*Photos & Text by Bryan Goffe
What is SEMA? For me it’s the world’s biggest car and trade show, an automotive enthusiast circus; an annual grand finale to another season of shows and races with a glimpse at what is to come. An event to meet up with like minded friends old and new to celebrate the world of motor vehicles.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association is a million different things to a few million different people. The SEMA Show is a week of too much and not enough. Miles of the automotive world on display for those in the industry and others fortunate enough to attend since it began in 1963. The annual gathering of all things vehicular fills the Las Vegas convention center and spills out into the grounds around it with new products, show vehicles, automotive lifestyle celebrities and people – lots of people.
Regardless of taste for new vehicles, trending aftermarket parts or some of the latest finished modified show, race, on or off-road vehicles – your Gearhead interest will likely be there.
It is fitting that The SEMA Show grows and evolves in the city of excess and largess.
SEMA has changed more over the recent years and grown with the times – an event hosted by a city built and continually rebuilt to celebrate more. Adding more action with Motorsports groups like Hoonigans “killing tires” in their “Burnyard”, Drift Cars taking people for a thrillride and Optima Streetcar racers adding to the show – there’s something for everyone. Even the Ignited after-party grows.
Larry Chen put it best standing by a barrier, “So much fun.”
Do you want to go to SEMA? Yes.
Should you go to SEMA? If you get the chance, do it.
*Photos are posted on the Garage Asylum Facebook page in 2016-17, 2018, 2019 and 2023 photo albums.
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