SEMA is Back Baby (and better than ever)!

**The beautiful models and Subaru from the Thret Off-Road Wheel booth**

2024 has been a heck of a year. It’s been full of excitement and tons of craziness. I have been all over the place covering fashion events, comic cons and red carpets and not for one second has it been a dull moment. As I get older time seems to fly faster and faster and this year was no different. Before I could even blink it seems that November was here and boy oh boy did that really tickle me pink. There’s one show that takes place in November that I have the most fun at. Yes folks SEMA is here and it’s epic.

I can’t even remember how many years it is that I have been coming to SEMA. I think it’s been over ten years now and while I find that hard to believe I am more amazed that it’s been so good for so long. Sure there was a year or two where it was crummy (and there are several reasons for that) but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The economy and world factors played some part in that for sure. But you know, no matter how bad or slow it was the underlying part of SEMA was always there. The one thing that held it together. The glue that brought together everyone from all walks of life around the world. And that is passion.

SEMA (and in a lot of ways AAPEX) is a meeting of the minds for all aspects of the car scene. From builders to machinists, mechanics and engineers the world over, the best of the best make their way over to Vegas for just a few days in November. And while it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the other events and things throughout the year, SEMA for me is really special. I (and our team) can cover the one event that is the most coveted in this industry. I can tell you that 2024 was just as special, if not moreso than the last.

This year really brought out the best of the industry. There were tons of amazing builds this year. 2Crave had some incredible cars as did Rohana Wheels and Fortune Auto. I also really enjoyed passing by the Thret Off-Road Wheel booth. The selection of new wheels and models for this year were superb. It was nice to catch up with some of our old friends from there. Heck, even walking around the show I seem to always run into old friends. I saw several that I had not seen since at least the year before.

So, even with all of the chaos throughout the year it was nice to catch up with all of our friends, new and old at the show and to see what they have been up to as well. SEMA is and always will be a special show for me. I hope that I can keep returning for the future as well. Because for that one week in September we can all get together and celebrate the automobile and all of the aspects that make it amazing. Because cars aren’t just a tool, they’re a way of life.

**Blowing kisses and breaking hearts. It’s what comes naturally to the always incredible Alexia Cortez**

**How can a truck like this not stand out? With the green glow from the underbody and the unicorn pink and blue wrap this truck is definitely a show-piece**

**2Crave always has some of the coolest cars every year and this Dragonball Z inspired Lamborghini Aventador is definitely one of them**

**How can you not love seeing the always gorgeous Alexia Cortez? She’s just the best**

**This sweet McLaren 720s at the Rohana Wheels booth was one of my favorite cars at the show. That Gulf oil company livery is just superb**

**Strada Wheels had this really nice blue chrome luxury ride. That stance is awesome**

**Nothing like a 3-wheeling lowrider to cap off an amazing show**

**This widebody hatch from the from the ATEQ booth just looks amazing . Check out that Stance!**

**The Tesla Cybertruck always turns heads when it shows up. Definitely something cool**

**This sweet car lift set up is definitely the business! Check out that Hummer**

Words and photos by Daniel Navarrete

Additional Photos by Jason Salvador and Chris Brody

This article was prepared or accomplished by Daniel Navarrete in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spektrum Magazine, or its affiliates.