DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Cable TV Channel Velocity will air a one-hour special on the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of vehicle builders at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.
Velocity plans to air the special three times, on Jan. 2 at 10 p.m., on Jan 3 at 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., according to SEMA.
The one-hour program, now in its third season, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their journeys to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the four-day automotive trade show.
Featuring customizers with a car or truck on display at the SEMA Show, the competition shines the spotlight on the talents and craftsmanship of builders with vehicles at the show.
In addition to all the customized cars and trucks entered into SEMA Battle of the Builders, the program features an array of vehicle customizers as they reveal the excitement, struggles and journey leading up to the competition.
New this year is the expansion of the Young Guns recognition, which shines the light on up-and-coming builders — those ages 27 and younger — in the automotive industry.
This year's winner was a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor designed and built by Manteno, Ill.-based Rad Rides by Troy, under the direction of the designer and builder Troy Trepanier. This one-of-a-kind Model A is powered by an all-aluminum small-block with a five-speed transmission, a modified original Halibrand quick-change rear axle and mounted on Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials from Coker Tire Co.