By Della Domingo

Young Gun regional winner from 2018, Natalie Haynes, discusses her Camaro project with SEMA Chairman Wade Kawasaki.

The nationwide search for aspiring, up-and-coming young vehicle builders kicks off March 16, as the SEMA Youngs Guns Regional Program takes place at TX2K19 at Houston Raceway Park, just outside of Houston, Texas. 

As the first event in the 2019 SEMA Young Guns Regional Program, TX2K19 will feature 10 builders age 27 or younger vying for a chance to participate in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition and showcase their vehicle at the world-renowned SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the competition expanded in 2017 to provide exposure for a limited number of rising young builders.

Natalie Haynes' Camaro.

This year’s program includes partnerships with nine venues, with one winner from each venue awarded an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

“We’re excited to kick off the SEMA Young Guns Program at TX2K19,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing Ira Gabriel. “TX2K19 represents a new partnership for the Young Guns Program, and will allow us to reach a new group of young builders. Our goals are to discover new talent, promote vehicle customization to the younger generation and make the hobby accessible to more people. We’re confident that TX2K19 will aid us in reaching our goals.”

Vehicle builders age 27 and younger are invited to enter the Young Guns Regional Competition at www.semayoungguns.com, where they will be able to select from nine venues. The deadline for the TX2K19 event is March 8, after which time 10 applicants will be selected to compete in Houston, for a chance to advance on to the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition in Las Vegas.

For additional details, visit www.semayoungguns.com or contact marketing@semaignited.com.

Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, "Batwing" and other details that we haven't seen before.

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. A white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, as we get our first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette—with a taillight element featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today. We also captured the dynamic turn indicator sequence, which commences inboard and progresses outboard, toward the edge of the vehicle.

This particular tester also appears to have a rather aggressive front fascia, but we believe that this is because it's not wearing part of the front bumper cover, but that could also just be the camo playing tricks.

Official debut expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo Credit Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, "Batwing" and other details that we haven't seen before.

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. A white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, as we get our first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette—with a taillight element featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today. We also captured the dynamic turn indicator sequence, which commences inboard and progresses outboard, toward the edge of the vehicle.

This particular tester also appears to have a rather aggressive front fascia, but we believe that this is because it's not wearing part of the front bumper cover, but that could also just be the camo playing tricks.

Official debut expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo Credit Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, "Batwing" and other details that we haven't seen before.

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. A white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, as we get our first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette—with a taillight element featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today. We also captured the dynamic turn indicator sequence, which commences inboard and progresses outboard, toward the edge of the vehicle.

This particular tester also appears to have a rather aggressive front fascia, but we believe that this is because it's not wearing part of the front bumper cover, but that could also just be the camo playing tricks.

Official debut expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo Credit Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, "Batwing" and other details that we haven't seen before.

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. A white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, as we get our first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette—with a taillight element featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today. We also captured the dynamic turn indicator sequence, which commences inboard and progresses outboard, toward the edge of the vehicle.

This particular tester also appears to have a rather aggressive front fascia, but we believe that this is because it's not wearing part of the front bumper cover, but that could also just be the camo playing tricks.

Official debut expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo Credit Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, "Batwing" and other details that we haven't seen before.

The all-LED headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED configuration for the primary lighting unit. A white accent strip (orange when turning) resides at the top of the headlight cluster.

Things get even more interesting out back, as we get our first look at the production-intent taillights. The overall design direction of the taillights is highly reminiscent of the current C7 Corvette—with a taillight element featuring two vertical bars connecting a horizontal one. That pattern repeats four times on the rear end—twice on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side—much like on the C7 today. We also captured the dynamic turn indicator sequence, which commences inboard and progresses outboard, toward the edge of the vehicle.

This particular tester also appears to have a rather aggressive front fascia, but we believe that this is because it's not wearing part of the front bumper cover, but that could also just be the camo playing tricks.

Official debut expected in late 2019 or first quarter 2020.

Photo Credit Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Auto Rebate Company
• Bowdoin Marketing Inc.
• Capital One Services
• Considine Sales & Marketing
• Foster & Associates
• Jim Wrobleski & Co. Inc.
• Meyer Distributing
• Pro Rep Marketing
• R&R Marketing Consultants
• Scott Lewis Associates Inc.
• SEIA/Alliant Insurance Services

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Design Engineer (III) — The Design Engineer (III) is responsible for the design of high-performance shock absorber and racing suspension components according to FOX guidelines. Under general management direction, design responsibilities run cradle to grave including concept generation, virtual design, physical development and sustainability engineering. This position must balance robust product design with high-volume manufacturing and costing to achieve world-class performance. Be ready to champion new ideas and be challenged to design the best possible powered vehicle suspension components.

Western Territory Sales Manager — Fast growing Asheville, N.C.-based company is seeking a professional sales person to cover a significant customer base, calling on current and new customers. The sales territory manager will coordinate their own efforts with those of the company's manufacturers' representatives to continue the company's high rate of growth. The position requires travel (less than industry standards) for trade shows and customer meetings. The territory manager will work out of a home office, preferably in a western state.

In-house Videographer — We are an automotive accessories company seeking a highly motivated and creative videographer to help develop cool and exciting video content for our many brands of products. We are looking for someone who is an enthusiast, who has style and is able to transfer those attributes into their photo/video work.

Responsibilities include: shoot and edit video content for social media uploads; shoot and document company events like car shows, track days and trade shows; concept, storyboard and produce product videos including “how to videos,” “product walk around videos,” and “product hype videos;” occasionally assist the photography team with product photography and editing photos as needed (not primary responsibility).