The Top 10 Battle of the Builders Vehicles were judged by industry experts David Freiburger, Hot Rod Magazine (middle); Fred Williams, Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera (right), Meguiar’s.

By SEMA PR

SEMA announced the Top Ten builders in the SEMA Battle of the Builders® Competition. They now advance to the next round where Showgowers and the public watch as they evaluate and judge one another’s vehicle before the ultimate winner is announced at SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 6.

The Top Ten builders will judge each other from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 6, and the Top Three Finalists will be announced at 3:30 p.m. at the SEMA Show Car Crazy Stage. The winner will be announced later that evening at SEMA Ignited.

The 2015 Battle of the Builders Top Ten are (in alpha order):

• Bobby Alloway, 1933 Ford Roadster
• Ryan Basseri, Honda Integra Type R
• Chip Foose, 1965 Impala 
• Jeremy Gerber, 1973 Camaro
• Phil/Jeremy Gerber, 2015 Chevy Colorado
• Alan Johnson, 1953 Studebaker
• Eric Kozeluh, 1995 Toyota Supra
• Andy Leach, 1962 Chevy Bubble Top
• Jim and Mike Ring, Mustang Fastback
• Kyle Tucker, 1970 Chevy Chevelle

Introduced at the SEMA Show last year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition began with more than 200 vehicle builders and car customizers entering 260 custom cars competing for the coveted title of Top Builder. The Top Ten represent the most skilled in their trade, modifying cars, trucks and SUVs and inspiring the aftermarket community with their ingenuity and expertise. Builders who make it to the Top Ten round of competition will select amongst themselves who will be named Top Builder.

The vehicles were judged by industry experts: David Freiburger, Hot Rod Magazine; Fred Williams, Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road; and RJ de Vera, Meguiar’s. The public is invited to attend SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA afterparty, 7:30 p.m., November 6, to share in the excitement as the Battle of the Builders Winner is announced.

SEMA Ignited features hundreds of cars, demonstrations, and entertainment from the SEMA Show and is open from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Gold Lot. Details are at www.semaignited.com.

Velocity Live offers SEMA Show attendees an immersive fan experience featuring top personalities from the car world.

By SEMA News

The 2015 version of Velocity Live, hosted by Chris Jacobs of OVERHAULIN', will feature top personalities from the car world, including Chip Foose, Mike Brewer, Edd China, Dave Kindig, Wayne Carini, Ray Evernham, Cristy Lee, Dan Short and more surprise guests. Attendees of Velocity Live will see exclusive footage from their favorite series and have the opportunity to interact directly the network's stable of celebrities.

Velocity Live will take place in the Westgate Resort & Casino Showroom in Las Vegas, 4:00 p.m. (PT), Wednesday, November 4, and utilize a late-night talk show format featuring a not to be missed car reveal and never-before-seen footage from Velocity shows. In addition, the network is bringing the excitement of the 2015 SEMA Show to viewers at home. From Monday, November 2–Friday, November 6, Velocity is capturing the automotive enthusiasm of the approximately 135,000 attendees with nightly reports from the SEMA Show floor hosted by Chris Jacobs of OVERHAULIN' and Cristy Lee of ALL GIRLS GARAGE.

Each night of the week will also feature the best, two new episodes of top Velocity series at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), including Chasing Classic Cars, Monday, November 2; Bitchin' Rides, Tuesday, November 3; Overhaulin’, Wednesday, November 4; Fantonworks Thursday, November 5; and Wheeler Dealers on Friday, November 6.

Velocity Live offers SEMA Show attendees an immersive fan experience featuring top personalities from the car world.

By SEMA News

The 2015 version of Velocity Live, hosted by Chris Jacobs of OVERHAULIN', will feature top personalities from the car world, including Chip Foose, Mike Brewer, Edd China, Dave Kindig, Wayne Carini, Ray Evernham, Cristy Lee, Dan Short and more surprise guests. Attendees of Velocity Live will see exclusive footage from their favorite series and have the opportunity to interact directly the network's stable of celebrities.

Velocity Live will take place in the Westgate Resort & Casino Showroom in Las Vegas, 4:00 p.m. (PT), Wednesday, November 4, and utilize a late-night talk show format featuring a not to be missed car reveal and never-before-seen footage from Velocity shows. In addition, the network is bringing the excitement of the 2015 SEMA Show to viewers at home. From Monday, November 2–Friday, November 6, Velocity is capturing the automotive enthusiasm of the approximately 135,000 attendees with nightly reports from the SEMA Show floor hosted by Chris Jacobs of OVERHAULIN' and Cristy Lee of ALL GIRLS GARAGE.

Each night of the week will also feature the best, two new episodes of top Velocity series at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), including Chasing Classic Cars, Monday, November 2; Bitchin' Rides, Tuesday, November 3; Overhaulin’, Wednesday, November 4; Fantonworks Thursday, November 5; and Wheeler Dealers on Friday, November 6.

Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5.

By SEMA News

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Many Know McClelland from his years as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades. He has entertained thousands for more than 40 years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003,but he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet, never missing a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell.

The SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., in the Westgate Hotel, is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and is highlighted by top-flight entertainment. The banquet also provides the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA’s industry awards that include the Person of the Year, WD of the Year and Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year. In addition, the 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored for their contributions to the industry.

Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5.

By SEMA News

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Many Know McClelland from his years as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades. He has entertained thousands for more than 40 years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003,but he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet, never missing a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell.

The SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., in the Westgate Hotel, is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and is highlighted by top-flight entertainment. The banquet also provides the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA’s industry awards that include the Person of the Year, WD of the Year and Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year. In addition, the 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored for their contributions to the industry.

Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5.

By SEMA News

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Many Know McClelland from his years as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades. He has entertained thousands for more than 40 years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003,but he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet, never missing a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell.

The SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., in the Westgate Hotel, is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and is highlighted by top-flight entertainment. The banquet also provides the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA’s industry awards that include the Person of the Year, WD of the Year and Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year. In addition, the 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored for their contributions to the industry.

By SEMA News

Here are several news and announcements from 2015 SEMA Show Exhibitors.

NASCAR, Universal Technical Institute Announce Partnership Extension, Booth #22299

Universal Technical Institute announced today that it is extending its partnership with NASCAR as part of a 10-year renewal agreement. The official partner operates a subsidiary school, NASCAR Technical Institute, to provide training for students seeking careers in the motorsports and automotive services industries. Since 2002, NASCAR Tech has become a leader in technical education, graduating thousands of students and creating a pipeline of skilled technicians now employed across the NASCAR industry. Program alumni working at Roush Yates Racing Engines and Toyota Racing Development joined NASCAR Tech Vice President John Dodson and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson at the NASCAR booth to celebrate today’s announcement.

Voyo Motors Debuts First Aftermarket Stop-Start Product, Booth #15123

Startup Voyomotive debuted at the SEMA Show with an aftermarket car device that can add Stop-Start technology to just about any car. The first-time exhibitor Voyomotive is raising some eyebrows with its advanced telematics system that increases driving safety, convenience and fuel efficiency. VOYO upgrades your car with modern technologies that surpass the tech used on expensive new vehicles. VOYO connects your phone to the car and connects your car to the Voyomotive Cloud. It connects to the OBD-II port of any car sold in the U.S.A. from ’96 and newer. Voyomotive wireless relays can optionally be used for additional fuel saving and security features. Stop by booth #15123 in the Westgate Hotel to learn more about VOYO.

Castrol Reinvents the Oil Change With Nexcel: The Revolutionary Technology That Makes Oil Changes Quick, Smart and Simple, Booth #31281

The Nexcel oil cell, an easy-to-change unit containing both engine oil and a filter, delivers superior engine performance and improved environmental sustainability. The new technology allows your oil to be changed in around 90 seconds, more than 13 times faster than a conventional oil change of 20 minutes.
The Aston Martin Vulcan track-only supercar will be the first vehicle featuring Nexcel technology. SEMA attendees can see Castrol’s Nexcel oil cell on display in their booth, #31281, on the second floor of the South Hall.

Nissan Joins Cummins in Land Speed Record Attempt With Special ’16 TITAN XD–“Triple Nickel,” Booth #30024

Fresh from being named the “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the 2016 TITAN XD, with its Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, makes an ideal, if unconventional, land speed record racer. Dubbed “Project Triple Nickel” as an homage to a stock TITAN XD’s 555-lb.-ft. torque rating, the specially outfitted truck was revealed Tuesday at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Project Triple Nickel is a working collaboration between Cummins and Nissan North America. Modification began on the ’16 TITAN XD a few weeks ago, and thus far it features a special lowered suspension, salt-flat-style disc wheel covers, Mickey Thompson tires, an Ultra Shield seat, a Stroud Safety parachute, a custom-fabricated front air dam and bed covers and a custom, brushed nickel-colored wrap. Additional modifications, including a roll cage, additional safety equipment and more will be added within the next few months as the truck is developed with an eye toward setting new class speed records.

By SEMA News

Here are several news and announcements from 2015 SEMA Show Exhibitors.

NASCAR, Universal Technical Institute Announce Partnership Extension, Booth #22299

Universal Technical Institute announced today that it is extending its partnership with NASCAR as part of a 10-year renewal agreement. The official partner operates a subsidiary school, NASCAR Technical Institute, to provide training for students seeking careers in the motorsports and automotive services industries. Since 2002, NASCAR Tech has become a leader in technical education, graduating thousands of students and creating a pipeline of skilled technicians now employed across the NASCAR industry. Program alumni working at Roush Yates Racing Engines and Toyota Racing Development joined NASCAR Tech Vice President John Dodson and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson at the NASCAR booth to celebrate today’s announcement.

Voyo Motors Debuts First Aftermarket Stop-Start Product, Booth #15123

Startup Voyomotive debuted at the SEMA Show with an aftermarket car device that can add Stop-Start technology to just about any car. The first-time exhibitor Voyomotive is raising some eyebrows with its advanced telematics system that increases driving safety, convenience and fuel efficiency. VOYO upgrades your car with modern technologies that surpass the tech used on expensive new vehicles. VOYO connects your phone to the car and connects your car to the Voyomotive Cloud. It connects to the OBD-II port of any car sold in the U.S.A. from ’96 and newer. Voyomotive wireless relays can optionally be used for additional fuel saving and security features. Stop by booth #15123 in the Westgate Hotel to learn more about VOYO.

Castrol Reinvents the Oil Change With Nexcel: The Revolutionary Technology That Makes Oil Changes Quick, Smart and Simple, Booth #31281

The Nexcel oil cell, an easy-to-change unit containing both engine oil and a filter, delivers superior engine performance and improved environmental sustainability. The new technology allows your oil to be changed in around 90 seconds, more than 13 times faster than a conventional oil change of 20 minutes.
The Aston Martin Vulcan track-only supercar will be the first vehicle featuring Nexcel technology. SEMA attendees can see Castrol’s Nexcel oil cell on display in their booth, #31281, on the second floor of the South Hall.

Nissan Joins Cummins in Land Speed Record Attempt With Special ’16 TITAN XD–“Triple Nickel,” Booth #30024

Fresh from being named the “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the 2016 TITAN XD, with its Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, makes an ideal, if unconventional, land speed record racer. Dubbed “Project Triple Nickel” as an homage to a stock TITAN XD’s 555-lb.-ft. torque rating, the specially outfitted truck was revealed Tuesday at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Project Triple Nickel is a working collaboration between Cummins and Nissan North America. Modification began on the ’16 TITAN XD a few weeks ago, and thus far it features a special lowered suspension, salt-flat-style disc wheel covers, Mickey Thompson tires, an Ultra Shield seat, a Stroud Safety parachute, a custom-fabricated front air dam and bed covers and a custom, brushed nickel-colored wrap. Additional modifications, including a roll cage, additional safety equipment and more will be added within the next few months as the truck is developed with an eye toward setting new class speed records.

The Automotive Aftermarket Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

By SEMA News

The Aftermarket Foundation announced a name and branding change, and the Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

“The name change will help everyone identify what we do—we are a charity for the Automotive Aftermarket,” says AACF President Bob Hirsch. “AACF helps people in the automotive aftermarket who are in desperate need. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation name better reflects our mission.”

The name change is the latest in a series of aggressive changes to the 59-year-old charity. Earlier this year, AACF hired Joel Ayres, an industry veteran of more than 30 years. Ayres hiring was the culmination of an exhaustive search.

AACF Executive Director Joel Ayres believes the name change is just the latest step towards new branding for the growing organization. The creative team from Yonder Branding and Marketing donated their talents in designing the Foundation’s new logo, website, and marketing materials to support AACF’s new image and, along with eTool Developers, launched the new website this month.

“AACF is actively looking for opportunities to help people in need,” says Ayres. “We are partnering with many companies and organizations in our industry spreading the word that help is available for those in need.”

Hirsch says, “If you know someone in the automotive aftermarket in desperate need, their life has been shattered by disease, injury, or the death of a family member that provided income, AACF may be able to help.”

Individuals interested in receiving assistance can contact AACF at 772-286-5500 or www.aacfi.org. 

The Automotive Aftermarket Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

By SEMA News

The Aftermarket Foundation announced a name and branding change, and the Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

“The name change will help everyone identify what we do—we are a charity for the Automotive Aftermarket,” says AACF President Bob Hirsch. “AACF helps people in the automotive aftermarket who are in desperate need. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation name better reflects our mission.”

The name change is the latest in a series of aggressive changes to the 59-year-old charity. Earlier this year, AACF hired Joel Ayres, an industry veteran of more than 30 years. Ayres hiring was the culmination of an exhaustive search.

AACF Executive Director Joel Ayres believes the name change is just the latest step towards new branding for the growing organization. The creative team from Yonder Branding and Marketing donated their talents in designing the Foundation’s new logo, website, and marketing materials to support AACF’s new image and, along with eTool Developers, launched the new website this month.

“AACF is actively looking for opportunities to help people in need,” says Ayres. “We are partnering with many companies and organizations in our industry spreading the word that help is available for those in need.”

Hirsch says, “If you know someone in the automotive aftermarket in desperate need, their life has been shattered by disease, injury, or the death of a family member that provided income, AACF may be able to help.”

Individuals interested in receiving assistance can contact AACF at 772-286-5500 or www.aacfi.org.