By Rachel Tatum
 Kyle Tucker was crowned the winner of the fifth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition for his ’69 Chevy Camaro. |
Go behind the scenes of SEMA Show 2018, the world’s most prestigious automotive event, in the all new “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” television special, premiering Monday, January 7, 2019, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Motor Trend TV Network. Now in its fifth year, the competition and the program have evolved to be more exciting and impressive than ever before. Here’s what’s new and different about the upcoming program:
Featuring Future Stars
Several young, up-and-coming builders are featured. The "SEMA: Battle of the Builders" television program spotlights the expanded Young Guns
 The SEMA: Battle of the Builders television program spotlights the expanded Young Guns program. |
program. In addition to young builders (age 27 and younger) with vehicles sponsored by SEMA Show exhibitors, 14 young builders from throughout the country were discovered and given the opportunity to showcase their cars and talents at the 2018 SEMA Show. They competed alongside the other contestants in the most recent Battle of the Builders competition.
Celebrity Social Media Judges
Some of today’s most recognized social influencers participated as judges in this year’s Battle of the Builders competition. Sarah Raegan Greenwood (Sarah-n-Tuned); Emelia Hartford (@ms.emelia); Jack Milne (DURTYMAX, JACK); Chris Petruccio (Krispy Media); Chris Steinbacher (B is to Build); and Dustin Williams (@dustinw) collaborated to select the top Young Guns from the competition.
Category Winners
This year’s competition names the Top Four winners, with one winner representing each category. So the competition included a winner in the hot rod category, as well as a winner in the truck/off road category, the sport compact category and the Young Guns category. It’s the most diverse vehicle builders’ competition yet.
Mark your calendars and tune in to Motor Trend TV on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT for the premiere of the new “SEMA: Battle of the Builders.”