2024 BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS PRESENTED BY MOTHERS POLISH

Craftsmen, fabricators and builders from the United States and beyond work passionately for months—sometimes years—on a project car. After pouring blood, sweat and endless hours into their build, modifiers will find no better place to feature their vehicle than the SEMA Show's annual Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish competition. Judges review hundreds of applicants and determine whose artistic vision, ingenuity and craftsmanship best translates into the highly modified car they have crafted. Victory grants the builder unlimited bragging rights and marketing and networking opportunities, and the competition series is one of the SEMA Show's most closely followed events throughout the Show week.

This year's participants are vying for honors across four build categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns. Industry experts will meticulously review build descriptions and photographs and narrow the field to 40 vehicles. A second judging round will next whittle the contenders down to 12. The finalists will then become the judges themselves, and together, they will decide whose vehicle deserves the BOTB champion title. Cameras will also tag along and document the cars and the judging process for a television program set to air early next year. (Visit SEMAshow.com/botb for updates on TV airings.)

For this SEMA magazine BOTB preview, we've compiled various BOTB entries preparing for the SEMA Show. We list each vehicle's builder, year, make, model and entry category under which the participant is registered. However, many of these vehicles are still in the final phases of completion. Some participants do not finish their car or truck until days before the Show, so consider this a sneak look at what's coming at the 2024 SEMA Show battleground.

LUIS LEOPOLDO
URZUA ROQUE
'72 CHEVY BLAZER K5

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck You would not expect someone to modify a Chevy blazer into a low-riding hot rod. Nevertheless, Luis Urzua Roque pulled it off. The silver body exudes style and sleekness. Its stance gives it "slow cruise through main street" vibes, but the 1,300hp motor under the hood throws that urge out the window. Nelson Racing engines equipped the 427 LS motor with twin turbos, a billet intake and Holley Terminator fuel-injection system. Powerful Wilwood 14-in. brakes stop the equally powerful motor. QA1 supplies the proper handling with the front and rear suspension hardware and shock absorbers. Inside, the Chevy sports a Dakota Digital dash, bespoke leather upholstery and a custom audio system.

PRESTON INGRASSIA
'68 FORD MUSTANG

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck OUTLAW is one of a 25 production run by The Mustang Brothers premiering exclusively at SEMA 2024. Based on the iconic '68 Mustang fastback, OUTLAW lives up to its namesake with a groundbreaking custom-engineered panoramic glass roof and translucent panel forged into the hood. The visionary hidden exhaust system and uncommon right-hand-drive conversion honor the defiant, mold-breaking spirit of the OUTLAW. It offers a unique "roadster" approach to this American classic by including a first-of-its-kind interior tonneau cover. With a '12 supercharged 5.4L engine paired with a TREMEC six-speed transmission, Preston Ingrassia believes OUTLAW "is an ingenious combination of time-honored construction and trailblazing engineering that BOTB demands."

RICK MAHARAJ
'62 CHEVY IMPALA

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck "The goal [for this build] was to maintain the classic straight lines unique to a '62 Impala with modern and custom touches throughout," says Rick Maharaj. He further explains that a significant endeavor for this Chevy Impala was to sit the rockers on the floor and still allow the tires to have adequate grip in the rear. To achieve this, Maharaj removed impeding hardware to make room for the extra-wide tubs to fit the 22x15 wheels. This also meant the frame and suspension were custom- made to give the vehicle the stance Maharaj had envisioned. The engine bay houses an LS3 with a symmetrical twin-turbo setup and a 4L60-Etrans. Inside the cockpit, the Chevy's custom interior is crowned with the convergence of two '62 Impala dashboards for a symmetrical gauge cluster and controls.

ADAM MICHAELSON
'78 CHEVY MALIBU

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck "Let me introduce you to the most unique G-body Malibu in the world," exclaims Adam Michaelson. The interior is a mix of faux cow print from Nebraska—fitting of the car's nickname, "Milk Money"—and Corbeau's new FXR seats and harness. Embodying Nebraska culture, the cow print is one of Michaelson's favorite features. "We have more cows than people, even though we live in the city," he says. This muscle houses a 416 LS3 with a supercharger and a nitrous outlet plate kit with custom hardlines. The LS also sports Frankenstein Engine Dynamics CNC ported heads, valley covers, FAST XR coils and Meziere electric water pump with custom upper and lower aluminum hoses. Suspension is done with race shocks and air ride from QA1's Mod Series shocks.

MIKE KLENOFSKY
'15 DODGE CHARGER

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck A paint job like this brings a new meaning to "hot rod." This highly customized Charger boasts front and rear vertical doors, showcasing its bold, customized design. The exterior features striking custom paint and airbrushing across the body, engine bay and trunk. Custom wheels engraved with metal accents complement the hellfire paint it sports. Inside, the custom interior includes bespoke seats, dash, headliner and trunk. Entertainment enhancements like two headrest TVs, two sun visor TVs and a 22-in. screen in a custom fiberglass enclosure in the trunk and premium audio components complete the loud interior. Every detail, from the custom tilt hood to the painted air tank and custom dash pieces, reflects Klenofsky's bold creativity.

DONNIE LIMBOCK
'31 FORD MODEL A

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck Camey Limbock has crafted a serious contender for BOTB. A 351 Windsor powers the old Ford stroked to a 408. The block features aluminum heads, a CVF Racing serpentine system and is crowned with Borla Induction's eight-stack injectors. The engine accompanies a transmission featuring a C6 Ford 2800 stall converter. The ride sits on Ridler 17-in. chrome wheels settled next to QA1 coilovers with Watts linkage. Some other notable custom modifications you'll find are the firewall bed, drip rails and dashboard. The Model A shines with a stunning Brandy Wine Pearl paint supplied by House of Kolor.

ROB HESTER
'72 OLDSMOBILE
CUTLASS

CATEGORY: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck When Rob Hester and his team decided to attend their first SEMA Show in 2019 as exhibitors, they had no idea they'd be this dedicated to bringing something new and fresh every year. Hester and his crew at Flat Out Autos are unveiling three new builds at the 2024 SEMA Show, including this '72 convertible restomod. He had installed a Performance LS3 dressed to appear like the original 455. Baer 13-in. six-piston disc brakes, assisted by a Tesla brake booster, bring the 525 horses to a stop. RideTech Suspension and coilovers accompany the custom- designed 18-in. Curtis Speed Equipment wheels. Inside the cab, Dakota Digital RTX gauges and a Renegade Customs interior keep things cool and functional.

SOLOMON LUNGER
'78 FORD F-150

CATEGORY: 4-Wheel Drive/ Off-Road Solomon Lunger's F-150, appropriately named Snickers, had only 52,000 original miles on the odometer when he brought it in. Not everything on the truck was kept in a low-mileage condition. According to Solomon, "After a mishap where we destroyed the bedside, we repaired it all, preserving its unique history." An 1,125hp Ford Performance Godzilla Crate Motor with a Level 3 Mast Motorsports setup and Whipple Supercharger ensures it delivers exceptional power. Partnered with Skyjacker Suspensions, the custom setup ensures both show and trail readiness as Snickers blends nostalgia and innovation with its custom paint job and updated powertrain. It has now transformed into the ultimate '80s high rider.

BRIAN ROGERS
'87 CHEVY SILVERADO

CATEGORY: 4-Wheel Drive/ Off-Road Do you ever wish you could have the square body of the '70s and '80s but with modern amenities? Brian Rogers brought this idea to life with this Frankenstein build. He combined a '20 Chevy 2500 chassis with the stretched '87 Silverado crew cab. The two married at the firewall and floor pan with a freshly customized interior with '20 conveniences. The engine bay hosts a Duramax turbo-diesel engine mated with a 10-speed Allison transmission. Rogers accentuates the retro exterior with the 2500's rear-view mirrors for modern utility. Under the truck, you'll find a powdercoated chassis, a polished stainless exhaust and a polished driveshaft.

CHELSEY HENNIG
'86 FORD BRONCO

CATEGORY: 4-Wheel Drive/ Off-Road Nothing brings two people together like building a highly modified Bronco. Chelsey Hennig and her fiancé built her '86 Bronco "from the ground up." Resting on a high lift with low-profile tires, this Ford boasts a powdercoated original Bronco frame and a Super Duty axle swap. Hennig engineered a custom four-link lift kit, raising it approximately 12-in., and paired them with carbon coilovers from Carbon Shocks. The rear sports a TIG-welded exhaust and engine piping. Under the hood is a 4BT Cummins engine upgraded with Stage 2 injectors, Colt cam and oversized pistons. A ZF5 transmission transfers power to 26x16 Fittipaldi off-road wheels and 38-in. Fury tires.

BRIAN C. DILLEY
'73 FERRARI DINO

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic This '73 Ferrari Dino underwent complete "frame-off" restoration and electric conversion. Brian Dilley spared no expense in this build. The Ferrari features modern electric power steering, full HVAC and custom wheels by EVOD. The exterior boasts a billet grille, shaved door handles, and bespoke lighting. Inside, the fully custom interior includes in-house designed digital gauges, elegant lighting and genuine leather. Powered by a 300hp Cascadia Motion electric motor and a custom 40kWh battery pack, it also features keyless entry, custom sheetmetal panels, and advanced electronics for LED lighting and telemetry.

GREG HADJU
'10 NISSAN GTR

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic This sporty GTR is an incomparable build from top-of-the-line specialty-equipment manufacturers like Liberty Walk, Top-Secret, Aimgain and hand-built parts by Greg Hadju. His build holds unique features like its Double Bubble carbon-fiber roof. According to Hadju, "It is the only one of its kind on the market." Carbon-fiber components make up plenty of the exterior and interior. The engine bay houses numerous titanium parts, including the intercooler and intake. Hadju eagerly anticipates unveiling his custom trunk and taillights at the Show.

JOHNNY DURAN III
'17 SUBARU WRX

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic Inside out, head to toe, Johnny Duran's Subaru is an art poster. A custom wrap engulfs the body with Japanese-style art. The colorful aesthetics continue in the engine bay with custom hydro-dipped components. Bright-red Braum racing seats make the cockpit stand out from the blue-dominated exterior. The interior incorporates more Japanese iconography and blends well with a Buddy Club steering wheel constructed from leather and carbon fiber. Duran made sure to blossom the vehicle's performance with a Stage 1+ SF Power Package from Cobb Tuning and accompanied it with an Invidia R400 Gemini Catback Exhaust, improving the horsepower and motor's efficiency.

PETER ASHBY
'98 TOYOTA SUPRA
TURBO

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic Pushing 2,000 hp, this Mark IV Supra should star in the next Fast and Furious film. Nitrous Express delivers three nitrous stages to the bored and stroked 2JZ engine. A Getrag V161 transmission with custom gearing and a Tilton triple disk clutch turns that nitrousfueled power into burnt rubber seated on custom billet forged wheels. Custom one-off carbonfiber components made by SEIBON and ProSpec comprise the car's interior and exterior. Several KICKER components are embedded in custom-made sub-enclosures. Peter Ashby has claimed several accolades for his build, including Best Import at various East Coast car shows. "Our goal," he says, "is just to get to SEMA to have the rest of the country see what a 12-year dedication to a build can produce."

JOHN KUTI
'08 BMW 335I

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic It looks fast, but can it go fast? Certainly! A twin-turbo LS swap with a custom-built turbo system and a trunk-mounted radiator delivers the Bimmer 1,300 horses. Custom-built three-piece Variant wheels with carbon inner and outer barrels launch the car forward. Its unique full carbon-fiber doors between a custom red paint job make it difficult to forget. Carbon fiber also laces the dash, inner door panels and roof—the front end sports custom carbon and titanium hood trim plates. The undercarriage has been sprayed with a protective undercoat, and all suspension components are powdercoated.

AUSTIN CROLL
'71 FORD MUSTANG
MACH 1

CATEGORY: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic This build could sit quietly on SEMA's Las Vegas Show floor and speak volumes. According to Austin Croll, "This was a 20-year restoration— nights and weekends—for our father." The plan for this build was to give this classic musclecar today's modern performance and handling. TCP coilover suspension and chassis bracing improve the maneuvering capabilities. The Mach 1's body had been widened with steel quarter-panels, permitting the Boyd Coddington Wheels a better fit. It sports a late-modelstyle shaker hood, and underneath it sits a 351 Cleveland stroker (427) in a shaved engine bay. Besides the modern performance improvements, Croll provided the Mustang with modern amenities such as LED lighting, TMI upholstery and, most importantly, power windows.

JESSE GARZA
'18 DODGE DURANGO

CATEGORY: Young Guns Car and comic enthusiasts come together around this Joker-themed Durango. Notable modifications go further than the custom body wrap. The Durango sports a carbon-fiber wing and a custom wide-body kit. Bespoke airbags were made by Air Ride Equipment. The Dodge Durango always had a spacious interior, but Jesse Garza took the description a step further and lined the ceiling and floor with more than 1,000 star lights. Twenty carbon-fiber interior trim pieces surrounded by custom-wrapped door jams fill the interior. A tripletip exhaust and a flame kit would make the Joker proud to wreak havoc in this rig.

RYAN ZEMLA
'88 FORD RANGER

CATEGORY: Young Guns "My plan is to build the fastest stick-shift Ranger," says Ryan Zemla, and he is well on his way there. A 6.0L LS drivetrain composed of Wiseco and Manley internals, OEM crank, PAC Racing springs, Tick stage 2 turbo cam and a 77mm turbo blurs the line between truck and race car. The Ranger's stance and structure would require significant fabrication modifications. Ryan recounts, "I used two-thirds of the factory frame, and the balance is all tube." The Mustang II front conversion sporting Aldan American coilovers complements the four-link rear suspension setup. The body combines fiberglass for the prerunner fenders with OEM steel for the cab and hood. Ryan values the truck as a marketing tool for his detailing and wrap company, Attention 2 Detail.

AUSTIN PHIPPS
'64 GMC C25

CATEGORY: Young Guns Embracing the vintage style of the C25, Phipps' GMC invokes classic style with modern vision. The 24x12 Billet Specialties wheels are powered by a 408 LS stroker. The twin-turbo setup blows extra horses, and piping done by STL Fabrication adds flare to the engine bay. Peeking inside the dashboard, you'll find Dakota Digital gauges wired up with an American Auto wire harness. The classic interior boasts a Snowden custom bench seat. The patinaed body sits on a Rydman Ranch custom chassis. It utilizes Airlift Performance's air management system to keep the vehicle level.

KIESHA FOULDS
'73 FORD BRONCO

CATEGORY: Young Guns Keisha Foulds worked on every bit of this rig herself. She says, "The only thing I hadn't done myself was the actual paint." The Bronco drove across the country twice, and the odometer sits currently at 14k. Foulds is in the process of giving the Bronco a fresh paint job. This BOTB will be her last year to qualify in the Young Guns category, so she fully immerses herself in the build process. The rig will sit on a rare wheelset from the '70s and "a few other things to spice her up." Foulds says, "She's been my learning block since I was 18 and continues to be my pride and joy."

BRYCE ADAMS
'60 GMC CARRYALL

CATEGORY: Young Guns Young Guns contestant Bryce Adams expertly customizes this low-profile '60 GMC Carryall for performance and style. This GMC cruises on a Roadster Shop Revo coilover chassis. An LS3/6L80 powertrain combo powers the truck, ensuring smooth shifts between power hikes. Schott SL 65 wheels and Wilwood disc brakes provide form and function. Under the hood, enhancements include a Hart Fab firewall and inner fenders. Further customizations include fabricated radiator mounts and transmission and driveshaft tunnels. Stainless-steel brake and fuel lines offer secure fuel delivery and reliable stopping power. A stainless-steel, TIG-welded 3-in. exhaust system complements the vintage patina preserved by Jams Inward.

ZACH EASON
'78 NISSAN DATSUN B210

CATEGORY: Young Guns When asked about his Datsun B210, Zach Eason said, "I saw this humble coupe, and my first thought was, 'I bet I can make that cute little car into a terrifying monster.'" The B210 is grossly under-appreciated. All the love in the Datsun scene goes to the s30 Z or 510. The first step for Eason was mounting the equally underrated KA24DE from a 240SX S14. "I wanted an ungodly amount of power, so a giant turbo was next." This much power required a suspension system to conduct quick maneuvers. Eason fabricated custom coilovers based on the strut from a 280zx. This modification provided the build significantly larger and more modern brakes. The SCCA track demons of the '70s largely inspired the aesthetics of Eason's Datsun. Numerous intricate custom details make this a distinctive and technically impressive compact machine.

TYLER ADAMS
'67 CHEVY C10

CATEGORY: Young Guns This '67 Chevy C10 boasts a front and rear Porterbuilt coilover chassis, meticulously boxed and smoothed for a seamless look. The painted chassis mimics the body paint and is accented with wheel color. Adams tunneled the center, allowing the transmission and driveshaft to flow through the bottom panel. Custom Schott wheels and Wilwood brakes housed in 2.5-in widened tubs complement Adams' craftsmanship. Inside the cab and under the hood, a bespoke interior meets custom details like intake radiator hoses and exhaust. The build showcases flawless bodywork, precise panel alignment, a raised functional bed and a sleek, flat finish. Discreet features add to the truck's elegant style, such as hidden wiring and a unique fan setup.

DILLON HOUCK
'15 PORSCHE CAYENNE

CATEGORY: Young Guns You don't often see Porsches in the overlanding scene, so most mods here are custom-fabricated or prototype collaborations. Cut and rolled wheel arches supply the vehicle room for wheel travel. It sports custom bumpers, a prototype roof rack, handmade rear cabinets, an auxiliary solar system with a lithium battery and a waterproof exterior Hertz Audio system. The luxury overlander still boasts many original factory features, such as active factory air-suspension controls, parking sensors and cameras. The Porsche serves as Dillon Houck's daily city driver, yet it is entirely off-road capable for a multi-week outing with a stove, fridge, LED camp lighting, gear storage, extra ground clearance and full armor. Houck says the scariest modification he did himself was pulling the headliner to drill through the roof for rack wiring. He mentions his favorite accessory is the classic bungee paper towel holder.