SEMA, RACER Network Launch Battle of the Builders Docuseries
Four-part docuseries follows the 2025 class champions through the design, fabrication & problem-solving behind their award-winning builds…
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and RACER Network will take automotive enthusiasts behind the scenes of four extraordinary vehicle builds in “SEMA Battle of the Builders” Presented by Mothers, a new four-part docuseries premiering Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on RACER Network, SEMA officials announced in a press release.
Each approximately 25-minute episode follows one of the four class champions from the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, revealing the ideas, challenges and craftsmanship that transformed four distinctive vehicles into award-winning builds. The series gives viewers a closer look at the builders, their creative processes and the decisions that shaped their vehicles.
The featured builders and vehicles are:
- Thomas Dickerson, winner of the BFGoodrich Young Guns category, and his 1967 Chevrolet C10
- Ron Jones, winner of the 4WD/Off-Road category, and his 1973 Volkswagen Thing
- Tim Franklin and Pete Jackson, winners of the Sport Compact/Import Performance/Luxury/Exotics category, and their 1960 Porsche Custom 356
- Troy Trepanier, winner of the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category and the overall Best of Show for the 2025 competition, and his 1936 Ford-inspired Roadster
“The remarkable vehicles recognized through SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers are only part of the story. The ingenuity, perseverance and craftsmanship behind them are equally compelling,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “This series takes enthusiasts inside the creative process and introduces them to the builders whose ideas and skills continue to move our industry forward. Working with RACER Network allows us to share those stories with an even broader audience and inspire the next generation of builders.”
“SEMA Battle of the Builders captures the passion and commitment required to create truly exceptional vehicles. Across diverse categories, these four builders demonstrate what is possible in car customization,” said CJ Olivares, RACER Group CEO. “This series gives viewers rare access to the vision, obsession and problem-solving it takes to become a champion. Partnering with SEMA to bring these stories to more audiences is an extension of our commitment to celebrating everyone who makes this community special, from the racetrack to the fabrication shop. Whether you turn wrenches or just love great cars, you’ll want to watch.”
Inside the Four 2025 Battle of the Builders Class Champion Builds
The series begins with Dickerson and his 1967 Chevrolet C10. The BFGoodrich Young Guns category winner executed an extensive custom build that included a fabricated engine bay and truck bed, flush-mounted glass, one-off headlights, a tailored chassis and a fully custom interior. The project reflects Dickerson’s commitment to precision and hands-on craftsmanship, with the builder personally carrying the vehicle from concept to completion.
The second episode follows Jones and the transformation of a 1973 Volkswagen Thing into a coach-built, Porsche-powered, off-road vehicle. Constructed around a one-off chromoly long-travel tube chassis, the vehicle features hand-built exterior panels and more than 350 machined components. Its combination of performance engineering, design and functionality earned Jones the Off-Road category title.
Episode three tells the story of Franklin, Jackson and their 1960 Porsche Custom 356. Beginning with a Porsche 356B in severely deteriorated condition, the team reshaped the vehicle with contoured bodywork, symmetrical design details, a one-piece aluminum rear deck and an upgraded engine. The result preserved the character of the original Porsche while introducing a fresh design and modern functionality.
The final episode features Trepanier and Rad Rides by Troy’s “Fenderless,” a completely scratch-built Roadster inspired by a 1936 Ford. The team produced the body, chassis, suspension, machined components, paint and interior in-house, redesigning the vehicle’s proportions to create a distinctive open-wheel profile. The roadster won the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category before being selected as the overall winner of the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers. The victory marked Trepanier’s second overall competition title following his first Best of Show win in 2017.
The docuseries illustrates how Battle of the Builders can elevate builders and connect them with opportunities across the industry, the release noted.
“Winning skyrocketed my exposure and presence in the hot rod industry,” said Josh Michels, 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns winner and 2025 judge. “I made new connections and gained sponsors.”
How to Watch the SEMA Battle of the Builders Docuseries
Episode 1 of “SEMA Battle of the Builders” Presented by Mothers will premiere Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on RACER Network, with new episodes premiering the subsequent Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The entire series will have encore marathon-style broadcasts on Sunday, Nov. 1, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET; Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. ET; and Sunday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m. ET.
Viewers can watch “SEMA Battle of the Builders” Presented by Mothers on RACER Network, via DirecTV, Charter Spectrum, Optimum and selected other cable providers, as well as via the RACER+ streaming app, which is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Roku, Amazon Prime and select other connected devices.
