The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has named the Top 12 builders in the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers. The list narrows the field from the Top 40 to three finalists in each of four categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck, Sport Compact/Import Performance, Off-Road and Young Guns.

The program is marking 13 years at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas as a platform for custom car, truck and SUV builders.

Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

  • Charles Crews: 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda

  • Andy Leach: 1933 Pontiac Vicky

  • Eddie Pettus: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

Sport Compact/Import Performance

  • Buddy Hale: 1955 Volkswagen Ghia

  • Jordan Henke: 1974 Ford Capri MK1

  • Kamaka Pocock: 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 1

Off-Road

  • Mark Giambalvo: 1974 Chevrolet K10

  • Scott Luscombe: 1985 Chevrolet K10

  • Jeremy Wessels: 1969 Ford Bronco

Young Guns

  • Bryce Adams: 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

  • Jesse Rieger: 1969 Ford Mustang

  • Dylan Russell: 1999 BMW E36

The Top 4 and the Bike Builder Shootout winner are scheduled to be announced Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3:30 p.m. on the Battle of the Builders Stage in Central Hall, booth 24743. SEMA's Top 12 write-up is at SEMA. Full build details are also on the SEMA Show Battle of the Builders page.