In cooperation with Ford Motor Co., the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the ’20 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab. The ’20 Super Duty has a new look with a new grille, headlamps and fascia and new interior materials, colors and trim inserts. It also features a new powertrain option as well as new driver-assist technologies.

In cooperation with Ford Motor Co., the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the ’20 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab. The ’20 Super Duty has a new look with a new grille, headlamps and fascia and new interior materials, colors and trim inserts. It also features a new powertrain option as well as new driver-assist technologies.

By Fredy Ramirez

Steven Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight three vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include Steve Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350, Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10 and Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S.

Steven Ellis, ’99 Ford F-350
Scheduled to Appear: Covercraft #23143

This is Ellis’ first solo project in SEMA Battle of the Builders. A 2017 “SEMA 35 Under 35” honoree, Ellis’ Ford F-350 will be used for local search-and-rescue missions and will be equipped with gear from several companies, including CVT, Thule, Line-X, Lightforce and Warn. The truck will feature custom fab work from Ellis’ shop at Urban Garage in Arizona.

Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10

Preston Folkestad, ’84 Chevy C10
Scheduled to Appear: GC Cooling # V254

A previous Young Gun competitor, Preston Folkestead was a top-10 BOTB finalist at the 2018 SEMA Show, and he’s gunning for even bigger things this year with his racing-inspired Chevy. Under the carbon-fiber hood is an LSR performance engine with Holley injection, heads from Frankenstein Engine Dynamics, spark from an XS Power and cooling courtesy of components from GC Cooling and C&R Racing. Toyo Tires are paired with American Racing wheels and slowed by Wilwood brakes. A custom No Limit Engineering suspension helps locate a Quick Performance-sourced 9-in. rear end, 515Customs provided additional fabrication and Zion Designs handled the vehicle wrap and graphics.  

Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S

Garret Kitchen, ’68 Barracuda S
Scheduled to Appear: Ron Francis Wiring #23479

Garret Kitchen, founder of Garret’s Custom Rods, has been building cars since he was 14 years old. In 1968, he won the Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest in his high school auto-shop class. The trophy was adorned with a replica of a ’68 Formula S Barracuda—the exact same truck he would build for this year’s SEMA Show more than 50 years later. This ’Cuda, however, no longer relies on 340 power to get around; instead, it is powered by a Gen-3 6.1L HEMI V-8 topped with a Magnuson supercharger. Body mods on “The Aquarium” abound, including a redesigned front clip with front spoiler, flared fender openings, custom tuck-fit bumpers, a rear spoiler, a custom hood and a Barracuda logo as the rear-glass fadeout.

By Fredy Ramirez

Steven Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight three vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include Steve Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350, Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10 and Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S.

Steven Ellis, ’99 Ford F-350
Scheduled to Appear: Covercraft #23143

This is Ellis’ first solo project in SEMA Battle of the Builders. A 2017 “SEMA 35 Under 35” honoree, Ellis’ Ford F-350 will be used for local search-and-rescue missions and will be equipped with gear from several companies, including CVT, Thule, Line-X, Lightforce and Warn. The truck will feature custom fab work from Ellis’ shop at Urban Garage in Arizona.

Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10

Preston Folkestad, ’84 Chevy C10
Scheduled to Appear: GC Cooling # V254

A previous Young Gun competitor, Preston Folkestead was a top-10 BOTB finalist at the 2018 SEMA Show, and he’s gunning for even bigger things this year with his racing-inspired Chevy. Under the carbon-fiber hood is an LSR performance engine with Holley injection, heads from Frankenstein Engine Dynamics, spark from an XS Power and cooling courtesy of components from GC Cooling and C&R Racing. Toyo Tires are paired with American Racing wheels and slowed by Wilwood brakes. A custom No Limit Engineering suspension helps locate a Quick Performance-sourced 9-in. rear end, 515Customs provided additional fabrication and Zion Designs handled the vehicle wrap and graphics.  

Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S

Garret Kitchen, ’68 Barracuda S
Scheduled to Appear: Ron Francis Wiring #23479

Garret Kitchen, founder of Garret’s Custom Rods, has been building cars since he was 14 years old. In 1968, he won the Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest in his high school auto-shop class. The trophy was adorned with a replica of a ’68 Formula S Barracuda—the exact same truck he would build for this year’s SEMA Show more than 50 years later. This ’Cuda, however, no longer relies on 340 power to get around; instead, it is powered by a Gen-3 6.1L HEMI V-8 topped with a Magnuson supercharger. Body mods on “The Aquarium” abound, including a redesigned front clip with front spoiler, flared fender openings, custom tuck-fit bumpers, a rear spoiler, a custom hood and a Barracuda logo as the rear-glass fadeout.

By Fredy Ramirez

Steven Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight three vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include Steve Ellis’ ’99 Ford F-350, Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10 and Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S.

Steven Ellis, ’99 Ford F-350
Scheduled to Appear: Covercraft #23143

This is Ellis’ first solo project in SEMA Battle of the Builders. A 2017 “SEMA 35 Under 35” honoree, Ellis’ Ford F-350 will be used for local search-and-rescue missions and will be equipped with gear from several companies, including CVT, Thule, Line-X, Lightforce and Warn. The truck will feature custom fab work from Ellis’ shop at Urban Garage in Arizona.

Preston Folkestad’s ’84 Chevy C10

Preston Folkestad, ’84 Chevy C10
Scheduled to Appear: GC Cooling # V254

A previous Young Gun competitor, Preston Folkestead was a top-10 BOTB finalist at the 2018 SEMA Show, and he’s gunning for even bigger things this year with his racing-inspired Chevy. Under the carbon-fiber hood is an LSR performance engine with Holley injection, heads from Frankenstein Engine Dynamics, spark from an XS Power and cooling courtesy of components from GC Cooling and C&R Racing. Toyo Tires are paired with American Racing wheels and slowed by Wilwood brakes. A custom No Limit Engineering suspension helps locate a Quick Performance-sourced 9-in. rear end, 515Customs provided additional fabrication and Zion Designs handled the vehicle wrap and graphics.  

Garret Kitchen’s ’68 Barracuda S

Garret Kitchen, ’68 Barracuda S
Scheduled to Appear: Ron Francis Wiring #23479

Garret Kitchen, founder of Garret’s Custom Rods, has been building cars since he was 14 years old. In 1968, he won the Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest in his high school auto-shop class. The trophy was adorned with a replica of a ’68 Formula S Barracuda—the exact same truck he would build for this year’s SEMA Show more than 50 years later. This ’Cuda, however, no longer relies on 340 power to get around; instead, it is powered by a Gen-3 6.1L HEMI V-8 topped with a Magnuson supercharger. Body mods on “The Aquarium” abound, including a redesigned front clip with front spoiler, flared fender openings, custom tuck-fit bumpers, a rear spoiler, a custom hood and a Barracuda logo as the rear-glass fadeout.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business.

From now until the opening of the 2019 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

November SEMA News

As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue has passed.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, November 5—the first day of the 2019 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is September 10.
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7. The deadline for both issues is October 5.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Jason Catullo

SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business.

From now until the opening of the 2019 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

November SEMA News

As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue has passed.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, November 5—the first day of the 2019 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is September 10.
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7. The deadline for both issues is October 5.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Jason Catullo

SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business.

From now until the opening of the 2019 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

November SEMA News

As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue has passed.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, November 5—the first day of the 2019 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is September 10.
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7. The deadline for both issues is October 5.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Jason Catullo

SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business.

From now until the opening of the 2019 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

November SEMA News

As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue has passed.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, November 5—the first day of the 2019 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is September 10.
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7. The deadline for both issues is October 5.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Kristopher Porter

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program.

The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for awesome truck, SUV and off-road builds to display at the 2019 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program. Applications are now open; the council is looking for submissions in areas such as lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep, SUV, off-road, UTV and street/lowered vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 60,000 qualified buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers whose parts are featured on each vehicle.  

Six vehicles will be selected as a part of the 2019 TORA feature vehicle program. At least one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured outside of the LVCC South Hall, where thousands of people spend time every day of the Show. If selected, the cost of these spots is $2,000; applicants must also make a donation of $500 to SEMA Cares charities on top of the premium placement fee. Payment must be made by September 30, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT), otherwise your spot will be forfeited.

Applications are due September 3, by 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today!