The hottest trends in Virtual Reality (VR) video and Augmented Reality (AR) video will take center stage at the 2016 SEMA Show, where Showgoers can view a series of automotive-themed experiential demonstrations and learn how the technology can be applied to all areas of automotive aftermarket product sales, marketing and development. Featuring live VR broadcasting, 360-degree video and fully immersive VR and AR experiences, the SEMA VR Experience will be located in SEMA Central—one of the top locations of the SEMA Show found in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

One of the highlights of the SEMA VR Experience is a captivating 360-degree video presentation of the Diamond Bar, California-based SEMA Garage, including a tour of the Installation Center, Emissions Lab, Photo Studio, 3D scanner and 3D printer and more. The complete SEMA VR Experience will include:

• Live 360-degree Video Broadcast Demonstration: With special cameras placed around the SEMA Show, see how 360-degree video can enhance live social-media event broadcasts.
• SEMA Garage 360-degree Video Tour: Join “Overhaulin’s” Adrienne Janic “AJ” as she virtually transports you to a complete tour of the 15,000-sq.-ft. SEMA Garage facility.
• VR Driver Experience: Immerse yourself in a tire-test driving experience with virtual instructors by your side, or sit in the middle of the action with ambassadors from the worlds of professional road racing, off-road racing, water skiing and bass fishing. You will also be able to sit in the cockpit of an 850 Horsepower Trophy Truck with Baja 1000 champion Rob MacCachren.
• Augmented Reality Parts Catalog Demonstration: Using sophisticated viewing technology, see how a parts catalog can come to life, with 3D holograms of parts literally floating off the catalog pages.
• Augmented Reality Car Customization Demonstration: Using new AR technology, see a fullsize sports car come to life before your eyes, and have the opportunity to select body color, racing stripes, wheels/tires and other modifications in virtual reality.

“The SEMA Garage 360-degree video tour is a great reason in and of itself to check out all of the cutting-edge demonstrations at the SEMA VR Experience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The added bonus is that SEMA Showgoers will be able to experience how virtual reality and augmented reality work, and learn how these new experiential video technologies can benefit their bottom line.”

VR and related technology, such as augmented reality, which powers Pokeman Go, are quickly being used as sales tools and influencing customer behavior. Businesses are able to use VR to tell stories and create deep, meaningful experiences. Showgoers can experience this amazing new video technology by visiting the SEMA VR Experience, located at SEMA Central during the SEMA Show, November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. 

By Becca Butler

SEMA Show vehicle builders will take center stage in the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show. Introduced in 2014 to recognize and celebrate proven vehicle builders in all market segments, including hot rod, off-road and sport compact, the SEMA Battle of the Builders is considered to be the ultimate builder competition and is still accepting applications.

As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The competition will also be televised nationwide on the Velocity Network. New for 2016 is a special recognition program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional exposure through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share them with the rest of the world.”

Industry experts RJ deVera, David Freiburger and Fred Williams are confirmed as judges for the competition. They will narrow the list of entries down to the Top 10, who will be announced during the week of the SEMA Show. The 10 finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, 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.

For details on last year’s competition and winner, or to enter the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Becca Butler

SEMA Show vehicle builders will take center stage in the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show. Introduced in 2014 to recognize and celebrate proven vehicle builders in all market segments, including hot rod, off-road and sport compact, the SEMA Battle of the Builders is considered to be the ultimate builder competition and is still accepting applications.

As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The competition will also be televised nationwide on the Velocity Network. New for 2016 is a special recognition program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional exposure through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share them with the rest of the world.”

Industry experts RJ deVera, David Freiburger and Fred Williams are confirmed as judges for the competition. They will narrow the list of entries down to the Top 10, who will be announced during the week of the SEMA Show. The 10 finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, 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.

For details on last year’s competition and winner, or to enter the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Becca Butler

SEMA Show vehicle builders will take center stage in the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show. Introduced in 2014 to recognize and celebrate proven vehicle builders in all market segments, including hot rod, off-road and sport compact, the SEMA Battle of the Builders is considered to be the ultimate builder competition and is still accepting applications.

As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The competition will also be televised nationwide on the Velocity Network. New for 2016 is a special recognition program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional exposure through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share them with the rest of the world.”

Industry experts RJ deVera, David Freiburger and Fred Williams are confirmed as judges for the competition. They will narrow the list of entries down to the Top 10, who will be announced during the week of the SEMA Show. The 10 finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, 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.

For details on last year’s competition and winner, or to enter the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Becca Butler

SEMA Show vehicle builders will take center stage in the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place following the close of the 2016 SEMA Show. Introduced in 2014 to recognize and celebrate proven vehicle builders in all market segments, including hot rod, off-road and sport compact, the SEMA Battle of the Builders is considered to be the ultimate builder competition and is still accepting applications.

As in previous years, candidates for top honors will be selected and announced during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The competition will also be televised nationwide on the Velocity Network. New for 2016 is a special recognition program for builders under the age of 35. Participants who enter and qualify as a “Young Gun” will receive additional exposure through their participation in the overall competition.

“The Young Guns Program allows us to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming builders who have demonstrated that they can compete with industry veterans and icons,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “These young builders, just like all the builders from the SEMA Show, have already proven themselves simply by having a vehicle at the SEMA Show. There is no question that they are amazing builders. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to celebrate their talents and share them with the rest of the world.”

Industry experts RJ deVera, David Freiburger and Fred Williams are confirmed as judges for the competition. They will narrow the list of entries down to the Top 10, who will be announced during the week of the SEMA Show. The 10 finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, 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.

For details on last year’s competition and winner, or to enter the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

Before he became the first man to set land-speed records above 500 and 600 mph in the mid ’60s, Craig Breedlove was a hot rodder, like many other young Southern Californians in the ’50s and early ’60s. He raced at dragstrips, on the dry lakes and at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where he would later make history in the Spirit of America and Sonic I jet cars. Photos of him with various cars showed up in Hot Rod magazines of the era, including a three-page feature on this “triple-threat” ’34 Ford coupe that was photographed by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman for the magazine’s September 1960 issue.

Before he became the first man to set land-speed records above 500 and 600 mph in the mid ’60s, Craig Breedlove was a hot rodder, like many other young Southern Californians in the ’50s and early ’60s. He raced at dragstrips, on the dry lakes and at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where he would later make history in the Spirit of America and Sonic I jet cars. Photos of him with various cars showed up in Hot Rod magazines of the era, including a three-page feature on this “triple-threat” ’34 Ford coupe that was photographed by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman for the magazine’s September 1960 issue.