All images courtesy SEMA
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 then judged one another on Friday at the SEMA Show and voted to determine who would be named the Ultimate Builder of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
Ringbrothers received a number of top awards at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada – for a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro known as “VALKYRJA” and for a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 known as “UNKL.” In addition to claiming honors from OEMs Ford and Chevrolet and recognition from Good Guys, Mother’s Car Care and DUB Magazine, one of Ringbrothers’ custom vehicle builds won SEMA’s Battle of the Builders competition.
“Each year, the SEMA Show represents an opportunity for us to outdo ourselves by creating and showcasing cars that are bigger, better and faster than years past,” said Mike Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers. “This year, our builds were unlike anything we had attempted before, both in design and execution. Our success at the 2019 show proves that we have achieved what we continually set out to do – push the boundaries of the art of custom car building, and we’re honored by the overwhelming response.”
With its warlike name, the 890 horsepower 1969 Chevrolet Camaro “VALKYRJA” was built with help from the latest technology, including 3D scanning and CAD design, and was assembled using modern materials such as carbon fiber as well as a combination of 3D printed and CNC machined parts. It is powered by an 890 horsepower, 416-cubic inch Wegner Motorsports LS3 topped with a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger. Underneath, the chassis and suspension by Detroit Speed Engineering gives the car modern handling while a custom Flowmaster exhaust helps the supercharged engine breathe. This formidable machine took home the Battle of the Builders victory.
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.
To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.
