Thu, 07/23/2026 - 10:49

By Ashley Reyes

Graphic for WTSBC Coffee and Conversation.

 

Registration is now open for the September edition of the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) Coffee & Conversation, taking place Thursday, September 3, at 9:00 a.m. PDT on Zoom.

 

Join fellow industry professionals for an engaging, myth-busting discussion that separates fact from fiction in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake segments and explores how common misconceptions can shape customer perceptions, purchasing decisions and business success.

 

Led by John Rastetter of Tire Rack, Gary Ruede of Discount Tire Company and Todd Steen of Jackson Marketing Group, this interactive session will examine persistent myths surrounding topics such as tire pressure, load ratings, braking performance and other technical considerations. Participants will gain practical, customer-friendly talking points for sales conversations, employee training and educational outreach while discovering which assumptions deserve a second look.

 

Bring your own "myths" to the conversation! Through live polling and peer discussion, attendees will put common claims to the test, uncovering just how widespread these beliefs are and leaving with clear, actionable insights they can put to work immediately.

 

Register here.

Thu, 07/23/2026 - 07:21

 By SEMA News Editors

Aerial view image of the Las Vegas Strip.

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs––whether it's from getting to the Show, navigating around Las Vegas or finding the ideal accommodations––can all add up quickly, which is why they've partnered with transportation providers and hotels to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed below--attendees can take advantage of airfare, transportation and housing savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event.

 

Airline Discount Codes for 2026 SEMA Show Attendees

 

All codes are valid for travel dates October 27 through November 9, 2026.

 

Can't view the table? Scroll to the bottom of it for the text-only details.

AIRLINE DISCOUNT CODE PHONE WEBSITE
Alaska Airlines 7% off published fares CMO943 800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations) Click here to visit alaskaair.com.
Delta Air Lines 3%, 5% or 8% discounts* NY4K4 800-328-1111*** Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.
Southwest Airlines Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred Company ID: 90253240 N/A Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.
United Airlines 2%, 5% or 7% discounts* ZS5W757550 800-426-1122** Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Alaska Airlines
7% off published fares 
October 27-November 9 
CMO943
800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations)
alaskaair.com

 

Delta Air Lines
3%, 5% or 8% discounts*
October 27 - November 9
NY4K4
800-328-1111***
Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.

 

Southwest Airlines
Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred
October 31-November 9
Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.

 

United Airlines
2%, 5% or 7% discounts*
October 27-November 9
ZS5W757550
800-426-1122**
Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Las Vegas Monorail

 

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops you off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and, lastly, Sahara.

 

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

 

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

 

The Loop

 

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

 

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

 

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

 

Hotels

 

Don't forget to book your hotel through the SEMA Show's official provider, onPeak, to secure the best rates, flexible booking options and rewards points. Skipping the official block could mean leaving money--and perks like MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy rewards points--on the table, so lock in your room early to make the most of your 2026 SEMA Show experience. Book here or click the button below:

A red button with the text "BOOK HERE."

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com

 

*Depending on fare class, applicable in most regions.
 

**United Airlines' Meetings Reservation Desk from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. CDT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at 800-426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for United Meetings reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
 

***You may also call Delta Meeting Network at 800-328-1111, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4K4. Please note there is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the Delta Airlines' reservation 800 number.

 


 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

Thu, 07/23/2026 - 07:21

 By SEMA News Editors

Aerial view image of the Las Vegas Strip.

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs––whether it's from getting to the Show, navigating around Las Vegas or finding the ideal accommodations––can all add up quickly, which is why they've partnered with transportation providers and hotels to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed below--attendees can take advantage of airfare, transportation and housing savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event.

 

Airline Discount Codes for 2026 SEMA Show Attendees

 

All codes are valid for travel dates October 27 through November 9, 2026.

 

Can't view the table? Scroll to the bottom of it for the text-only details.

AIRLINE DISCOUNT CODE PHONE WEBSITE
Alaska Airlines 7% off published fares CMO943 800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations) Click here to visit alaskaair.com.
Delta Air Lines 3%, 5% or 8% discounts* NY4K4 800-328-1111*** Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.
Southwest Airlines Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred Company ID: 90253240 N/A Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.
United Airlines 2%, 5% or 7% discounts* ZS5W757550 800-426-1122** Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Alaska Airlines
7% off published fares 
October 27-November 9 
CMO943
800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations)
alaskaair.com

 

Delta Air Lines
3%, 5% or 8% discounts*
October 27 - November 9
NY4K4
800-328-1111***
Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.

 

Southwest Airlines
Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred
October 31-November 9
Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.

 

United Airlines
2%, 5% or 7% discounts*
October 27-November 9
ZS5W757550
800-426-1122**
Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Las Vegas Monorail

 

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops you off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and, lastly, Sahara.

 

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

 

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

 

The Loop

 

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

 

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

 

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

 

Hotels

 

Don't forget to book your hotel through the SEMA Show's official provider, onPeak, to secure the best rates, flexible booking options and rewards points. Skipping the official block could mean leaving money--and perks like MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy rewards points--on the table, so lock in your room early to make the most of your 2026 SEMA Show experience. Book here or click the button below:

A red button with the text "BOOK HERE."

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com

 

*Depending on fare class, applicable in most regions.
 

**United Airlines' Meetings Reservation Desk from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. CDT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at 800-426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for United Meetings reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
 

***You may also call Delta Meeting Network at 800-328-1111, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4K4. Please note there is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the Delta Airlines' reservation 800 number.

 


 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

Thu, 07/23/2026 - 06:46

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Industry Awards graphic

 

SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2026 Channel Partner of the Year Award, which honors an industry channel partner that has made outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry. Nominations are open now at www.sema.org/awards.

 

Channel partners are essential to the industry's ability to move products efficiently from manufacturers to retailers, wholesalers and consumers. Through distribution, logistics, inventory management, sales support, digital commerce and customer service, they help brands expand their reach and strengthen the marketplace.

 

"Channel partners do more than just move products through the supply chain; they help brands grow, support customers and strengthen the industry through service and strategic collaboration," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "We encourage members to nominate an outstanding Industry Channel Partner whose work deserves industrywide recognition."

 

To be considered, the nominee's achievements must fall within the date range of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

 

Criteria for a SEMA Channel Partner of the Year Award nomination include, but are not limited to:

  • SEMA Involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, participation on committees, task forces, councils, board, etc.). 
  • Maintains proper inventories to service their respective channel effectively. 
  • Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
  • Keeps employees updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training. 
  • Presents products and promotions through their respective channel in a professional manner. 

 

For the full award criteria, click here.  

 

SEMA is also accepting nominations for other industry awards, including Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, and the Visionary 8.

 

2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best

 

The SEMA Show festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

 

On Thursday, November 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year

 

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year––a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build––will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:58

By SEMA News Editors

 

AMSOIL

Reformulated Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil

AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil.

 

AMSOIL has launched a new formulation for its Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil. Formulated with premium base oils and a precision-engineered additive system, it helps control wear and maintains viscosity even in extreme heat, pressure and cold-start operating conditions and delivers double the protection against volatility, helping reduce oil consumption, minimizing top-offs and keeping engines cleaner over time, according to the manufacturer. AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil is available in eight viscosities.

amsoil.com

 

 

DeatschWerks

Universal Import Injector Kits

Deatschwerks Injector kit

 

The Universal Import Injector Kits simplify fueling upgrades for popular 4- and 6-cylinder applications like the Honda K series, Toyota JZ and Nissan RB engines with one complete, flow-matched solution, according to the manufacturer. Available from 550cc to 2400cc, each kit includes the adapters, seals and connectors needed for straightforward installation.

deatschwerks.com

 

 

CRUSH!

CRUSH! Scented Floor Mats

Crush floor mat.

 

CRUSH!, a new consumer lifestyle brand, officially launched with a floor mat you crush to release fragrance. Available in six shapes and scents, CRUSH! mats are 17-in. x 22-in. in size and live on the floor of your car (passenger side only!) and release scent on contact every time they’re stepped on or crushed.

crushandsniff.com

 

 

Milwaukee Tool

Jobsite Lunch Warmer

Milwaukee Lunch Warmer

 

Milwaukee Tool has expanded its jobsite solutions with the introduction of the M18 Jobsite Lunch Warmer, a personal, cordless, heating solution for jobsite meals. Part of the M18 system, the lunch warmer can heat up to two meals on a single M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery, while custom foam insulation keeps meals warm for up to 30 minutes after heating. This solution includes two 4.75-cup stainless steel containers with leakproof lids to secure contents during transport; both the container and lid are dishwasher safe.

milwaukeetool.com

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 18:39

By Ashley Reyes

Graphic for the SEMA Cares Industry Cup Challenge.

 

Time is running out for automotive aftermarket companies to secure their place in one of the most spirited traditions of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala. The Industry Cup Challenge, returning Friday, July 24, in Newport Beach, California, is approaching fast, and this is the final call to join.

 

The Industry Cup Challenge brings SEMA members together for an evening of high‑energy pinewood derby racing, industry camaraderie and meaningful charitable impact. Every sponsored car helps fuel the mission of SEMA Cares and its partner charities: the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

 

A Beloved Tradition

 

The Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions: warehouse distributors, manufacturers, media, sales rep agencies and service providers. Each division will compete for the top spot in its category with the winning companies going on to represent that division in an all-out industry race and to be crowned the Industry Cup Challenge champion.

 

The winning company's name will be engraved on the Industry Cup Challenge trophy alongside past champions in a Stanley Cup-style tradition. The winner will hold the trophy for one year before returning it to defend their title at the next Gala.

 

Racing for a Cause 

 

SEMA Industry Cup Challenge pinewood cars on display.

 

SEMA Cares provides a platform for association members to make a collective, positive impact beyond the automotive community. Through the Industry Cup Challenge, SEMA Cares provides critical resources, care and life-changing experiences for children and families navigating pediatric cancer, abuse recovery and serious medical conditions.

 

Secure Your Spot on the Starting Line  

 

Ready to rally your team, connect with fellow industry members and make a difference that will have a lasting impact? Sponsor a pinewood derby car.

 

Sponsorships are $1,000 per company, and all races are officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

 

Can't attend the Gala in person? No problem. A SEMA Cares volunteer will race your company's pinewood derby car on your behalf, keeping you in the competition no matter where you are.

 


 

To purchase tickets for the 2026 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, the annual celebration honoring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognizing incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, visit www.sema.org/gala.

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 18:14

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Council & Network Award winners.

 

Presented during the SEMA Show, SEMA Council and Network Awards honor members for outstanding contributions to their industry segments and professional communities over the past year.

 

From businesses delivering exceptional service to individuals whose leadership leaves a lasting impact, award winners represent some of the most respected and accomplished members of the automotive aftermarket.

 

Nominate for the SEMA Council and Network Awards for 2026.

 

What are SEMA Councils and Networks?

 

SEMA Council & Network Award winners.

 

SEMA Councils and Networks are specialized groups within the association that provide members with educational resources, networking opportunities and support tailored to specific segments and professional communities within the automotive aftermarket.

 

Councils unite member businesses to share technical education and market insights, identify industry standards and best practices and strengthen collaboration across their segment. Meanwhile, networks focus on providing individuals with shared professional goals with resources for career growth.    

 

Over the years, SEMA Councils and Networks have become launchpads for leadership and business development, mentorship, networking, education and advocacy. Representing nine distinct communities, they drive SEMA’s most impactful events and programs forward, with passionate volunteers leading the way.

 

What Makes the SEMA Council and Network Awards Program Significant?

 

The SEMA Council and Network Awards program ensures that individuals and companies elevating their segment are recognized for their impact. Whether they pushed the boundaries of innovation in their market, built a successful business, mentored future leaders or gave back through service and volunteerism, the awards recognize members making significant progress in the industry and paving the way for emerging generations.  

 

Nominate Today

 

SEMA Council or Network Award nominees must be active members of the council or network for which the award is being presented. Strong nominations include detailed stories and examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the award criteria and how their contributions support the Council or Network's mission.

Award recipients will be recognized during each group's events at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6 in Las Vegas.

 

Know a council or network member who deserves to be recognized? Nominate today.

 

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:18

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A car tire on the road.

 

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released revised replacement tire regulations that delay implementation and provide new flexibility for several specialty tire categories. 

 

  • The revisions are meaningful and address several technical and specialty-product concerns raised by SEMA and its coalition partners. However, many of the coalition's broader concerns remain unresolved, meaning our work continues on this issue. 

 

The proposal would move the first phase of the standards by one year to 2029 and the second phase by two years to 2033. It would also exempt competition tires, qualifying all-season winter tires, tires with rim diameters of 13 in. or less and large off-road tires measuring at least 34.5 in. in overall diameter with a speed rating of Q or lower.  

 

Run-flat tires would receive more flexible standards, and the CEC revised testing procedures for light-truck and commercial tires. The updated language also broadens the long-life and ultra-long-life tire categories and establishes clearer testing tolerances and enforcement procedures. 

 

  • The proposed regulation stems from a 2003 law directing the CEC to develop a program intended to make replacement tires, on average, as energy efficient as tires installed on new vehicles. The CEC says the standards will reduce rolling resistance, lower fuel and electricity use, and cut emissions while maintaining wet-grip performance. 

 

Remaining Concerns 

 

SEMA continues to see significant issues with the proposal, even after the favorable revisions. The CEC has not provided a new economic analysis or market data supporting its claim that compliant tires will cost consumers only slightly more. As written, the mandate will raise tire prices and reduce the number of affordable options available to California drivers. Rather than allowing consumers to balance cost, efficiency, traction and tread life based on their own needs, the proposal would restrict that choice by mandating performance standards. 

 

SEMA and its coalition partners will continue working with the CEC to build on the positive changes while seeking stronger protections for consumers, small businesses and access to affordable tire choices. The revised language triggers a new public comment period with comments due by 10:00 a.m. PDT on August 3

 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | LeManna

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:18

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A car tire on the road.

 

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released revised replacement tire regulations that delay implementation and provide new flexibility for several specialty tire categories. 

 

  • The revisions are meaningful and address several technical and specialty-product concerns raised by SEMA and its coalition partners. However, many of the coalition's broader concerns remain unresolved, meaning our work continues on this issue. 

 

The proposal would move the first phase of the standards by one year to 2029 and the second phase by two years to 2033. It would also exempt competition tires, qualifying all-season winter tires, tires with rim diameters of 13 in. or less and large off-road tires measuring at least 34.5 in. in overall diameter with a speed rating of Q or lower.  

 

Run-flat tires would receive more flexible standards, and the CEC revised testing procedures for light-truck and commercial tires. The updated language also broadens the long-life and ultra-long-life tire categories and establishes clearer testing tolerances and enforcement procedures. 

 

  • The proposed regulation stems from a 2003 law directing the CEC to develop a program intended to make replacement tires, on average, as energy efficient as tires installed on new vehicles. The CEC says the standards will reduce rolling resistance, lower fuel and electricity use, and cut emissions while maintaining wet-grip performance. 

 

Remaining Concerns 

 

SEMA continues to see significant issues with the proposal, even after the favorable revisions. The CEC has not provided a new economic analysis or market data supporting its claim that compliant tires will cost consumers only slightly more. As written, the mandate will raise tire prices and reduce the number of affordable options available to California drivers. Rather than allowing consumers to balance cost, efficiency, traction and tread life based on their own needs, the proposal would restrict that choice by mandating performance standards. 

 

SEMA and its coalition partners will continue working with the CEC to build on the positive changes while seeking stronger protections for consumers, small businesses and access to affordable tire choices. The revised language triggers a new public comment period with comments due by 10:00 a.m. PDT on August 3

 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | LeManna

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:01

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Battle of the Builders details.

 

The industry's most prestigious builder competition is officially open for 2026, and builders across the automotive and motorcycle worlds are invited to enter now at semabotb.com.

 

Now in its 13th year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers has become the ultimate proving ground for custom vehicle builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show. For 2026, the competition is expanding beyond four wheels with the debut of the SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout, creating a new opportunity for custom motorcycle builders to earn industry recognition on one of the biggest stages in automotive culture. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution, with entries advancing through the competition until one builder is ultimately named the overall Bike Builder champion. 

 

The Bike Builder Shootout joins the program's four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck4 Wheel Drive & Off-RoadSport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. As in years past, winners from these four classes will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.

 

Supporting the Next Generation of Builders With the BFGoodrich Young Guns

 

SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 12 from 2025.

 

Builders age 29 and younger can enter the BFGoodrich Young Guns category, which continues to provide emerging talent with increased visibility and opportunities to compete alongside some of the industry's most respected names.

 

"BFGoodrich is proud to support the next generation of builders through the BFGoodrich Young Guns category at the SEMA Battle of the Builders," said BFGoodrich Ultra High Performance Brand Manager TJ Dennis. "Creating opportunities for young builders to showcase their talent, gain industry recognition and compete alongside some of the best in the business is what makes this program so special. We’re excited to continue supporting the innovation, passion and creativity that define the future of vehicle customization."

 

Eligible Young Guns entrants may also be selected to participate in virtual Golden Ticket competitions throughout the summer. Winners receive prize packages that can include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, hotel accommodations and travel assistance (keep an eye on SEMA News for additional details in the coming weeks).

 

If your vehicle will be displayed at the 2026 SEMA Show, now is the time to throw your hat in the ring at semabotb.com.

 

Enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers today.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.