By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish, the automotive industry's premier vehicle showdown, is back at the 2025 SEMA Show this year with its reimagined Young Guns program, now sponsored by BFGoodrich. The revamped initiative shines a spotlight on the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists, featuring a live, on-stage judging session that highlights the next wave of automotive innovators.

In previous years, the Top 10 and Top 3 finalists in each competing category were selected by industry judges. Now, the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists present their builds live on stage to each other, and the builders vote for the Top 3 who move on to the championship round, alongside finalists from the other Battle of the Builders categories. This year's live competition will be held in the North Hall (Booth #10168) of the Las Vegas Convention Center and hosted by Adrienne Janic ("AJ") from "Overhaulin'."

"We're dedicated to advancing this competition and cultivating the next generation of builders who will help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket," said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "With BFGoodrich as the official sponsor of the Young Guns program, we're amplifying opportunities for these talented builders to gain recognition and accelerate their careers."

Launched in 2016, the Young Guns category recognizes automotive builders 29 years and younger who show exceptional skill and creativity. Beginning in mid-September, BFGoodrich Young Guns hopefuls will have a chance to be selected to participate in a virtual corral and competition where winners will receive a prize package that includes transportation of their build to the SEMA Show, as well as travel and hotel accommodations. This provides a unique opportunity for young builders to get their foot in the door and accelerate their career trajectory in the industry.

Now in its 12th year, SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mother's Polish remains one of the world's top platforms for builders to showcase their innovation and craftsmanship in the automotive aftermarket. The competition spans four categories:

• Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
• 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
• Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
• BFGoodrich Young Guns

The four class champions from each category compete for the coveted Battle of the Builders Best Overall Build title.

Judges review all qualifying applications, including detailed vehicle descriptions and photos, before evaluating the builds in person at the SEMA Show. The Top 10 finalists in each category are narrowed down to three, with BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists determined by their peers. These 12 finalists then take on the role of judges themselves, helping to decide the category winners and the overall champion.

"The SEMA Show is where the aftermarket industry comes together to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "The Battle of the Builders program, particularly the Young Guns category, truly captures the energy and passion that pushes our industry forward."

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish and the BFGoodrich Young Guns program, visit semabattleofthebuilders.com. Applications are still open for the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish at semabotb.com. All builders with a vehicle displayed at the 2025 SEMA Show may enter the competition at semabotb.com before the deadline on October 17, 2025.

The 2025 SEMA Show will be held from November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products, forge new business connections, and gain insights into the latest trends in the aftermarket industry.  For more information and to register, visit semashow.com.

All enthusiasts are invited to experience SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public on Friday, November 7, along with SEMA Fest. A variety of ticket options are available on SEMAFest.com. The Show excitement and action can also be followed throughout the week on SEMA Live streamed via YouTube and Meta.

Compiled by Cristian Gonzalez

A new band of builders is readying their project vehicles to take the stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for the ultimate car-building competition: Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish. The annual competition sets out to find the most well-built and innovative vehicles in the automotive aftermarket across four unique categories: 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BF Goodrich Young Guns (contestants 29 and under). 

Editor's Note: Applications are open for the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish at semabotb.com. All builders with a vehicle displayed at the 2025 SEMA Show may enter the competition at semabotb.com before the deadline on October 17, 2025.

In the short period leading up to the SEMA Show, a four-judge panel comprised of industry leaders will narrow the field from hundreds of vehicles to 40--10 from each category--which will be announced on the first day of Show Week at the BOTB stage in North Hall (booth #10168). As the week progresses, the contenders are further winnowed as the competition intensifies.  

BOTB is an exciting outlet that showcases the creativity, ingenuity and style driving the current state of the aftermarket. Winners walk away with unmatched bragging rights, along with new marketing and networking opportunities. What makes BOTB especially unique is that once the final four builds are selected--one from each category--the builders themselves come together to decide who among them deserves the top honor. 

What follows is a sneak peek at a small handful of contending cars, trucks, hot-rods and more, and what about their construction makes them unique. (Additional SEMA News coverage of 2025 contests can be found here and here). Keep an eye on SEMA News for more Battle of the Builders vehicle previews, and visit SEMAShow.com for event scheduling. Can't make it to Vegas this November? Be sure to follow along on SEMA Live, the SEMA Show's live virtual broadcast, which captures all key moments of BOTB and the biggest activations happening during Show Week. 

NICK SOPRANO 
'15 SENSUALE  
Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic 

Inspired by the legendary cars from the golden age of motorsports, Nick Soprano designed and engineered a vehicle invoking the spirit of '60s Italian design. Harnessing the essence of that era, it's powered by a '60s vintage alloy 4.4L Ferrari V12 engine partnered to a five-speed transaxle through a torque tube. Chrome-moly oval tubing makes up the chassis and is supported by fully adjustable Heim jointed suspension on gas coil-over shocks. With a custom interior featuring vintage-racing-inspired leather seats inside and out, this car has earned the name Sensuale.

SAM COLLINS 
'68 PORSCHE 911 
Category: BFGOODRICH YOUNG GUNS 

Sam Collins made a gutsy move, throwing an American motor into this classic Porsche. Collins squeezed an LS1 into the engine bay and paired it with a six-speed gearbox from a '98 911. The rear suspension has been converted to a coilover setup, complementing the original front suspension with billet adjustable ball joints and Bilstein shocks. Inside, billet pedals and shifter accentuate a fully finished interior guarded by a half cage. Morimoto LED lighting illuminates the darkest roads for this yellow Porsche. At the same time, it rolls on BBS e50 wheels enveloped in Mickey Thompson tires. 

RYNO LIEBERMAN 
'55 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 
Category: HOT ROD & HOT ROD TRUCK 

Cruising with vintage style and modern flair, this '55 Chevrolet Bel Air features a fully worked body set atop a custom air ride chassis. A channeled 1.75-in. custom sheetmetal floor braces the firewall to the trunk, while shaved trim accents complement the fabrication throughout. Lieberman fitted the Bel Air with a Fi-Tech port-injected 383 small-block Chevy from Blueprint Engines, which sits in a shaved-down engine bay and is paired with a Bowler 700 transmission. Quick Performance 9- and 14-in. brakes bring 18-in. Billet Specialists wheels to a quick stop. A full custom audio system is enveloped by the shaved dashboard and custom interior further complemented by the built-out trunk space. 

JEFFREY BOAZ McHADDAD 
'58 CHEVROLET APACHE 
Category: BFGOODRICH YOUNG GUNS 

Jeffrey McHaddad crafted one intimidating race truck--the kind that makes inexperienced drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel. The Apache is an interesting amalgamation of three car models. The bed comes from a '64 Chevy C10, boasts a '19 Mustang widebody kit and features a '04 Tahoe chassis in front but a complete tube chassis in the rear. "I took the best parts from other vehicles and put them together to create this masterpiece," says McHaddad. Powering this machine is a 6.7L triple-turbo Cummins engine cranking well over 1,000 hp with a full-manual valve body transmission ready to hold up against anything that motor throws at it. 

Image courtesy of Bart Cepek Photography.

NOEL MARTINEZ
'06 NISSAN 350Z 
Category: SPORT COMPACT, IMPORT PERFORMANCE, LUXURY & EXOTIC 

A Japanese body with an American spirit, this '06 Nissan is powered by a Gen 3 Hemi and supercharged with a Magnuson 2650--all married to the factory transmission and ready to handle that American powerhouse. Rather than throwing on a carbon-fiber wrap, Noel Martinez opted for a complete carbon-fiber construction, cutting its overall weight. The Holley Terminator X Max system manages the Mopar motor and reportedly makes more than 800 hp at the wheels on low boost. GKTech full-lock system with BC Racing coilovers lends it that aggressive handling stance, making it ready for any motorsport you throw it in. 

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

For updates on SEMA Fest, the one-day musical and motorsports festival on Friday, November 7, or to purchase "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public" tickets, visit semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitors of the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, are offering products, parts and services for builders working on vehicles set for display at the SEMA Show this year.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2025 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2025 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2025 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2025 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

As excitement ramps up for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, SEMA would like to remind builders that nominations are still open for the 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award. Nominate by Wednesday, October 29, here.  

Now in its third year, the award honors a featured vehicle at the 2025 SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. It also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering. 

Apply Now: Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build, as well as the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 29, at this link. 

The award winner will be announced at the 2025 SEMA Show on Thursday, November 6, in SEMA Central. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Fest is officially set to deliver an unforgettable blend of music, motorsports and car culture in just over one month in Las Vegas. Beginning Friday, November 7, at 9:00 a.m. PT, fans will experience heart-pounding drifting and tire-burning performance activations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, including Hoonigan (Silver Lot 3), Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem (Silver Lot 1), HorsePower Rodeo (Diamond Lot) and OPTIMA Unleashed (Bronze Lot).

The action continues into the night with the Urias Family's Original Globe of Death and encore performances from OPTIMA Unleashed, leading into headlining sets from Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes and Neon Trees.

Fans have until this Sunday, October 5, to secure SEMA Fest tickets at the lowest available price.

2025 SEMA Fest Fan Details

Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations through the official SEMA Show housing partner, onPeak, to access exclusive rates and benefits at top Las Vegas hotels at compass.onpeak.com/e/63SEM2025HIR/0.

Please note that parking will be unavailable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and SEMA Cruise street closures may be in effect. Therefore, we highly recommend arriving early to enjoy the whole SEMA Fest experience.

Guests may use nearby off-campus lots (subject to daily fees and availability):

• Piero's Italian Cuisine – 355 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Westgate – 3009 Joe W Brown Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Residence Inn – 3225 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Courtyard Las Vegas – 3275 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• SpringHill Suites – 2989 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Fontainebleau – 2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Embassy Suites – 3600 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

Oversized vehicle parking inquiries should be directed to each property. Additional nearby parking options may also be found through apps such as Parkopedia and SpotHero. 

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com.
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This article was originally published on October 2, 2025. Prices subject to change.

By SEMA News Editors

Housing reservations are now open for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, including several new hotels, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

Driving to the Show? See the list below for hotels offering free parking during the Show and book through onPeak to secure your stay.  

SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas, as well as numerous other benefits for Showgoers.

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online here. Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show will open on Monday, April 28.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.

*Prices subject to change. Average price per night is accurate as of October 1, 2025.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA sued. California retreated. And now the state's emissions standards agency has formally scrapped its zero-emissions purchasing rule for private fleets. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) last week announced the repeal of key parts of its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) policy, including applying to federal and private fleets, including dryage trucks.

This is a resounding victory for the industry against California's effort to ban ICE engines and, specifically, California's plans to ban new diesel truck sales by 2036 and require full-fleet conversion by 2042.

BACKGROUND

Previously, the state sought to require that only zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) could cross within California's borders, regardless of which state the vehicle was purchased or registered. Vehicles covered by the regulation included everything from heavy-duty tractors with sleeper cabs to work trucks, pickup trucks and light-duty package delivery vehicles. Interstate motor carriers and others who do not own CARB's vehicle of choice would have been barred from operating within the nation's largest single-state economy for even a moment.

SEMA last October teamed with NTEA--The Work Truck Association to file federal suit contending that California had overstepped its constitutional and state statutory authority. After the election of President Trump, California bowed to the pressure and scrutiny of this bad policy, opting to withdraw its request for the required Clean Air Act waiver required to implement ACF.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA sued. California retreated. And now the state's emissions standards agency has formally scrapped its zero-emissions purchasing rule for private fleets. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) last week announced the repeal of key parts of its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) policy, including applying to federal and private fleets, including dryage trucks.

This is a resounding victory for the industry against California's effort to ban ICE engines and, specifically, California's plans to ban new diesel truck sales by 2036 and require full-fleet conversion by 2042.

BACKGROUND

Previously, the state sought to require that only zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) could cross within California's borders, regardless of which state the vehicle was purchased or registered. Vehicles covered by the regulation included everything from heavy-duty tractors with sleeper cabs to work trucks, pickup trucks and light-duty package delivery vehicles. Interstate motor carriers and others who do not own CARB's vehicle of choice would have been barred from operating within the nation's largest single-state economy for even a moment.

SEMA last October teamed with NTEA--The Work Truck Association to file federal suit contending that California had overstepped its constitutional and state statutory authority. After the election of President Trump, California bowed to the pressure and scrutiny of this bad policy, opting to withdraw its request for the required Clean Air Act waiver required to implement ACF.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)--a council dedicated to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry--will join the 20th annual Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS) on October 11 in Long Beach, California, celebrating the craft and culture of automotive restoration.

JCCS is a must-see event for fans of kyusha, vintage Japanese cars that continue to capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. While ARMO typically works behind the scenes to support restoration businesses, its presence at this year's show invites car fans to connect directly with industry experts and explore the stories behind these classic machines.

Visitors can stop by ARMO's booth to learn more about the restoration process, discover resources for preserving historic vehicles and share in the passion that keeps automotive heritage alive.

Find more information about ARMO at sema.org/armo and about JCCS at japaneseclassiccarshow.com.

Sponsored by Turn 14 Distribution

The Turn 14 Distribution booth at the 2024 SEMA Show. 

The SEMA Show, held annually in Las Vegas, is a widely attended event that brings together member companies in the specialty automotive parts market. Vendors, manufacturers, dealers, repair shop owners and distributors from around the world gather to show their innovations, share custom vehicle trends and gain access to education.  

But it's so much more than that; it's also the time to reconnect with friends and individuals who share the same passion: builds, mods and speed. In the chaotic fun of the week, attendees all take the time to slow down a bit and catch up with each other over a coffee or a meal.  

And Turn 14 Distribution wants to do just that. The wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports aftermarket parts is returning to the SEMA Show this year, and this time, in an even bigger way for their partners. 

The Turn 14 Distribution '25 Can-Am X3 XRS Turbo RR build will be given to one of its dealers early next year.

As a longstanding member of SEMA, Turn 14 Distribution has a history of showing up big for their customers and vendor partners attending the annual show. As in years past, the company will have two locations: a booth in Central Hall as well as a spot in the Silver Lot, both featuring cool builds you won't want to miss.  

But before the show starts, there will be something special starting Monday. Turn 14 Distribution is proud to announce the first-ever SEMA Kickoff Golf Tournament, an invite-only, laid-back networking opportunity to start the SEMA week off right. This includes four-person team scrambles and features fun competitions like longest drive, closest to the pin and a poker hand challenge, along with surprise contests throughout the day. Turn 14 Distribution dealers can reach out to your sales representative for more information, as seats are limited. 

The Turn 14 Distribution 2025 Mustang build will be unveiled at the SEMA Show.

Starting on Tuesday, the Central Hall Turn 14 booth will proudly display a '25 Harley-Davidson outfitted with Kuryakyn Road Glide FLTRX, and two cool vehicle builds they did in collaboration with their partners, which will be unveiled in full fanfare at the show for all to see. These vehicles are part of a customer giveaway, where lucky customers will have a chance to take one home in 2026. The distributor will also be offering their customers some deals that they won't want to miss. As always, Turn 14 Distribution customers should stop by at booth #21303 to chat and hear more. 

Outside, in Silver Lot #84160, the flashy Turn 14 Distribution rig, surrounded by impressive trucks and UTV builds covering all your off-roading needs, will welcome attendees as they stroll up from the monorail to the Central Hall. Attendees can swing by during our coffee hours Tuesday to Friday mornings to say hello--and to come hear all about the UTV build, which is also part of a customer giveaway for one lucky Turn 14 Distribution dealer! 

The Turn 14 Distribution '25 Can-Am X3 XRS Turbo RR build will be given to one of its dealers early next year.

In typical form, beyond the Trucks & Coffee hours, Turn 14 Distribution will also be offering their partners exclusive happy hours and lunches, as an excuse to hang out a little more. 

On top of all these fun connections, Turn 14 Distribution is kicking off the Show week with a Welcome Happy Hour after the first day of the show in a very special place: on top of the West Hall's Terrace, overlooking the entire convention center. This new summit spot offers attendees a nice view of the city and the Las Vegas Sphere! 

This exclusive, invitation-only event for Turn 14 Distribution's customers and select vendor partners is designed to tide them over until dinner, allowing them to rest up from the busy opening day, grab a drink and enjoy some finger food--all while the monorail and taxi madness subsides. Turn 14 Distribution dealers who want to attend should contact their sales representative, as spots are limited. 

The Turn 14 Distribution Toyota Sequoia build will be given to one of its dealers early next year.

Turn 14 Distribution is a leading, award-winning wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports aftermarket parts in the United States. With strategically located distribution centers, the company provides ground shipping to 100% of continental United States dealers within two days or less. Leveraging proprietary technology, Turn 14 Distribution drives automation, real-time data and innovative logistics to deliver best-in-class service. Privately owned and operated, the company is run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Learn more at www.turn14.com.