Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:39

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Action

 

The SEMA Action Network over the past 18 months has helped drive some monumental wins on behalf of the automotive community: helping kill EV mandates, restore motorized access to public lands, protecting the rights of local racetracks and advanced the cause of car collector rights in California. Now, we're giving our baby a new paint job and some under-the-hood upgrades. We're pleased to introduce SEMA Action.

  • Our new branding is reflective of SEMA Action's broad growth and refocused direction. 

Visit our new website: SEMAHQ.ORG is SEMA Action's new URL. The updated website allows for our advocacy campaigns to be embedded within your browser, which makes it easier for creators to connect with us and share with their audiences. It also modernizes our content. 

Our new logo and branding: We've introduced PRI into the brand to signal our unified advocacy efforts. We also are establishing instant recognition for enthusiasts new to the cause by putting SEMA and PRI at the top of the badge. This modernized aesthetic clearly connects political and advocacy work with American car culture and conveys a more forward-leaning advocacy posture. SEMA Action is about building broader coalitions, pushing more impactful actions and going on the offense, and our new look articulates that. 

What happened to "network": We outgrew it. What started as a small coalition has evolved into a national force. The new name sounds less passive and reflects what we do, not just who we are. We hope this refined brand will broaden our appeal to younger audiences and match the urgency of our work. 

Questions? Connect with Will Townsend, political director for SEMA and PRI, at willt@sema.org.  

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:39

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Action

 

The SEMA Action Network over the past 18 months has helped drive some monumental wins on behalf of the automotive community: helping kill EV mandates, restore motorized access to public lands, protecting the rights of local racetracks and advanced the cause of car collector rights in California. Now, we're giving our baby a new paint job and some under-the-hood upgrades. We're pleased to introduce SEMA Action.

  • Our new branding is reflective of SEMA Action's broad growth and refocused direction. 

Visit our new website: SEMAHQ.ORG is SEMA Action's new URL. The updated website allows for our advocacy campaigns to be embedded within your browser, which makes it easier for creators to connect with us and share with their audiences. It also modernizes our content. 

Our new logo and branding: We've introduced PRI into the brand to signal our unified advocacy efforts. We also are establishing instant recognition for enthusiasts new to the cause by putting SEMA and PRI at the top of the badge. This modernized aesthetic clearly connects political and advocacy work with American car culture and conveys a more forward-leaning advocacy posture. SEMA Action is about building broader coalitions, pushing more impactful actions and going on the offense, and our new look articulates that. 

What happened to "network": We outgrew it. What started as a small coalition has evolved into a national force. The new name sounds less passive and reflects what we do, not just who we are. We hope this refined brand will broaden our appeal to younger audiences and match the urgency of our work. 

Questions? Connect with Will Townsend, political director for SEMA and PRI, at willt@sema.org.  

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:38

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office,

BLM 2024 Conservation Regulation

 

SEMA, along with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and three other off-road community organizations, is backing a new federal proposal to repeal a Biden Administration-era policy that threatened recreational access to millions of acres of public lands.

In recently submitted comments to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the organizations spoke in support of a proposal to withdraw the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health rulemaking that enabled the BLM to issue new and vaguely defined conservation leases. In its place, BLM would incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land-health standards to all public lands.

Additionally, BLM's proposed rule would undercut the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development and grazing.

Aligning with SEMA and ORBA in support of the proposal are the United Four-Wheel Drive Association, One Voice and the United Snowmobile Alliance.

Support for the Proposed Withdrawal of the 2024 Rule

The SEMA-led coalition's support for BLM's decision to fully withdraw from the 2024 Conversation and Landscape Health Rule is simple: the groups, on behalf of the motorized recreation community, advocate to protect resources, promote conservation and ensure access for all individuals. The groups view the existing rule as deeply flawed in both concept and process; SEMA has repeatedly warned the federal government that any attempt to partially retain or phase out portions of it would only create confusion and conflict in land management. Furthermore, the 2024 rule fundamentally undermined the long-established principles of multiple-use management that balance recreation, conservation and resource development.

As a result, the coalition believes that a full and immediate repeal is the only responsible path forward to restore clarity and fairness in federal land policy.

Background

Outdoor access to motorized recreation is a core tenet of SEMA's values. SEMA has consistently opposed onerous BLM rulemaking.

SEMA has long contended that the Biden Administration's Public Lands Rule is a heavy-handed attempt to stifle outdoor recreation under the guise of environmental protection, with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum correctly asserting, "the previous administration's Public Lands Rule had the potential to block access to hundreds of thousands of acres of multiple-use land--preventing energy and mineral production, timber management, grazing and recreation across the West. The most effective caretakers of our federal lands are those whose livelihoods rely on its well-being. Overturning this rule protects our American way of life and gives our communities a voice in the land that they depend on."

  • Click here to read SEMA's 2023 comment to the BLM in response to when the agency first proposed the rule.

For any questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at EricS@sema.org.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:38

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office,

BLM 2024 Conservation Regulation

 

SEMA, along with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and three other off-road community organizations, is backing a new federal proposal to repeal a Biden Administration-era policy that threatened recreational access to millions of acres of public lands.

In recently submitted comments to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the organizations spoke in support of a proposal to withdraw the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health rulemaking that enabled the BLM to issue new and vaguely defined conservation leases. In its place, BLM would incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land-health standards to all public lands.

Additionally, BLM's proposed rule would undercut the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development and grazing.

Aligning with SEMA and ORBA in support of the proposal are the United Four-Wheel Drive Association, One Voice and the United Snowmobile Alliance.

Support for the Proposed Withdrawal of the 2024 Rule

The SEMA-led coalition's support for BLM's decision to fully withdraw from the 2024 Conversation and Landscape Health Rule is simple: the groups, on behalf of the motorized recreation community, advocate to protect resources, promote conservation and ensure access for all individuals. The groups view the existing rule as deeply flawed in both concept and process; SEMA has repeatedly warned the federal government that any attempt to partially retain or phase out portions of it would only create confusion and conflict in land management. Furthermore, the 2024 rule fundamentally undermined the long-established principles of multiple-use management that balance recreation, conservation and resource development.

As a result, the coalition believes that a full and immediate repeal is the only responsible path forward to restore clarity and fairness in federal land policy.

Background

Outdoor access to motorized recreation is a core tenet of SEMA's values. SEMA has consistently opposed onerous BLM rulemaking.

SEMA has long contended that the Biden Administration's Public Lands Rule is a heavy-handed attempt to stifle outdoor recreation under the guise of environmental protection, with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum correctly asserting, "the previous administration's Public Lands Rule had the potential to block access to hundreds of thousands of acres of multiple-use land--preventing energy and mineral production, timber management, grazing and recreation across the West. The most effective caretakers of our federal lands are those whose livelihoods rely on its well-being. Overturning this rule protects our American way of life and gives our communities a voice in the land that they depend on."

  • Click here to read SEMA's 2023 comment to the BLM in response to when the agency first proposed the rule.

For any questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at EricS@sema.org.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 13:03

By Drew Hardin

Photography: Petersen Publishing Company Archives

LA Roadsters Testing 426 Hemi

Car Craft magazine gathered members of the LA Roadsters Club at Riverside in fall 1965 to test the then-new Street Hemi in a Dodge Coronet convertible. Note the all-new Charger at left.

 

In the mid-'60s, Car Craft magazine came up with a novel approach to new car testing: Put the vehicles in the hands of car club members to see what real-world enthusiasts like and dislike about Detroit's latest performance cars.

The car club road test that associate editor Steve Scott wrote for the February 1966 issue was a significant one. The magazine asked members of the Los Angeles Roadsters Club to give their opinions about the new, street-tuned version of Chrysler's 426 Hemi.

Today, the LA Roadsters is one of the premier car clubs in Southern California. Probably its best-known activity is hosting the Father's Day Roadster Show and swap meet at the LA County Fairgrounds. In 1965, the club was just eight years old, yet it had become "almost legendary," Scott wrote, for its "beautiful club cars, touring road cruises, car shows, drags, and all those other good things that really spell out the sport—hot rodding." He said Car Craft "had been saving them for just the right car, and it looked as though the '66 'Street Hemi' was it."

 

A HEMI-POWERED CORONET

Scott brought the club members together with a Hemi-powered Coronet convertible during a press preview of '66 Dodge models at Riverside International Raceway. With its three-mile road course and quarter-mile drag strip, "What better facility could we have asked for?"

The guys started their day "touring the road course, trading the Hemi off between drivers, yet constantly chaperoned (better yet, surrounded) by a flotilla of roadsters for an escort," Scott said. Darryl Norenberg's photography from that day has several shots contrasting the club's vintage tin with the squared-shouldered lines of the restyled Coronet.

Club members were then briefed about the new engine by Dodge Planning Engineer Chuck Kelly. He walked them through the changes made so the race Hemi could function in a street car. The compression ratio dropped from 12.5:1 to 10.25:1 "for smooth running when using commercially available premium octane gasoline," he explained. Low-speed operation required a camshaft with reduced duration. A pair of Carter four-barrel AFB carburetors mounted inline on an aluminum dual-plane intake—rather than the racing cross-ram—fed the engine. Exhaust exited through "new header-type cast-iron exhaust manifolds with large, 2-1/2-inch pipes and dual exhaust system for lower back pressures," Kelly said. "When you're out there driving it, you'll be surprised with the response it's got."

LA Roadsters Testing 426 Hemi

The Coronet leads a group of hot rods through Riverside's S-turns. "Clean body lines and wide grille give the viewer the impression that here is a car with class, but one designed only for transportation," wrote Steve Scott. "Nothing could be further from the truth, though, because this one honks on." 

 

QUICK, HEALTHY THROTTLE RESPONSE

"That's one thing the club remarked about right off, once they were turned loose for runs around the track," Scott said. "Quick, healthy action of the 3,345-pound maroon convertible to every change of the throttle. It was something they didn't expect for an engine with all the power this one had. Usually an engine in the 425-hp neighborhood has a tendency to hesitate slightly before pulling ahead when kicked hard. With all this power and response, engine noise from inside the car was negligible, except for that healthy four-barrel sound that kind of gets you right there!"

Club member Ron Hurd had more drag racing experience than the others, so he drove during acceleration tests. The Hemi was joined to a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 3.23:1-geared rearend. Hurd tested the car "very systematically" by making runs shifting the gears manually, and also just leaving it in Drive "where it will shift at a pre-determined point which the factory felt would be best for racing purposes," Scott said. The latter worked the best: The Coronet ran as quickly as 14.17 seconds and as fast as 98.03 mph. When the club bolted on a pair of Mickey Thompson cheater slicks, the ET dropped to 14.11 seconds, and the mph climbed to 98.68.

"It's hard to believe the hard feeling it had coming out of the hole," Hurd said. "With all the ponies this car has at its command for pulling the tires off the line, I had expected a lot of rear-end hop for the first 50 feet or so, especially when you consider there isn't anything in the way of a tangible traction-bar setup at the rear at all."

For Hemi use, Dodge augmented the Coronet's suspension with "extra leaf springs, one on each side, in the rear suspension," Scott noted. "Torsion bar thickness has been increased on the front suspension. The control of the ride is also aided by utilizing heavy-duty shocks and a sway bar greater than the optional unit available for the standard Coronet."

Scott also said sister publication Hot Rod magazine tested the Coronet at Lions Drag Strip after the press event. Technical Editor Eric Dahlquist brought the quarter-mile ETs down to the 13.20-13.40 range and trap speeds up to 106 mph by making some "small alterations on the 426, such as changing the curve on the ignition advance by grinding the weights, installing a set of Doug's headers, and a few other little supertuning goodies."

During their day at Riverside, club members weighed in on other aspects of the new Coronet.

LA Roadsters Testing 426 Hemi

Club members couldn't resist running the new Hemi against their hot rods. Scott "handled the Hemi well but couldn't catch" Ron Hurd's Model T roadster.

 

A CAR WITH YOUTH APPEAL

"I'm all for the progressive theme of clean lines and functional overall design that Dodge has built into the car," said Ed Aston. "It's definitely directed at the younger set, as was made evident when Dodge dropped in the 426. The dash is really groovy, with gauges instead of 'idiot lights,' and the steering wheel being located lower feels great."

Aston did not care for the Coronet's upholstery "since it carries that 'mail order seat cover,' look," he said. "Of course, with the plusher interior of the Coronet 500, that's a different story. Here you get the swingin' looking buckets and a good combo of pleats that really reach out and grab you. This is the kind of interior that goes with the Hemi."

Tom Booth liked the restyled body lines. "Overall feeling of the body shape is one of a clean, uncluttered theme that is tastefully followed throughout. It isn't an overpowering appearance of goodies and extra frills." He said the "Delta-shaped taillights really identify the car as a Dodge and are individual enough to keep the look strictly that of a Coronet." The "nearly flat, large hood looks wild," he said, "but it's a bit shaky, lacking a feeling of stability while being opened and closed."

Scott ended the story with the thoughts of club president Steve Kelly, who had just landed a job as an assistant editor at Motor Trend and would go on to a lengthy career at Petersen Publishing. Kelly was "impressed with the Street Hemi for another reason that didn't even enter our minds," Scott said.

"The benefits of the dependability and power offered with the high performance go together to form what I can foresee as a very popular tow car," Kelly said. "There are more than enough suds to pull almost anything around, and the extra-beefy suspension would easily handle the problems you run into while towing a car and trailer."

 

 

👉 TO READ MORE LIKE THIS FOR FREE, sign up for a digital subscription to SEMA Magazine on Zinio here.

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "LA ROADSTERS TEST THE NEW 426 HEMI" and more automotive culture-related coverage in the October 2025 issue here.

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 12:16

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.

 

 

Lexus LFR Spotted on the 'Ring
Lexus LFR

 

SEMA News sources snapped new photos of the Lexus LFR at the Nürburgring recently, and the sighting comprised no fewer than three versions of this blue-blooded model.

It's not tricky at all to see that one of them had a large rear wing and a fat chin spoiler, another one had a smaller wing, and a third prototype didn't feature one at all. Thus, it is obvious that the future Lexus LFR will be offered in different versions--all more or less electrified: The Lexus LFR has its electric trickery at the rear, behind the driver and passenger, visible in some of the spy shots.

The new LFR has been in the making for a long time, and it is the spiritual successor to the LFA. The LFA was made between 2010 and 2012 and utilized a V10 under that long hood, making 553 hp.

Lexus LFR

 

The LFR will clearly be more potent, while supposedly losing two cylinders in the process. The model is expected to feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine with self-charging assistance and could boast in the region of 900 hp, sources said. It should also have carbon fiber bodywork and an aluminum chassis, so it promises to be extremely exciting. The Lexus LFR is expected to make its debut in 2026.

Inside, both the infotainment system and flat-bottom steering wheel appear to be production-ready items on these prototypes. The air conditioning and heating controls just under the central touchscreen appear to be intended for series production as well, and the same may be said about the center console. Gifted with a toggle switch gear selector, the LFR also features plenty of glass-black trim on its center console.

Lexus went for a black and red interior theme for this prototype, which also rocks two massive paddle shifters on the steering wheel rather than the steering column. A grand tourer with seriously impressive aero, the LFR is also being developed with GT3 racing in mind.

Lexus LFR

 

Jaguar Type 00 Previews the Brand's All-Electric Revival
Jaguar Type 00

 

With its future Gran Turismo, the British car manufacturer Jaguar is now focusing entirely on electric vehicles (EVs) and is throwing design traditions overboard.

It has been eight years since Jaguar unveiled its last new model, and it will be at least another year before the next one arrives, but the company is showing signs of life with a prototype of the production version of its all-electric Gran Turismo. It was teased as a two-door concept last December, but the production model will clearly be a four-door GT with a very long hood, according to recently captured images.

Introducing the new model in 2027, the Brits won't only say goodbye to the combustion engine, but also to the volume business, and prepare for the rise to an electric luxury brand, brand boss Rawdon Glover announced last year.

Jaguar Type 00

 

In doing so, Jaguar is focusing on a new design that features unusual proportions: The new model, which is more than 16 ft. long, has an unusually long bonnet for an electric car and a completely new face. Inside, the brand is focusing primarily on a small number of screens and new materials, says Head of Design Gerry McGovern.

Technically, much remains vague. However, the new cars should have a range of almost 500 miles, be able to recharge for more than 190 miles in 15 minutes. The prototype is also equipped with variable air inlets in the front bumper to balance cooling and aerodynamics according to demand.

The revival of Jaguar is set to begin in 2027 with this four-door Gran Turismo, before two further models complete the realignment by the end of the decade. These new EVs will be based on a dedicated EV platform named JEA (Jaguar Electrified Architecture) and will feature a NACS connector on vehicles delivered to North America. Jaguar has previously said a bespoke platform is important for separating Jaguar vehicles from sister company Land Rover.

The British car brand Jaguar, which belongs to the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, wants to produce only electric vehicles from 2027. As part of the transformation plan, all current Jaguar models, including the electric I-Pace, will be phased out before the launch of the new EVs.

Jaguar Type 00

 

Audi Q9 Horch to Open New Chapter for Audi Luxury Vehicles
Audi Q9 Horch

 

With the Audi Q9 Horch, Audi is preparing to enter a new league of luxury SUVs, aimed at competing at the very top of the market, directly against models like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The "Horch" designation is deliberately chosen to emphasize exclusivity and prestige: Horch was one of Germany's original luxury car brands before merging into Auto Union--the precursor to Audi.

Early prototypes of the Q9 Horch reveal a significantly larger body than the current Audi Q7 and a redesigned Singleframe grille featuring strong vertical slats--a nod to classic Horch designs. At the rear, the license plate has been moved down into the bumper, suggesting a newly styled tailgate with distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q9 Horch is expected to offer top-grade materials such as Nappa leather, generous rear-seat space and a cocoon-like atmosphere for passengers, according to sources.

Audi Q9 Horch

 

The Q9 is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a modular base that supports both traditional combustion engines and hybrid systems. For now, a fully electric version is not expected.

Exact figures are not yet confirmed, but industry reports suggest a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 as the top option. Additionally, V6-based plug-in hybrid variants may be offered in select markets to balance performance and efficiency.

Given its scale and positioning, Audi is aiming the Q9 Horch primarily at markets with strong demand for luxury SUVs--particularly the United States, China and the Middle East. The official debut is expected around 2026, though regional launch timelines remain under wraps.

Audi Q9 Horch

 

Thu, 11/20/2025 - 07:02

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Awards

 

There is still time to submit nominations for the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) Robert E. Petersen Media Award, an award that honors an automotive journalist for their impact on the motorsports industry.  

👉 Nominate here by January 2.  

Created in memory of Hot Rod magazine founder Robert E. Petersen, the award recognizes a journalist who has elevated the stature and raised awareness of the motorsports industry with positive content.  

"Journalists play a vital role in telling the stories of this great industry," said MPMC Council Director Marcy Yanus. "This award honors their contributions and ensures that their legacy and impact are never forgotten."  

The Robert E. Petersen Award recipient will be announced in January 2026 during the reception at the MPMC Media Trade Conference, an exclusive event that brings together manufacturers and media for three days of networking and collaboration, January 27-29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South in Anaheim, California.

Don't miss your chance to join MPMC in celebrating the content that moves the motorsports industry forward. Nominate today! 

Wed, 11/19/2025 - 13:11

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

 

Enthusiast Auto Holdings

Vice President of Sales in Wadsworth, Ohio

Enthusiast Auto Holdings, the e-commerce company, seeks a leader for its retail, wholesale and installer (B2B) team.

 

McLeod Racing

Technical Sales Representative in Anaheim, California

McLeod Racing is looking to add another team member; applicants must be well-spoken and have a mechanical understanding of cars.

 

New Creations 517 LLC

Paint and Body Technician in Lattimore, North Carolina

The company seeks someone to provide metal/panel replacement, body work and paint work.


Whether you're an employer or an industry professional, the SEMA Career Center offers powerful tools—like resume writing help, coaching and employer search features for job seekers, plus free internship postings and affordable access to qualified candidates for employers. Get started at jobs.sema.org

SEMA makes no representation or warranty of any kind concerning the reliability or accuracy of information provided directly or indirectly on or through semajobs.com or its related sites. All information is provided on an "as-is" basis. Users of this site do so at their own risk. Read more Terms & Conditions here.

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock

Wed, 11/19/2025 - 08:43

By SEMA News Editors

Racetech USA

Full Carbon 8119 Series Drag Race Seat Range

Racetech USA

 

Racetech USA has launched its lightest seat range ever with the full carbon-fiber 8119 series, the manufacturer announced. The RT8119 and RT8119HR are designed with Racetech’s proven ergonomic shell architecture and built from premium carbon fiber. The RT8119 will be offered in two sizes, ranging from 11.76 to 11.86 lbs., while its head restraint counterpart, the RT8119HR, will be offered in three sizes, ranging from 11.66 lbs. to 12.1 lbs. Both seat models accept a seven-point harness with reverse submarine belts in alignment with the latest NHRA tech regulations.

Racetech-usa.com

McLeod Racing

Pro Pack Clutch Kits for V6 Ford Mustangs

McLeod ProPack

 

McLeod has released its new Pro Pack Single-Disc Clutch Kits for V6 Ford Mustangs. Each kit includes the Super Street Pro Single-Disc Clutch, engineered for both street and track enthusiasts. The dual organic and ceramic clutch disc ensures smooth and consistent engagement, while the high-clamp-load pressure plate delivers easy pedal effort, according to the manufacturer. The kit includes a billet steel flywheel and is tailored to fit both cable-driven and hydraulic applications. Cable-driven models feature a cable, quadrant and adjuster, while hydraulic applications include a hydraulic bearing and stainless-steel line.

 

Jeep JL and Gladiator Adventure Series Upgrade

Jeep Clutch Kit

 

The McLeod Adventure Series clutch system for Jeep JL and Gladiator eliminates weak points of the stock setup with durable, race-proven materials, according to McLeod. Features include a 45-lb. billet steel flywheel for improved heat dissipation and drivability, an 11-in. pressure plate and reinforced disc designed to correct OEM misalignment issues, an all-metal release system to replace all plastic components and plug-and-play fitment.

McleodRacing.com

 

Competition Clutch

245 Series Twin-Disc Clutch Kits for Toyota 2JZ to T56 Transmission

Competition Clutch

 

Competition Clutch is now offering its 245 Series Twin-Disc Clutch Kit for Toyota 2JZ to T56 transmissions, available in both street and track versions. The 245 Series will be offered with a range of power-handling options, including Stage 1 (up to 800 hp) with dual organic discs, Stage 2 (up to 1,000 hp) built with ceramic twin discs and Stage 3 (up to 1,200 hp) with a twin ceramic disc setup.

Competitionclutch.com

Tue, 11/18/2025 - 13:20

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish overall winner 2025 Troy Trepanier

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish overall win went to Troy Trepanier and his '36 Ford roadster.

 

This year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish once again showcased the industry's most talented builders and most ambitious custom creations, culminating in an unforgettable finale on the SEMA Show floor. From early judging rounds to the final unveiling of this year's champion, the competition delivered standout craftsmanship, intense creativity and plenty of can't-miss moments. The competition was ultimately won by Troy Trepanier and his '36 Ford roadster (read more here).

The following gallery captures the builds, the builders, the behind-the-scenes action and the excitement of the crowd as the top contenders battled for the industry's highest honor during this year's 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas.

Relive the innovation, energy and artistry that defined this year's Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish with the below SEMA Live presented by AutoZone recap video (starting at 2:10:50), and the following photo gallery.

Mastery on Display: Highlights From 2025 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish
Crowds gather as the top finalists are revealed on the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage.
Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish crowd 2025

 

2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish stage announcement SEMA Live

 

Crowds at the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders stage announcement

 

Crowds gather as the top finalists are revealed on the SEMA Show floor 2025 Battle of the Builders

 

Crowds gather as the top finalists are revealed on the SEMA Show floor 2025 Battle of the Builders

 

This year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition featured some tough competition all year, but especially leading up to the Final Four vehicles seen below.
Troy Trepanier '36 Ford Roadster, 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish

Troy Trepanier's overall winning '36 Ford Roadster.

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders competition 2025

Tim Franklin's '60 Porsche Custom 356.

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders competition 2025

Thomas Dickerson's '67 Chevrolet C10.

Ron Jones' '73 Volkswagen Thing

Ron Jones' '73 Volkswagen Thing.

 

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition.

 

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders competition 2025

 

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition.

 

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition.

 

Custom craftsmanship was on full display during this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition.

 

Subscribe to SEMA News using the "Stay tuned" widget at the bottom of the webpage for more 2025 SEMA Show coverage, or visit semashow.com.