By SEMA News Editors

Auto Sunroof and Leather, an automotive restyling shop in Chester, New York, is the winner of the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a program that raises awareness of vehicle accessorization for new-model vehicles. Auto Sunroof and Leather won the award for its accessory package for the '24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium.

Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather, accepted the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge award during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The competition takes place at the SEMA Show and challenges automotive restylers from throughout the country to develop an accessory package for a new-model vehicle. The winning vehicle is voted on by industry judges based on the packages' mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. The package must be completed with no more than 40 hours of labor and have a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to dealerships. The goal is to showcase how restylers and dealers can benefit from offering a marketable package rather than a "one-time" vehicle.

"We had a great variety of vehicles with different feels and accessories, and it really encompasses what the PRO Cup Challenge is supposed to be," said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. "It was difficult to choose the winner, but the Subaru, as far as being marketable, replicable, and profitable for their dealer, is the reason why the judges selected them."

The '24 Subaru Crosstrek Sport includes:

• 4Knines Rear Seat and Cargo Protection Package.
• Avery Dennison Hood Stripe with paw print design.
• Champion 321 Large Power Topslider sunroof.
• Katzkin Custom Leather Interior with paw print design.
• LP Adventure Lift Kit 1.5 in.
• LP Adventure wheel and tire package.
• Squatch custom emblem package.

"My team did a great job," said Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather. "I'm a dog person. I have lots of dogs and I know that people relate to it, so it's something that's definitely sellable. It should be something that's marketable to everybody. I hope that other restylers pick up on it and do the same thing."

VIP Distributing out of St. Louis, Missouri, is the winner of the PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award, a separate award that is voted on by SEMA Showgoers. VIP Distributing customized a '23 GMC Yukon XL Denali that showcases a No More Chrome Premium Blackout package, Llumar window tint, Llumar Air 80 windshield tint, ERA Paints paint brake calipers and Cardinal Paints powder coat exhaust tips. 

Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Apex Customs, ('24 Ford Mustang GT), RDM Builds ('23 Jeep Gladiator Willys), Restylers Aftermarket Specialist, Inc. ('23 GMC Sierra 1500) and Top Coverage LTD ('23 Ford F150).

Learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge at sema.org/pro-cup-challenge. For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit sema.org/PRO.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have less than a week to submit their nominations for the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards.

Nominations are due by Friday, November 10, and must recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports parts manufacturing segment of the aftermarket or to the MPMC.

The Hall of Fame nominee should demonstrate unparalleled leadership and deserve recognition for their impact on the motorsports sector. Criteria include being a current or past employee of an MPMC member company who has made significant contributions to the motorsports parts industry for more than 10 years. In December, Hall of Fame inductees will be announced and recognized at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis.

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year and maintains an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports market. To be considered for the award, the nominee must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online and must actively support the industry with positive content. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner will be announced and recognized during the MPMC Reception at the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference, which takes place January 30-February 1, at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

Don't miss your chance to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who drive positive change in motorsports. Nominate today!

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is one step closer to crowning the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish winner for this year's competition. The Top 4 builders, who represent an elite group of individuals with extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying vehicles, were celebrated on Thursday, November 2 during a special ceremony. Watch a behind-the-scenes video here:

Be sure to celebrate these builders during today's SEMA Battle of the Builders Winner Announcement, Friday, November 3, 3:30 p.m. PDT on Silver Drive.

The 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish Top 4 finalists are as follows:

4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road

Jared Hancock--'78 Jeep Cherokee Chief S

Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

Andy Leach--'60 Buick Invicta Custom

Young Guns

Charles Spencer--'69 Chevrolet C10

Sport Compact    

Jordan Henke--'87 Merkur XR4TI

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced that the recipient of the inaugural SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award is the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

Engineer Bill Cardoso of Scorpion EV with the '23 Cobra Venom, the inaugural SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award recipient.

"Venom" is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

(Left to right) Karen Salvaggio and Bill Cardoso of Scorpion EV with SEMA Show emcee Kevin Oeste during the first-ever SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award announcement.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of the market, the Team at Scorpion EV is very proud to be creating a product that can be used by the very core of our industry, which is the DIY builders, shop owners and guy or girl working in their garage at home," said Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. "This award is a recognition of the power of a team who believe in dreaming, designing and truly building the future! When you look around the Show and witness all of the incredible builds and envelope-pushing designs gracing these halls, just to be nominated for the Best Engineered Vehicle Award is a true honor."

The new-for-2023 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award 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.

Be sure to see the innovating '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV in person at the Scorpion EV Booth #24513, Central Hall, now through the end of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the 2023 SEMA Person of the Year is Ian Lehn, BOOSTane Octane Engineering; the 2023 SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year is Jon Delgado, Repairify; and the 2023 SEMA Content Creator of the Year is Vin Anatra, Hoonigan. In addition, Roy Brizio, Roy Brizio Street Rods is the recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Ian Lehn (left) of BOOSTane Octane Engineering was named the 2023 SEMA Person of the Year.

The industry leaders were celebrated during the 2023 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, yesterday, Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate in Las Vegas, as part of the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA community celebrated the specialty-equipment aftermarket during the event, which was emceed by Jarod Deanda (voice of Formula DRIFT) and Alex Taylor (HOT ROD Garage) this year. 

The inaugural SEMA Content Creator of the Year Larry Chen (right) presented Vin Anatra, Hoonigan, with the 2023 SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award.

"We've been to the SEMA Banquet before, and it's always different [with] new entertainment and great music; always a good time. I'm glad that I'm able to be here," said Emily Reeves, builder and host of the Flying Sparks Garage YouTube channel. 

Meanwhile, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola shared key points of SEMA's recent economic impact report--which found the specialty-equipment industry accounts for about $336.91 billion in output for the national economy--and how, as an industry, we are uniting in one voice to protect our rights and freedoms to modify cars and trucks, a passion that transcends generations and those to come.

Mike Burns (right), the 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year, presented the 2023 SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award to Jon Delgado, Repairify. 

The event also paid homage to the most recent SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, Steve Ames, Ames Performance Engineering; John Iannotte, Kunzman & Associates; and Mitch Williams, Rigid Industries. In addition, the evening included a moving tribute to the late Ken Block, with a talented speed artist creating a portrait of one of the industry's most influential legends created before the audience's eyes. 

"SEMA congratulates the recipients of this year's SEMA Industry Awards, which was once again the perfect place to unite the industry representing past, present and future leadership in a one-of-a-kind setting," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events.

(from left to right) Bruce Meyer, car collector and former motorcycle racer; Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award winner Roy Brizio, Roy Brizio Street Rods; and Terry L Karges Sr, Petersen Museum executive director.

As part of the festivities, Emmy Award winner and Las Vegas staple band Patrick & the LVB entertained guests with a live set, reprising their entertainment role at the SEMA Show by popular demand, while Jade Patteri began the ceremony with the national anthem.

"We can't wait to see you at next year's SEMA Industry Awards, held Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Vegas. Mark your calendars!" said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director.

By Kenny Wright and SEMA News Editors

This year's SEMA Show Art Walk, Booth #24757, Booth #24857, Booth #24957, Central Hall, is teeming with aisles of authentic works of art like oil paintings, drawings and quality photography celebrating the rich history of the automotive culture and motorsports.

Stop by the 2023 SEMA Show Art Walk for aisles of authentic automotive artwork by renowned artists.

"It's great to be here [exhibiting in the Art Walk]! I'm a builder working with an artist, and it's cool to have a place to show off our work," said Dan Harden, Max Grundy Design, Iola, Kansas.

In addition, this year's Art Walk features the expansive Chip Foose Experience, Booth #24743, Central Hall, exclusively featuring the artwork of the industry icon and official 2023 SEMA Show artist, Chip Foose.

If you love cars and have an eye for art, then the 2023 SEMA Show Art Walk is your destination. This exhibit features unique and creative pieces of creative work, from some of the best automotive artists in the industry.

Visit the Chip Foose Experience next to the SEMA Show Art Walk to see beautiful vehicle builds alongside original artwork by Chip Foose.

Be sure to also stop by the Chip Foose Experience to discover a passionate display of classic vehicles and innovative builds capped by original art created by Foose, captivate the eye as you're surrounded by beautiful vehicles that are a testament to quality building and stylish design. Whether you're a fan of Chip Foose, a car enthusiast or someone who appreciates art, this exhibition has something for you.

"The Chip Foose Experience is super cool because it blends the love of art and cars… It would be great to see this kind of thing expand more at future SEMA Shows, so that this unique segment of the industry can gather in one place, and continue to grow the business of automotive art," said Travis Rasmussen, of Meguiar's Inc., SEMA Show exhibitor.

The SEMA Show Art Walk (Booth #24757, Booth #24857, Booth #24957) and Chip Foose Experience (Booth #24743) are all conveniently located in one location in Central Hall. Bring home a memory that will last a lifetime at the SEMA Show Art Walk!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA thanks its Business Members who attended the association's General Membership Meeting, held on Thursday, November 2, the first time the event was held at the SEMA Show, running through today, Friday, November 3, 2023.  

Ruben E. Amador, left, and Alyson Barragan of Long Beach City College at the 2023 SEMA General Membership Meeting.

"The SEMA General Membership Meeting served as an invaluable forum where industry stakeholders converged to share their insights, forge connections and chart a course for the future of automotive excellence," said SEMA Director of Membership AJ Carney. 

(Left image) SEMA Chair Kyle Fickler, right, and his daughter, Danika Fickler. (Right image) SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola met with SEMA Business Members during the 2023 SEMA General Membership Meeting.

Industry professionals, leaders and business owners joined in on the gathering led by SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and SEMA Chair Kyle Fickler and were updated on the association's latest initiatives and helpful year-round benefits and services available to members.  

Have questions about your SEMA Membership? The SEMA Membership Team is standing by to help. Contact SEMA Membership at members@sema.org or 909-610-2030.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Showgoers are getting first-hand experience with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development Booth #36007, Upper South Hall.

SEMA Garage is conducting simulated ADAS recalibration demonstrations from its 2023 Booth #36007, Upper South Hall, to inform the industry on how to integrate ADAS protocols into the workplace. 

SEMA Garage brings some of its capabilities from its Detroit facility to the 2023 Show floor with an expanded showcase focusing on new product development and emissions technologies, plus simulated ADAS recalibration demonstrations. 

The 6,600-sq.-ft. area offers attendees a forum to learn from subject-matter experts, exchange knowledge and ADAS best practices and gain hands-on experience with ADAS tools and equipment. 

Learn from subject-matter experts, and exchange knowledge and ADAS best practices in the SEMA Garage #36007, Upper South Hall.

Visit the dedicated space in the Upper South Hall for an up-close look at some of the latest innovative ADAS-related products. In addition, catch one of the ADAS recalibration demonstrations with the step-by-step process of integrating ADAS protocols into the workplace.

Visit the SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development Booth #36007, Upper South Hall to see these innovations and demos for yourself!

Welcome to the final day of the 2023 SEMA Show, today, November 3 in Las Vegas! Yesterday, attendees continued to explore the SEMA Show campus to discover the newest products and innovations in the specialty-equipment market, enjoy one-of-a-kind activations like professional drifting and attend educational sessions to boost their businesses and careers. 

Watch the recap of SEMA Show's Thursday events on the SEMA YouTube page and below:

In addition, SEMA presented the first-ever SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award and announced the recipients of the 2023 SEMA Person, Gen-III Innovator and Content Creator of the Year the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. (View additional SEMA Show recaps here).

After the excitement of the SEMA Cruise Presented by CTEK, which officially wraps the SEMA Show, extend your SEMA Show Week at SEMA Fest, SEMA's first-ever outdoor motorsports and music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, today through Saturday, November 3. Visit semafest.com or download the SEMA Fest app, available on the App Store and Google Play, for tickets and event details.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) All-Female Bronco Build is currently on the auction block through today, November 3, 4:00 p.m. PDT on the eBay Motors website. Place a bid or follow the auction on the eBay Motors website, or learn more here.

Last year, the SBN embarked on the modification of the '21 Ford® Bronco® Wildtrak that was donated by Ford Motor Company. The project was led by an all-female build team that consisted of SBN members--and is the result of 127 women donating their time and expertise to modify all facets of the build. 

The auction will benefit the three SEMA Cares partnering children's charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. 

See the SBN All-Female Bronco build in person at the 2023 SEMA Show in the West Hall by the front-lobby escalator.

The vehicle base offers a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Upgrades include: 

• Ford Performance EcoBoost power pack performance calibration.  
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3-4-in. Lift Stage 8 CDEV (Powered by IIC) suspension system billet.  
• Oracle Lighting brackets and switches. 
• MEK Magnetic products.  
• ICON Alloys Thrust 17-in. x 8.50-in. satin black wheels 
• Milestar Patagonia 37x13.50R17 MT02 tires.  
• Katzkin Seat custom leather seat covers.  
• And many more!  

Place a bid or follow the auction on the eBay Motors website, or learn more here.