Las Vegas is a constant machine of events and SEMA week is no exception with NHRA drag racing, SEMA Show, SEMA Ignited, SEMA Fest, AAPEX Show, Optima Challenge and a whole host of other automotive related events all happening in one week. This is certainly automotive overload, and you cannot possibly take it all in, but you can try.

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The SEMA Show roared back into Las Vegas this year celebrating its 60th anniversary and what a show it was with so many new and improved things happening at this year's event. The Las Vegas Convention Center was once again transformed into the largest automotive trade show in the world with more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 attendees.

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The automotive aftermarket is showing great improvement with hundreds of new products being released every year. The aftermarket industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that supports change and innovations across the industry. One example of this is the EV market which has grown significantly in recent years. Even some of the top builders in the country are testing the waters and building EV hot rods. SEMA education lends a lot of support to programs like the FutureTech Live studio which I attended and was intrigued with the programs and grants that are available to teach and train future generations on EV's. 

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Andy Leach of Cal Automotive Creations won the Battle of the Builders this year with his 1960 Buick Invicta dubbed "X-60". This stunning custom Buick is powered by a supercharged 401 Buick Nailhead engine and is beautifully detailed. SEMA week was finished off with SEMA Fest, a two-day music and automotive festival. There were performances by 22 musical acts, Nitro Circus action sports, Formula Drift, and tire shredding action​ in the Hoonigan Burnyard and so much more and this event was open to the public.

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We always hear all of the talk about SEMA but not so much about the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Expo) show which is going on in conjunction with SEMA every year. Experience service and repair like never before with the latest innovations from top companies. Inside Joe's Garage there were ten actual working service bays with interactive training, Q and A's and the opportunity to see the parts and products in action. This is a must attend for shop owners and technicians who want to stay ahead of the curve.

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All in all, SEMA and AAPEX are back bigger and stronger than ever and as companies and manufacturers continue to push the envelope in the automotive aftermarket industry, SEMA and AAPEX will be there to support them all the way.

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  Article & Photos by: Allen & Kristy Smith

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