DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the first SEMA-produced television special premieres on the Velocity channel at 8 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 8. The one-hour program features the first-ever SEMA Battle of the Builders competition highlighting the top 10 builders, their vehicles and their journey to the inaugural competition.

The Battle of the Builders competition began with more than 125 vehicle builders and car customizers who entered 165 vehicles into this first-ever competition. These builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Editors of leading automotive magazines – Sam Du from Super Street, David Freiburger from Hot Rod and Fred Williams from Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road – selected the top 10 builders. These 10 finalists then judged one another and voted to determine who was named the Ultimate Builder of the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

The special culminates at the first annual SEMA Ignited event, where the top three finalists and winner were announced in front of thousands of enthusiasts. SEMA Ignited, held at the Linq in Las Vegas, was open to the public and allowed attendees a chance to see the latest automotive accessories on many of the 2014 SEMA Show vehicles that were on display during the 2014 SEMA Show. Hundreds of vehicles exited the Las Vegas Convention Center after the SEMA Show for the SEMA Cruise and made their way to SEMA Ignited.

The SEMA television special celebrates the unique aftermarket industry and the people dedicated to their craft. Tune in to the Velocity Network at 8:00 p.m. EDT on March 8, for an in-depth view of this brand-new competition and watch as the winner of the first-ever SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is announced.

To view the TV trailer for SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkViuk8unUg.