Sema 2023 - An Automotive enthusiasts dream!
   This past week in Las Vegas there was a massive automotive event which is known as SEMA. For any of those out there who have never heard that word before it is an automotive enthusiasts dream, however, it is not open to the public. As unfortunate as that sounds it actually makes a lot of sense when you stop to break down what SEMA is. SEMA at its heart is actually a trade show. It is an opportunity for automotive companies to come together and showcase all of their new products. The purpose of the show is to showcase your products capabilities and make the connections that you want to grow over the next year. Because of this the show is a bit tricky to get into. If you ever have the chance however, it comes highly recommended from us here at Stage2 Threads.Â
   We were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go this year which was the first time that Stage2 Threads was able to be there. It was a week full of some pretty amazing vehicles and automotive products and brought an energy that could even motivate non-car people to get out there and modify their ride!
Something for all automotive enthusiasts
SEMA is a mega mixing bowl of everything automotive. That is not to say it is not organized because that is far from being the case. But no matter which part of the automotive industry you are in there is something at SEMA for you. Are you into wrapping cars? Great, there are about 10 booths with wrapping materials of various kinds, tools and strategies. Wrapping isn’t your thing? More into paint? Awesome there are another 10 booths dedicated to powder coating equipment and strategies. Really just like tools? There is an entire hall dedicated just for tools. Not so much into cars like us? Well then just head outside and take a look at the massive trucks with lifts taller than me like the one pictured to the left. SEMA this year even had quite a few Low riders on display which are my guilty pleasure to look at as they are basically functional pieces of art. Anyways I think everyone gets the point. No matter which part of the automotive industry interests you there is something at SEMA for you.
Some of the craziest builds you have ever seen
Now let’s get to the part for what I feel SEMA is most known for: The builds. Influencers, automotive enthusiasts, and companies from all over spend months and months getting ready for SEMA, and the builds they bring back up that preparation. Some of the builds in the show have been going for months or years. Others were built within the last month, but the quality of them is still top notch. From engraving to custom fab work, to never-before- seen feats achieved, the builds you see from walking around SEMA are a testament to the work and dedication of automotive enthusiasts from all over the world.Â
Not just for show...
Even though SEMA is technically a show, not all the cars are meant to just be displayed. SEMA has plenty of events going on throughout the days that will test vehicles to their limit. Nobody can miss the commotion coming from the Hoonigans burn yard or the smoke from the melting tires. In between those sessions you will have drifting events where you can even participate in a ride along. You also have events like the ultimate street car challenge which this purple Datsun was participating in. It was a crazy feeling to be in a showroom with priceless vehicles and then to walk outside and be welcomed buy engines revving and the smell of burning tires in the air.Â
So much Automotive Passion in one place
SEMA is a gathering unlike any other that I have been a part of. Almost everywhere you look there is a vehicle that you have only ever dreamed of seeing in real life and BAM! There it is just sitting there in the sunlight. The next moment you turn around and there is an entire room of tools you have always wanted for your garage. It is truly a sight to behold. Even with all of these dream cars around and tools there is something far more enchanting at SEMA than any of it: The people. Almost everyone you run into at SEMA is an enthusiast that is there for one reason only: The love of cars. They love the automotive industry and love modifying their vehicles to make them their own. That passion and drive is shown everywhere you look and is extremely contagious. If you are ever dragging your feet on your next project car and cannot get motivated to finish it, take the opportunity to go to SEMA if it is ever presented. You won’t regret it and will come home more motivated than ever.Â
Favorite builds
I thoroughly enjoy every bit of SEMA. But there is always that one build that really speaks to me. Whether that is because it is a dream car of mine or I just find it incredible to look at it. There is always that one that I can just never stop looking at. This year that build was this Grey Datsun that was located in the Hoonigan area. I have always dreamt of owning one of these cars and this one has been done up really well in a style that I relished looking at.
While for me this one is it, there were plenty of other builds that were also astonishing to behold. Take a look at the gallery below and check out some of our favorite builds we witnessed at SEMA this year.
