TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS ANNOUNCES WINNER OF 2016 LIFE IS BETTER OFF-ROAD™ SEMA VEHICLE BUILD AWARD
Compton, California (November 3, 2016) – Transamerican Auto Parts has named the winner in its second annual “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA vehicle build competition held at the 2016 SEMA automotive aftermarket industry trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s best presented, truly off-road capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the show was the Daystar Products’ 1941 Dodge Powerwagon “Bootlegger,” as deemed by a panel of off-road industry experts in a ceremony held at the Pro Comp/Transamerican Auto Parts SEMA Show booth.
The winning entry was revealed today at the event hosted by legendary Motocross, Supercross and off-road racing champion, Ricky Johnson. The panel of judges featured some of the most distinguished names in off-road vehicle engineering and development, fabrication, journalism and motorsports.
“The Bootlegger captures the essence of the Life is Better Off-Road Award for its on and off-road capabilities and customized update of the vintage vehicles associated with bootlegging,” said Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO Greg Adler. “The powerwagon took the bootlegger theme and ran with it and the creative use of aftermarket parts impressed us with a nod to history and a keen eye for design.”
Mark Turner of Daystar Products wanted to employ a bootlegger theme throughout the build and chose copper because it was the prime metal commonly used to make bootlegger stills. The engine sports a copper radiator hose and copper air intake while the firewall was changed to copper then covered with dynamite. Bootlegging’s roots are intertwined with NASCAR mythology and moonshine-running vehicles were made to look stock while their inner workings included supercharged engines and weighty shocks and springs to prevent sag as they transported Mason jars full of liquor.
The powerwagon’s supercharged power, racing transmission, custom driveshafts and longer leaf springs made it stand out as supremely off-road capable in a field of remarkable entries ranging from Rubicons to Titan XDs. Completed in 50 days, the Bootlegger was driven to Tennessee for Whiskey & Wheeling with Xtreme Off-Road Adventure then shipped to Alaska for wheeling where it was driven on a glacier.
The Bootlegger’s build list includes:
- Edelbrock LS3 6.2L Supercharged Engine
- Daystar Products Engine and Transmission Mounts
- G2 Axle & Gear Gears
- Optima Batteries
- Skyjacker Leaf Springs
- Interco Super Swamper Tires
The select panel of judges featured off-road icons and personalities including short course off-road racing Pro Lite and Pro 2 Division champion Brian Deegan, DIY fabricator and racer Bill Caswell, celebrated Trophy Truck developer and builder Rick Geiser, Content Director for the Truck Trend Network Sean P. Holman and Editor and Publisher for 4 Wheel Parts’ Off-Road Adventures magazine Craig Perronne.
Entries were submitted up until just days before the SEMA Show began and 10 semi-finalists were selected based on criteria such as off-road reliability and capability, quality of craftsmanship, real-world functionality and overall vehicle presentation. From this field, one truck/SUV and one Jeep were chosen as finalists competing to be awarded as the most authentic off-road-capable vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show.
The 10 Semi-Finalists were:
- Daystar Products Dodge Powerwagon Bootlegger
- Fab Fours Chevrolet Colorado Kymera
- Westin Snyper 2-Door JK
- Hellwig Titan XD
- PIAA JK Unlimited
- High Country Complete Customs
- Addictive Desert Designs Springfield Armory Ford F-150
- Addictive Desert Designs Titan XD
- BruiserConversions JK
- Truck Guru Chevrolet Colorado Long Travel
The Bootlegger will receive a professional photo shoot and a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA Magazine. Additionally, the Daystar Products vehicle will be recognized across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels, including a promotional email campaign, an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows, Truck & Jeep Fests, along with the benefits of extensive partner media coverage of the award. The semi-finalists will also be included in the full media campaign and receive ribbons in recognition of their accomplishment.
Life is Better Off-Road™
There are those among us who believe that pursuing life off-road means rock crawling, trail running, and mud bogging, or maybe storming across the open desert at speed. We agree. Setting off to conquer the earth is why you built your ultimate truck or Jeep. To others, the ultimate adventure is finding the wave, hiking a new trail, kayaking down a roaring river or skiing the impossible run. Your adventure could be loading the family into your truck and heading out to camp under the stars, pulling your boat to a lake, or carrying your dirt bike to a remote trail. Whatever your adventure, make the journey as exciting as the destination. Get outside. Explore, unplug, play in the dirt and go further. Because Life is Better Off-Road.™
About Transamerican Auto Parts: Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four wheel drive vehicles. Transamerican operations are comprised of 75 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: transamericanautoparts.com.
TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS AND BASS PRO SHOPS TO BUILD ULTIMATE SPORTSMAN TOYOTA TUNDRA AT 2016 SEMA SHOW
Compton, California (October 17, 2016) – Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP), in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, a leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, will be building “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra” on-site at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The “live” build to be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot) will be one of the featured SEMA activities for Transamerican, the industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four wheel drive vehicles. Drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center November 1-4, the SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.
The “Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra” will begin life at the show as a brand new 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 as delivered from the factory. Over the course of the four show days, the truck will be outfitted with an array of parts and accessories from leading manufacturers in an effort led by Transamerican Manufacturing Group (TMG) Director of Engineering, Ted Moncure. Headlining the recognized list of suppliers will be an extensive inventory of products from TMG product divisions, Pro Comp and Smittybilt. Additional suppliers providing accessories to enhance the project include MagnaFlow Exhaust, Rigid Industries, All-Pro Off-Road, Bedslide, AMP Research and Yeti.
The vehicle will also receive a complete interior package in addition to a full exterior visual transformation featuring the exclusive “Urban Viper” pattern from camouflage company, TrueTimber®.
“We are thrilled to be launching this collaboration with our friends at Bass Pro Shops through this exciting build live at SEMA,” said TMG President, Sean Angues. “Over the course of the week, show attendees will be treated to the transformation of an entirely stock Tundra truck into an outdoor-ready dream vehicle showcasing our industry leading products that when completed, will be thoroughly equipped to tackle the outdoors.”
During the build process, the “Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra” will be outfitted with comprehensive exterior parts and accessories including the recently released Pro Comp long travel suspension system, Smittybilt front and rear bumpers, Defender rack and rooftop tent along with a Pro Comp wheel and tire package. Interior and bed accessories the Tundra will feature include TrueTimber® seat covers, a Smittybilt Adventure Box and Yeti cooler.
Upon completion, the truck will become the centerpiece of a 2017 national campaign jointly promoted by TAP off-road retail division, 4 Wheel Parts and Bass Pro Shops where one lucky winner will have the opportunity to win the highly-modified outdoor adventure vehicle.
“Bass Pro Shops and 4 Wheel Parts customers share a common passion for outdoor adventure and the Ultimate Sportsman Tundra will be the definitive go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle,” said Luke Snyder, manager of partnership marketing and sponsorships at Bass Pro Shops. “We are excited to collaborate with Transamerican on this project and we look forward to sharing the Tundra in many of our activities and events throughout the upcoming year.”
About Transamerican Auto Parts
Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four wheel drive vehicles. Transamerican operations are comprised of 75 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: transamericanautoparts.com.
About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops is a leading destination retailer offering outdoor gear and apparel in an immersive setting. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today 100 retail and marine centers host 120 million people annually. The company also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is known as a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors. The company has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.”
TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS RENEWS THE “LIFE IS BETTER OFF-ROAD™” SEMA VEHICLE BUILD AWARD
Compton, California (Sept 26, 2016) – Transamerican Auto Parts is proud to announce the 2016 renewal of the “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA builder award. After a tremendously successful launch last year at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the “Life is Better Off-Road™” award has established itself as the premier industry prize awarded by Transamerican Auto Parts to the best presented, truly off-road capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the show.
“With the off-road performance aftermarket category firmly entrenched into the landscape at SEMA, the Transamerican Auto Parts “Life is Better Off-Road™” award uniquely recognizes the technical achievements and engineering advancements exclusive to the development of aftermarket products for off-road trucks, Jeeps and SUVs,” said Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler. “It’s an honor for us to recognize the individuals responsible for these incredible, off-road capable builds.”
The Award’s inaugural winner, The CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs, was chosen from among hundreds of submissions by the carefully selected panel of leading industry authorities at the 2015 SEMA show in a ceremony hosted by television personality and noted automotive enthusiast Rutledge Wood. This year’s panel of judges will once again represent a broad section of the off-road industry to include fabricators, journalists, industry personalities and professional off-road racers.
The award is open to all off-road vehicle constructors and product manufacturers on display at the SEMA show and will once again be judged by an elite panel of the off-road industry’s leading authorities who select 10 semi-finalists from among the submitted entries based on such criteria as off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, quality of craftsmanship and overall vehicle presentation. The panel will then choose one Jeep and one truck/SUV as the two finalists to be considered for recognition as the most authentic, off-road-capable vehicle at the SEMA Show.
The award, a custom designed trophy, will be presented by Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 3 at the Pro Comp/Transamerican Auto Parts Booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (Located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot).
In addition to the trophy itself, the winner will receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA Magazine, a professional photo shoot and recognition across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels. A promotional email campaign will highlight the award and winners and TAP will extend an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows and Truck & Jeep Fests. The 10 semi-finalists will also be included in the full media campaign as well as receiving ribbons in recognition of the accomplishment.
To submit your off-road SEMA display vehicle for award consideration, please visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award.There you may complete your entry on-line or download the PDF application that may be completed and emailed to [email protected] .
For more information, complete rules, terms and conditions for the Transamerican Auto Parts “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA builder award please visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award or email questions to [email protected].
Life is Better Off-Road™
There are those among us who believe that pursuing life off-road means rock crawling, trail running, and mud bogging, or maybe storming across the open desert at speed. We agree. Setting off to conquer the earth is why you built your ultimate truck or Jeep. To others, the ultimate adventure is finding the wave, hiking a new trail, kayaking down a roaring river or skiing the impossible run. Your adventure could be loading the family into your truck and heading out to camp under the stars, pulling your boat to a lake, or carrying your dirt bike to a remote trail. Whatever your adventure, make the journey as exciting as the destination. Get outside. Explore, unplug, play in the dirt and go further. Because Life is Better Off-Road.™
About Transamerican Auto Parts: Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four wheel drive vehicles. Transamerican operations are comprised of 75 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: transamericanautoparts.com.
TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS ANNOUNCES RECIPIENT OF LIFE IS BETTER OFF-ROAD™ SEMA VEHICLE BUILD AWARD
Transamerican Auto Parts has selected a winner in the inaugural “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA vehicle build competition. The CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs was named as the best presented, truly off-road capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the show by a panel of experts in a ceremony hosted at the Pro Comp/Transamerican Auto Parts booth at the annual SEMA automotive aftermarket industry trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winning entry was revealed Thursday, November 5 at the event hosted by NBC Motorsports personality and host of History Channel’s Top Gear USA, Rutledge Wood.
“The CC Legend Jeep exemplifies what we envisioned when we initially conceived the Life is Better Off-Road Award,” said Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO Greg Adler. “The entries we received set the benchmark in bringing off-road concepts to life with their winning combinations of form and function, well thought out design and execution while demonstrating the use of aftermarket parts and their impressive off-road capabilities.”
The Chris Kyle “The Legend” JK was built for the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation to raise funds to benefit soldiers and EMS personnel with PTSD. The winning JK will be auctioned off next year for the foundation in an effort to continue to support those in need. Complete Customs of McKinney, Texas built the Chris Kyle “The Legend” Jeep JK to honor Chris and his beliefs and replica models will be built and offered to the general public starting in 2016.
The CC Legend build list includes:
- Addictive Desert Designs Venom Jeep JK Front & Rear Bumpers
- Rock Krawler 5.5-inch Trail Gunner Suspension
- A WARN Winch
- Interco 40-inch Super Swamper M16 Tires
- Rigid Industries LED Lighting
The elite panel of judges featured off-road luminaries including Ultra 4 champion and recent Off-Road Hall of Fame Inductee, Shannon Campbell, action sports pioneer and off-road race champion, Brian Deegan, renowned trophy truck builder Rick Geiser and scion of the well-known Currie Enterprises, Casey Currie. Rounding out the experts were Sean P. Holman, Content Director for the Truck Trend Network and Craig Perronne, Editor and Publisher for 4 Wheel Parts’ Off-Road Adventures magazine.
10 semi-finalists were chosen from submitted entries based on criteria like off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, quality of craftsmanship and overall vehicle presentation. From those contenders, one truck/SUV and one Jeep were selected as finalists competing to be awarded as the most authentic off-road-capable vehicle at the 2015 SEMA Show.
The CC Legend will receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA Magazine and a professional photo shoot. Additionally, the Addictive Desert Designs vehicle will be recognized across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels, including a promotional email campaign, an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows, Truck & Jeep Fests, along with the benefits of extensive partner media coverage of the award. The semi-finalists will also be included in the full media campaign and receive ribbons in recognition of their accomplishment.
Life is Better Off-Road™
There are those among us who believe that pursuing life off-road means rock crawling, trail running, and mud bogging, or maybe storming across the open desert at speed. We agree. Setting off to conquer the earth is why you built your ultimate truck or Jeep. To others, the ultimate adventure is finding the wave, hiking a new trail, kayaking down a roaring river or skiing the impossible run. Your adventure could be loading the family into your truck and heading out to camp under the stars, pulling your boat to a lake, or carrying your dirt bike to a remote trail. Whatever your adventure, make the journey as exciting as the destination. Get outside. Explore, unplug, play in the dirt and go further. Because Life is Better Off-Road.™
About Transamerican Auto Parts: Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps and SUVs. Transamerican operations are comprised of 72 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder Customs. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: transamericanautoparts.com
TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS LIFE IS BETTER OFF-ROAD™ AWARD JUDGES AND HOST ANNOUNCED
Compton, California (October 27, 2015) – Today, Transamerican Auto Parts announced the panel of experts who have been selected as judges for the 2015 “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA builder award in addition to the host of the award presentation. The group of judges has been selected to represent a cross section of the off-road industry and includes some of the most recognizable individuals in off-road vehicle design, fabrication, journalism, and competition.
Hosting the award presentation will be renowned automobile enthusiast, NBC Motorsports personality and host of History Channel’s Top Gear USA, Rutledge Wood. While known for his knowledge and enthusiasm for all things automotive, Wood has himself been bitten by the off-road bug, making him the ideal choice to direct this important presentation.
Representing rock crawling, rock racing, Ultra4 competition and fabrication is vehicle builder and race champion, Shannon Campbell. Campbell’s innovative approach to “hard core” 4×4 rock crawling and racing has earned him countless victories and established him as one of the foremost authorities in off-road vehicle design and fabrication.
Joining Campbell on the panel is fellow Ultra4 competitor, short course off-road racer, Jeep enthusiast and scion of the well-known Curry Enterprises, Casey Curry. With his transition from freestyle motocross evolving into a successful Rallycross and short course off-road racing career, action sports icon, Brian Deegan has quickly emerged as a tour de force in the world of off-road motorsports. As a team owner with multiple signature aftermarket products to his name, Deegan will bring his unique perspective and a businesslike approach to the proceedings.
Trophy Truck racing is the premier division in off-road racing with the custom, tube chassis vehicles commonly requiring an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars and often climbing into seven figures for a complete high end build. Rick Geiser and his brother Jeff are considered the Godfathers of the modern Trophy Truck. With more trucks on the course and more wins under their belts than all other builders combined, Geiser brings a tremendous level of design, development and fabrication experience to the panel.
Rounding out the collection of experts are off-road journalists Sean P. Holman and Craig Perronne. Holman an off-road enthusiast himself, currently serves as Content Director for the Truck Trend Network, overseeing the editorial content production and strategy for the group’s seven brands. Perronne now serves as both Editor and Publisher for 4 Wheel Parts’ Off-Road Adventures magazine after a 10-year long stint at Dirt Sports Magazine.
The group will be selecting 10 semi-finalists from among the previously submitted entries based on such criteria as off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, quality of craftsmanship and overall vehicle presentation. From those contenders, one Jeep and one truck / SUV will be chosen as the two finalists to vie for the designation of being named the most authentic off-road-capable vehicle at the SEMA Show.
Launching this year at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the “Life is Better Off-Road™” award is an annual industry prize awarded by Transamerican Auto Parts to the best presented, truly off-road capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the show.
The award, a custom designed trophy, will be presented by Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at the Pro Comp / Transamerican Auto Parts Booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (Located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot).
In addition to the award itself, the winner will receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA Magazine, a professional photo shoot, recognition across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels, a promotional email campaign highlighting the award and winners, an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows, Truck & Jeep Fests, along with the benefits of extensive partner media coverage of the award. The 10 semi-finalists will also be included in the full media campaign as well as receiving ribbons in recognition of their accomplishment.
To submit your off-road SEMA display vehicle for award consideration please visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award.There you may complete your entry on-line or download the PDF application that may be completed and emailed to [email protected].
For more information, complete rules, terms and conditions for the Transamerican Auto Parts “Life is Better Off-Road™” SEMA builder award please visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award
Life is Better Off-Road™
There are those among us who believe that pursuing life off-road means rock crawling, trail running, and mud bogging, or maybe storming across the open desert at speed. We agree. Setting off to conquer the earth is why you built your ultimate truck or Jeep. To others, the ultimate adventure is finding the wave, hiking a new trail, kayaking down a roaring river or skiing the impossible run. Your adventure could be loading the family into your truck and heading out to camp under the stars, pulling your boat to a lake, or carrying your dirt bike to a remote trail. Whatever your adventure, make the journey as exciting as the destination. Get outside. Explore, unplug, play in the dirt and go further. Because Life is Better Off-Road. ™
About Transamerican Auto Parts: Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four wheel drive vehicles. Transamerican operations are comprised of 71 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder Customs. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: transamericanautoparts.com
