By SEMA Editors

Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type qualified for the SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 40 in the Sport Compact category.

SEMA has announced the Top 40 builders in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which honors and recognizes builders at SEMA360—the trade-only online eMarketplace.

The 2020 Battle of the Builders Top 40 are (by category):

Hot Rod

• Tony Arme – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Peter (PJ) Burchett – ’67 Chevrolet Corvette
• Greg Friedrich – ’33 Ford Coupe
• Tim Kilkeary – ’56 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
• Kyle Kuhnhausen – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Andy Leach – ’71 Plymouth ’Cuda
• Ricardo Lopez – ’68 Ford Mustang Fastback
• Joe Lutz – ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air
• Brady Ranweiler – ’63 Chevrolet two-door wagon
• Chris Smith – ’70 Chevrolet Camaro

Sport Compact

• Bill Brinkworth – ’73 Nissan S30 240z
• Todd Budde – ’93 Mazda RX-7 FDS3
• Josh Croll – ’04 Subaru WRX STi
• Chip Foose – ’74 Jaguar E-Type
• Tim Lajambe – ’93 Mercedes-Benz 190E
• Olman Navarro – ’10 Mitsubishi Evolution GSR
• Arvi Quizon – ’15 Subaru WRX
• Eric Ritz – ’73 Nissan 240z
• Jeff Spearn – ’56 Volkswagen sedan/ragtop
• John D. Ubalde – ’93 Mazda RX-7

Truck Off-Road

• Andy Allen – ’57 Studebaker Transtar
• Randy Borcherding – ’71 Ford Ranchero
• Brad DeBerti – ’20 Toyota Tacoma
• Mark Giambalvo – ’65 Chevrolet C10
• Ryan Korek – ’52 International L110
• Rod Nielsen – ’64 International CO 1700
• Troy Seyfer – 1962 Ford F100
• Darin Smith – ’64 Chevrolet C10 shortbed
• Randy Weaver – ’50 Ford F1
• Chad Whitlock – ’70 Chevrolet C10

Young Guns

• Eli DeWitt – ’67 Pontiac LeMans
• Cody Medeisis – ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
• Matteo Medoro – ’47 Dodge 3/4-ton W250
• Jonas Neels – ’08 GMC Sierra 4x4
• Austin Phipps – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS
• Darren Sammartino – ’70 Chevrolet K20
• James Thomas – ’41 Dodge Business coupe
• James Thomas – ’49 Ford F1
• Dominic Tucci – ’32 Ford Highboy
• Joe Wilder – ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

The Battle of the Builders Top 12 will be announced, Wednesday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m. (PST) during SEMA360. These 12 finalists, chosen by a panel of industry experts featuring RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), and Mike and Jim Ring (Ringbrothers), represent the best of the best in the industry.

By SEMA Editors

Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type qualified for the SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 40 in the Sport Compact category.

SEMA has announced the Top 40 builders in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which honors and recognizes builders at SEMA360—the trade-only online eMarketplace.

The 2020 Battle of the Builders Top 40 are (by category):

Hot Rod

• Tony Arme – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Peter (PJ) Burchett – ’67 Chevrolet Corvette
• Greg Friedrich – ’33 Ford Coupe
• Tim Kilkeary – ’56 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
• Kyle Kuhnhausen – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Andy Leach – ’71 Plymouth ’Cuda
• Ricardo Lopez – ’68 Ford Mustang Fastback
• Joe Lutz – ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air
• Brady Ranweiler – ’63 Chevrolet two-door wagon
• Chris Smith – ’70 Chevrolet Camaro

Sport Compact

• Bill Brinkworth – ’73 Nissan S30 240z
• Todd Budde – ’93 Mazda RX-7 FDS3
• Josh Croll – ’04 Subaru WRX STi
• Chip Foose – ’74 Jaguar E-Type
• Tim Lajambe – ’93 Mercedes-Benz 190E
• Olman Navarro – ’10 Mitsubishi Evolution GSR
• Arvi Quizon – ’15 Subaru WRX
• Eric Ritz – ’73 Nissan 240z
• Jeff Spearn – ’56 Volkswagen sedan/ragtop
• John D. Ubalde – ’93 Mazda RX-7

Truck Off-Road

• Andy Allen – ’57 Studebaker Transtar
• Randy Borcherding – ’71 Ford Ranchero
• Brad DeBerti – ’20 Toyota Tacoma
• Mark Giambalvo – ’65 Chevrolet C10
• Ryan Korek – ’52 International L110
• Rod Nielsen – ’64 International CO 1700
• Troy Seyfer – 1962 Ford F100
• Darin Smith – ’64 Chevrolet C10 shortbed
• Randy Weaver – ’50 Ford F1
• Chad Whitlock – ’70 Chevrolet C10

Young Guns

• Eli DeWitt – ’67 Pontiac LeMans
• Cody Medeisis – ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
• Matteo Medoro – ’47 Dodge 3/4-ton W250
• Jonas Neels – ’08 GMC Sierra 4x4
• Austin Phipps – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS
• Darren Sammartino – ’70 Chevrolet K20
• James Thomas – ’41 Dodge Business coupe
• James Thomas – ’49 Ford F1
• Dominic Tucci – ’32 Ford Highboy
• Joe Wilder – ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

The Battle of the Builders Top 12 will be announced, Wednesday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m. (PST) during SEMA360. These 12 finalists, chosen by a panel of industry experts featuring RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), and Mike and Jim Ring (Ringbrothers), represent the best of the best in the industry.

By SEMA Editors

Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type qualified for the SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 40 in the Sport Compact category.

SEMA has announced the Top 40 builders in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which honors and recognizes builders at SEMA360—the trade-only online eMarketplace.

The 2020 Battle of the Builders Top 40 are (by category):

Hot Rod

• Tony Arme – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Peter (PJ) Burchett – ’67 Chevrolet Corvette
• Greg Friedrich – ’33 Ford Coupe
• Tim Kilkeary – ’56 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
• Kyle Kuhnhausen – ’64 Chevrolet Corvette
• Andy Leach – ’71 Plymouth ’Cuda
• Ricardo Lopez – ’68 Ford Mustang Fastback
• Joe Lutz – ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air
• Brady Ranweiler – ’63 Chevrolet two-door wagon
• Chris Smith – ’70 Chevrolet Camaro

Sport Compact

• Bill Brinkworth – ’73 Nissan S30 240z
• Todd Budde – ’93 Mazda RX-7 FDS3
• Josh Croll – ’04 Subaru WRX STi
• Chip Foose – ’74 Jaguar E-Type
• Tim Lajambe – ’93 Mercedes-Benz 190E
• Olman Navarro – ’10 Mitsubishi Evolution GSR
• Arvi Quizon – ’15 Subaru WRX
• Eric Ritz – ’73 Nissan 240z
• Jeff Spearn – ’56 Volkswagen sedan/ragtop
• John D. Ubalde – ’93 Mazda RX-7

Truck Off-Road

• Andy Allen – ’57 Studebaker Transtar
• Randy Borcherding – ’71 Ford Ranchero
• Brad DeBerti – ’20 Toyota Tacoma
• Mark Giambalvo – ’65 Chevrolet C10
• Ryan Korek – ’52 International L110
• Rod Nielsen – ’64 International CO 1700
• Troy Seyfer – 1962 Ford F100
• Darin Smith – ’64 Chevrolet C10 shortbed
• Randy Weaver – ’50 Ford F1
• Chad Whitlock – ’70 Chevrolet C10

Young Guns

• Eli DeWitt – ’67 Pontiac LeMans
• Cody Medeisis – ’68 Chevrolet Camaro
• Matteo Medoro – ’47 Dodge 3/4-ton W250
• Jonas Neels – ’08 GMC Sierra 4x4
• Austin Phipps – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS
• Darren Sammartino – ’70 Chevrolet K20
• James Thomas – ’41 Dodge Business coupe
• James Thomas – ’49 Ford F1
• Dominic Tucci – ’32 Ford Highboy
• Joe Wilder – ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

The Battle of the Builders Top 12 will be announced, Wednesday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m. (PST) during SEMA360. These 12 finalists, chosen by a panel of industry experts featuring RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), and Mike and Jim Ring (Ringbrothers), represent the best of the best in the industry.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA360 is on its second day, and thousands of attendees worldwide joined the action to meet manufacturers, research new products and hear from industry experts through SEMA360 special events and activities.

There is still time to sign up and enjoy access to the industry for the rest of the week. Here's a brief look at what you can take part in on day three of SEMA360.

Brew Talks: Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis & Recovery

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and and join Brew Talks, where CEO Chris Kersting will moderate a panel of top aftermarket CEOs as they discuss the paths to recovery that aftermarket companies are taking to adapt a changing marketplace.

What: Brew Talks: Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis and Recovery
When: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Moderator: Chris Kersting, SEMA
Speaker: Brian Reese, The Retrofit Source
Speaker: Kim Pendergast, Magnuson Superchargers
Speaker: Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT
Speaker: Shahriar 'Nick' Niakan, aFe POWER
Speaker: Julian Gill, Eibach Inc.

Battle of the Builders Top 12 Announcment

With the Battle of the Builders Top 40 already decided, the next step is to find out who the Top 12 Builders are for 2020.

The competition highlights the craftsmanship, talents and ideas of the builders who create vehicles that serve as inspiration for automotive enthusiasts and fans. These world-class builds are rolling representations of the fit, added function, style and innovation of aftermarket performance and styling products.

The Battle of the Builders Top 12 will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday, November 4) at 12:00 p.m. (PST), on the SEMA360 Builders Showcase page.

The Stage: Interviews With Leaders, Legends and Influencers: Featuring Dave Kindig and Myles Kovacs

The STAGE features industry leaders and icons engaging in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), and hosted by Myles Kovacs, the STAGE will include interviews throughout the week of SEMA360.

See what else is happening the rest of the week on SEMA360.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA360 is on its second day, and thousands of attendees worldwide joined the action to meet manufacturers, research new products and hear from industry experts through SEMA360 special events and activities.

There is still time to sign up and enjoy access to the industry for the rest of the week. Here's a brief look at what you can take part in on day three of SEMA360.

Brew Talks: Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis & Recovery

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and and join Brew Talks, where CEO Chris Kersting will moderate a panel of top aftermarket CEOs as they discuss the paths to recovery that aftermarket companies are taking to adapt a changing marketplace.

What: Brew Talks: Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis and Recovery
When: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Moderator: Chris Kersting, SEMA
Speaker: Brian Reese, The Retrofit Source
Speaker: Kim Pendergast, Magnuson Superchargers
Speaker: Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT
Speaker: Shahriar 'Nick' Niakan, aFe POWER
Speaker: Julian Gill, Eibach Inc.

Battle of the Builders Top 12 Announcment

With the Battle of the Builders Top 40 already decided, the next step is to find out who the Top 12 Builders are for 2020.

The competition highlights the craftsmanship, talents and ideas of the builders who create vehicles that serve as inspiration for automotive enthusiasts and fans. These world-class builds are rolling representations of the fit, added function, style and innovation of aftermarket performance and styling products.

The Battle of the Builders Top 12 will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday, November 4) at 12:00 p.m. (PST), on the SEMA360 Builders Showcase page.

The Stage: Interviews With Leaders, Legends and Influencers: Featuring Dave Kindig and Myles Kovacs

The STAGE features industry leaders and icons engaging in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), and hosted by Myles Kovacs, the STAGE will include interviews throughout the week of SEMA360.

See what else is happening the rest of the week on SEMA360.

By John Stewart

Rich Barsamian conducted an educational session Monday at SEMA360, in which he provided tips for marketers to increase sales.

SEMA Person of the Year in 2014, 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and Advanced Clutch Technology Vice President of Sales Rich Barsamian conducted an educational session Monday at SEMA360, in which he provided tips for marketers to increase sales.

Barsamian noted that when most people try to double sales, they risk burnout if their approach is not systematic. His pathway to success is by increasing the customer base, average order value, the frequency of customer buying, and making decisions based on the data. His methods include using social media, stressing product education, working closely with resellers, improving product data, always adding new products and taking advantage of tools available through SEMA.

The session can be viewed on SEMA360.

By John Stewart

Rich Barsamian conducted an educational session Monday at SEMA360, in which he provided tips for marketers to increase sales.

SEMA Person of the Year in 2014, 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and Advanced Clutch Technology Vice President of Sales Rich Barsamian conducted an educational session Monday at SEMA360, in which he provided tips for marketers to increase sales.

Barsamian noted that when most people try to double sales, they risk burnout if their approach is not systematic. His pathway to success is by increasing the customer base, average order value, the frequency of customer buying, and making decisions based on the data. His methods include using social media, stressing product education, working closely with resellers, improving product data, always adding new products and taking advantage of tools available through SEMA.

The session can be viewed on SEMA360.

By Ashley Reyes

Taking place on SEMA360, the Keynote Q&A, powered by OPTIMA Batteries featured Mike Rowe (right), creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” and Tanner Foust (left), industry celebrity and driver, broadcasting live from their respective locations.

Mike Rowe and Tanner Foust kicked off the inaugural SEMA360 with an inspiring conversation about the automotive industry and the unique passion that the industry shares.

Taking place on SEMA360, the Keynote Q&A, powered by OPTIMA Batteries featured Rowe, creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” and Foust, industry celebrity and driver, broadcasting live from their respective locations. During the half-hour episode, the two talked about the state of the automotive aftermarket, their passion for the industry and the need to inspire more people to get involved in the aftermarket trade.

Rowe shared his experience and stories behind the success of his show “Dirty Jobs,” how the mikeroweWORKS Foundation came to be and how it evolved from a PR campaign for skilled labor to a scholarship fund for those willing to learn a trade that’s in demand.

“There is a real shortage of skilled technicians across the country, and real opportunities to prosper in those trades,” said Rowe. “My foundation gave away $1 million in work ethic scholarships this year to people who want to learn a trade and help close the skills gap.”

Foust, who was streaming live from OPTIMA’s event Hi-Performance Expo, gave attendees a sneak peak of the track, shared his insight on the diversity of the industry and talked about how the industry is persevering is this unprecedented time of COVID-19 .  

“The enthusiast world and automotive market is healthy,” said Foust. “When you cruise around in SEMA360 and what we’ll do the next couple of days here through this platform, you’ll meet a lot of people who are almost investors. You’ll find people who have innovated. People are tinkering and inventing and putting their passion into physical representation.” 

A re-airing of the Q&A session will take place in SEMA360 to all registered SEMA360 attendees on Wednesday, November 4, at 1:00 p.m. (PST). 

To attend additional SEMA360 Education seminars happening November 2-6, simply visit the “Industry Education” tab on the SEMA360 home page or register for SEMA360 at www.sema360.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Taking place on SEMA360, the Keynote Q&A, powered by OPTIMA Batteries featured Mike Rowe (right), creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” and Tanner Foust (left), industry celebrity and driver, broadcasting live from their respective locations.

Mike Rowe and Tanner Foust kicked off the inaugural SEMA360 with an inspiring conversation about the automotive industry and the unique passion that the industry shares.

Taking place on SEMA360, the Keynote Q&A, powered by OPTIMA Batteries featured Rowe, creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” and Foust, industry celebrity and driver, broadcasting live from their respective locations. During the half-hour episode, the two talked about the state of the automotive aftermarket, their passion for the industry and the need to inspire more people to get involved in the aftermarket trade.

Rowe shared his experience and stories behind the success of his show “Dirty Jobs,” how the mikeroweWORKS Foundation came to be and how it evolved from a PR campaign for skilled labor to a scholarship fund for those willing to learn a trade that’s in demand.

“There is a real shortage of skilled technicians across the country, and real opportunities to prosper in those trades,” said Rowe. “My foundation gave away $1 million in work ethic scholarships this year to people who want to learn a trade and help close the skills gap.”

Foust, who was streaming live from OPTIMA’s event Hi-Performance Expo, gave attendees a sneak peak of the track, shared his insight on the diversity of the industry and talked about how the industry is persevering is this unprecedented time of COVID-19 .  

“The enthusiast world and automotive market is healthy,” said Foust. “When you cruise around in SEMA360 and what we’ll do the next couple of days here through this platform, you’ll meet a lot of people who are almost investors. You’ll find people who have innovated. People are tinkering and inventing and putting their passion into physical representation.” 

A re-airing of the Q&A session will take place in SEMA360 to all registered SEMA360 attendees on Wednesday, November 4, at 1:00 p.m. (PST). 

To attend additional SEMA360 Education seminars happening November 2-6, simply visit the “Industry Education” tab on the SEMA360 home page or register for SEMA360 at www.sema360.com.

By Douglas McColloch

It wouldn’t be the SEMA Show without show-stopping builds and customizations, and while there’s no show floor in Las Vegas this year, SEMA360 is no different. More than 300 builders entered some of their latest creations, and you can see them throughout the week at the SEMA360 Builder Showcase page. We’ll be spotlighting five awesome builds each day of the event, starting with the ones you see here.

Submitted by: Jared Grossman Vehicle: ’19 Ram 1500 Sport This Ram rides on a Superlift suspension that clears a set of 20-in. Rebel Racing Off Road wheels and 38-in. Atturo Trail Blade Boss tires that are halted by an R1 Concepts brake kit. Beefy Magnum bumpers ride at both ends of the truck, with Grote lightbars and custom Hercule LED headlights providing illumination. The truck is covered in a Radioactive Green vinyl wrap from Avery-Dennison, and other sources for the build include Rhino Linings, Tonno  Pro, Billet Badges, Katzkin and QuietRide Solutions.
Submitted by: Murray Pfaff Vehicle: ’20 Jeep Gladiator The JT is already a capable vehicle, but a few add-ons can improve power and performance, as “Outkast” shows. The Magnuson supercharger helps the 3.6L to make an estimated 440 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, and the engine gets additional help from an MRT Performance cat-back exhaust. The suspension was replaced by an Eaton Detroit Spring lowered setup, which gets an assist from Hellwig swaybars and Bilstein shocks. Baer brakes bring the Jeep to a stop, and KC HiLites provide illumination. Axiom Graphics designed the wrap and signage, and inside, Katzskin leather trim provides comfort.
Submitted by: Paul Jurewicz Vehicle: ’57 Studebaker Roadster A Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner last year, this roadster is truly a “hybrid” car. Its body work is a composite that incorporates a ’60 Pontiac nose section and a ’59 Thunderbird hood. Rear sheetmetal was taken from a ’63 Corvair, the trunk uses parts sourced from a ’88 Quattro wagon, and the headlights are courtesy of Harley-Davidson. (The Studebaker windshield was retained, however.) House of Kolor Sunrise Pearl paint provides visual dazzle, and other components found in the build come from MSD, Ron Francis Wiring, Diamondback Tires, Griffin, Weld, and Wilwood.
Submitted by: Zip Simons Vehicle: ’63 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova This silver and matte grey ’63 runs a Dart Industries 427 stroker that’s outfitted with Brodix heads and a Eddie Motorsports serpentine drive belt, and it’s backed by a Tremec T56 transmission that send power to the Michelin tires wrapped around Forgeline wheels. Suspension is courtesy of TCI Engineering with the aid of QA1 coilover shocks. Inside, Vintage Air keeps passengers cool on hot days, and Dakota Digital gauges keep and eye on underhood activity. The exterior has a number of nice touches, including door hinges from Ringbrothers.
Submitted by: Cary Kissner Vehicle: ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle This ’70 packs a punch underhood, starting with the Borowski Race Engines LS7 sporting All Pro heads and a custom billet serpentine system. It’s topped by a Whipple 2.9 supercharger and backed by a Hughes Custom 4L80E transmission that sends power to a Dana 60 rear that’s equipped with a Positraction limited-slip. The vehicle rides on a custom powdercoated Art Morrison chassis that’s outfitted with a JRI coilover suspension. Chip Foose rims and Hankook tires comprise rolling stock. Inside, components from Alpine, Dakota Digital and Vintage Air are on hand, as is pushbutton start and keyless entry.