SEMA Recognizes Next-Gen Builders With BFGoodrich Young Guns Program
The top 10 Young Guns will take center stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in an exclusive peer-judged round to select the three finalists…
SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish is back at the SEMA Show this year with its reimagined Young Guns program, now sponsored by BFGoodrich. The revamped initiative shines a spotlight on the top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists, featuring a live, on-stage judging session that highlights the next wave of automotive innovators, event organizers stated in a press release.
In previous years, the top 10 and top 3 finalists in each competing category were selected by industry judges. Now, the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists present their builds live on stage to each other, and the builders vote for the top 3 who move on to the championship round, alongside finalists from the other Battle of the Builders categories. This year’s live competition will be held in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and hosted by Adrienne Janic (“AJ”) from Overhaulin’.
“We’re dedicated to advancing this competition and cultivating the next generation of builders who will help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “With BFGoodrich as the official sponsor of the Young Guns program, we’re amplifying opportunities for these talented builders to gain recognition and accelerate their careers.”
The Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns Win a Trip to the SEMA Show
Launched in 2016, the Young Guns category recognizes automotive builders 29 years and younger who show exceptional skill and creativity, noted the release. Beginning in mid-September, BFGoodrich Young Guns hopefuls will have a chance to be selected to participate in a virtual corral and competition where winners will receive a prize package that includes transportation of their build to the SEMA Show, as well as travel and hotel accommodations. This provides a unique opportunity for young builders to get their foot in the door and accelerate their career trajectory in the industry, officials said. The deadline for entry is Oct. 17, 2025.
SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mother’s Polish is now in its 12th year, and the competition spans four categories:
- Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
- 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
- Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
- BFGoodrich Young Guns
The four class champions from each category compete for the coveted Battle of the Builders Best Overall Build title.
Battle of the Builders Judging
Judges review all qualifying applications, including detailed vehicle descriptions and photos, before evaluating the builds in person at the SEMA Show. The top 10 finalists in each category are narrowed down to three, with BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists determined by their peers. These 12 finalists then take on the role of judges themselves, helping to decide the category winners and the overall champion.
“The SEMA Show is where the aftermarket industry comes together to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and innovation,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. “The Battle of the Builders program, particularly the Young Guns category, truly captures the energy and passion that pushes our industry forward.”
Last year’s Battle of the Builders winner was Noah Alexander with his ’68 Dodge Charger.
