Canadian builder Cole Marten was among only three competing Young Guns builders in North America to win a Golden Ticket to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

It’s not the first time a build from Marten’s Throttle Thrashers Garage in Penticton, B.C. has won a trip to SEMA. In 2019, co-owner Chelsea Lesnoski’s RB2586 GTR was a Top 10 Young Guns choice.

This year, Marten’s Nissan Skyline GTR caught the eye of the judges in the all-online qualifier competition and will be heading to SEMA for the Battle of the Builders.

The competition open only to builders with vehicles at the SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 2-5, 2021, in Las Vegas.

As part of an initiative to support and encourage young builders to engage with the automotive industry, three virtual regional qualifier events were held for builders under the age of 27.

The 2021 Young Guns regional winners are:

• Thomas Dickerson, of Athens, Ga. (Eastern Region)–1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
• Dayton Jacobsen, of Burnsville, Minn. (Midwest Region)–2000 Chevrolet S10
• Cole Marten, of Penticton, B.C. (Pacific Region)–1991 Skyline R32 GTR

This year’s contest included representation from a variety of market segments and fierce competition.

Builders from across North America were vying for a Golden Ticket that includes a trip for two to the November trade-only show, along with transportation for the vehicle and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure to rising young builders who were otherwise unable to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.

As the stars of the competition, participants gain valuable publicity and exposure throughout the week of the SEMA Show, as well as in a television special that follows the builders’ journeys.

For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.