The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) recently announced the Top 12 finalists in the sixth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, the event that determines the builder the aftermarket community considers best.
The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition began with nearly 300 vehicles entered into the annual competition by vehicle builders and car customizers from across the United States. These builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
The 2019 Battle of the Builders Top 12 finalists are:
HOT ROD
Eric Peratt — 1936 Ford roadster
Gary Corkell — 1932 Ford Phantom
Jim & Mike Ring — 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
SPORT COMPACT
Edison Sarkisyan — 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
Louie Shefchik — 1968 Iso Rivolta
TJ Russell — 1991 Porsche 911
TRUCK/OFF-ROAD
Darin Smith — 1972 Chevrolet C-10 shortbed
Erik Barnlund — 1972 Ford Bronco
Randy Borcherding — 1955 Chevrolet truck
YOUNG GUNS
Brad Swaney — 1971 Chevrolet C-10
Kyle Ray — 1988 BMW E30
Luke Merrill — 1940 Chevrolet two-door sedan
Industry experts narrowed the field to select the Top 12 finalists, who will now judge one another on Friday at the SEMA Show and vote to determine who will be named the Ultimate Builder of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
The SEMA Battle of the Builders winner will be announced at SEMA Ignited, taking place after the trade-only SEMA Show closes, on Friday, Nov. 8, from 3-10 pm , in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive). Hundreds of vehicles will exit the Las Vegas Convention Center after the SEMA Show for the SEMA Cruise and make their way to SEMA Ignited. Formula Drift demonstrations, exhibitors, products and celebrities from the SEMA Show will be on-hand along with food trucks, music and entertainment.
SEMA Ignited is open to the public and allows enthusiasts a chance to see many of the industry’s latest in automotive accessories on many of the 2019 SEMA Show vehicles that were on display during the 2019 SEMA Show.
