2024 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge Recap

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Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh - Ray Bedner (Overall Winner)

Introduction

The 2024 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge was a standout highlight of this year’s SEMA Show. It brought together some of the industry’s most talented restylers to showcase their innovative, showroom-ready builds. This year’s event saw an increased turnout and a notable rise in dealer participation, further cementing the Challenge as a vital bridge between restylers, manufacturers, and dealerships.

The energy inside the competition space reflected the passion, creativity, and business savvy that define the aftermarket industry. Restylers didn’t just compete; they demonstrated the real-world impact of vehicle personalization—creating builds designed to resonate with dealerships and, ultimately, the end customer.

From rugged off-road packages to commercial fleet applications and luxury interior upgrades, each participant brought a unique vision to the table. The stakes were high as their peers judged the builds—each contestant voting on the others’ work while refraining from scoring their own vehicle. Attendees also played a critical role by voting for their favorite build via QR codes displayed at the event, leading to the coveted Fan Favorite Award.

By the end of the event, the Pro Cup Challenge wasn’t just a competition—it was a showcase of the industry’s collective innovation, creativity, and ability to deliver real solutions that excite customers and drive dealer sales.

Event Overview

The Pro Cup Challenge brought together six standout restyling teams nationwide. Each team was tasked with building a vehicle that could wow attendees and deliver practical, market-ready solutions for dealerships. Each build represented a unique interpretation of what restylers can accomplish for dealers and customers alike, from luxury SUV packages to commercial truck outfitting.

The judging process added a layer of camaraderie and fairness to the event: each contestant scored their competitors’ builds on criteria such as craftsmanship, innovation, and market appeal, ensuring a merit-based outcome. Meanwhile, the audience engaged with the vehicles up close and voted for their favorite builds through a Fan Favorite poll, adding to the excitement and inclusivity of the event.

Contestant Highlights and Winner Spotlight

The 2024 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge featured six restylers, bringing diverse builds to the competition floor. From rugged off-road packages to luxury interiors and innovative fleet solutions, the vehicles on display captured the imagination of attendees and judges alike. Each build reflected craftsmanship, creativity, and a strategic focus on real-world appeal, showing dealers exactly how aftermarket enhancements can elevate their showroom offerings.

Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh - Ray Bedner (Overall Winner)

Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh’s ‘24 Toyota Rav4 XLE Hybrid
Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh’s ‘24 Toyota Rav4 XLE Hybrid
DescriptionSupplier
LEATHER INTERIOR-NORTHERN LIGHTSALEA
CARBON FIBER HEATING PADSALEA
UBER LITE ROOFTOP TENTIRONMAN
2″ ATS SUSPENSION LIFT KITIRONMAN
FRONT BUMPER GUARDIRONMAN
ATLAS ROOFRACK CROSS BARSIRONMAN
7″ SCOPE DRIVING LIGHTSIRONMAN
7″ SCOPE DRIVING LIGHT COVERS (AMBER)IRONMAN
BAHA BOSS A/T TIRES (4)MICKEY THOMPSON
OVERLANDER WHEELS (4)ENKEI
REWEB SEATBELTS – LIME GREENSEATBELTPLANET
MIRROR & DOOR HANDLE CAPSTRIM ILLUSION
LED UNDERCAR LIGHTSXK GLOW
10″ SMART TV SEATBACK SYSTEMVOXX
DRIVER & PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW TINTLLUMAR
ROOF & ACCENTS WRAP & BADGESTSS

At the top of this year’s Pro Cup Challenge stood Ray Bedner and the Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh team. With a 2024 Toyota Rav4 XLE Hybrid, they delivered a build that perfectly balanced elegance and marketability. Their focus on high-end interior upgrades and thoughtful modifications resonated with their peers and attendees.

Ray’s team showcased their expertise with a vehicle featuring premium leather interiors, carefully chosen trim accents, and subtle but effective upgrades to the cabin space. Its universal appeal set its build apart—practical enough for a dealership to envision on their lot and luxurious enough to excite customers looking for more than factory-standard offerings.

In Ray’s own words during his post-event podcast interview, the secret to their success was understanding the dealership mindset:

“Dealers want vehicles that sell quickly, that look good on the floor, and have something unique to offer customers. We kept it simple but impactful, and that’s why it worked.”

The clean execution and meticulous attention to detail earned Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh the top honor, proving that sometimes the winning formula lies in delivering accessible upgrades that blend innovation with everyday appeal.

Auto Trim Restyling - Kevin McGowan (Fan Favorite)

Auto Trim Restyling’s ’24 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250
Auto Trim Restyling’s ’24 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250
DescriptionSupplier
2.5″ Lift KitWestcott Designs
AlignmentIn-House
Full Length Roof Rack w/ 10 light CutoutWestcott Designs
Rear Hatch LadderWestcott Designs
Dual Side Molle Panels 
Ditch Light BracketsWestcott Designs
Rigid Industries 10 Light Kit for Roof RackRigid Industries
Rigid Industires 2 Light Kit for Ditch BracketsRigid Industries
Method Race Wheels 18×9 MR321 GBMethod Race Wheels
Nitto Recon Grappler 35×12.50r18Nitto
Gorilla Lug KitWheelPros
Wrap Roof Satin Black Protective Wrap Film (PWF)LLumar
Retro StripeAvery Dennison
Trigger 4 Shooter Light ControllerOracle
Ceramic window tintLLumar

The Fan Favorite Award went to Kevin McGowan, Mike McGowan, and their team at Auto Trim Restyling in St. Louis, whose build of a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 turned heads for its versatility and rugged style. Combining off-road capability with dealer-ready practicality, Kevin’s team delivered a build that attendees connected with on a personal level.

The Land Cruiser featured a well-rounded package of functional enhancements and aesthetic upgrades that struck a chord with fans. The build included off-road tires, custom trim accents, and subtle tech improvements, making it equally appealing to adventure seekers and everyday drivers.

Kevin emphasized their strategy during the interviews, focusing on builds that dealerships can easily replicate:

“We designed a package that dealers can sell right off the lot—something that looks premium, performs well, but is still approachable. The Land Cruiser is a blank canvas, and we wanted to show what’s possible while keeping it dealer-friendly.”

Winning the Fan Favorite Award was a testament to Auto Trim Restyling’s ability to balance creativity with practicality. The Land Cruiser showcased how restylers can take a popular model and enhance it in ways that appeal to a broad customer base, making it a perfect fit for showroom floors.

Automotive Concepts - Dino Perfetti

Automotive Concepts' Chevrolet Silverado WT 2024
Automotive Concepts' Chevrolet Silverado WT 2024
AccessorySupplier
TRUCK CAP COMMERCIAL SERIESSMART CAP
COMMERCIAL TOPPER SHELF INSERT SMART CAP
ROOF TOP RACK / DROP DOWN SMART  CAP
CARGO SLIDE OUT / DUAL 600DECKED
CONDUIT CARRIERPRIME DESIGN
CUSTOM GRAPHICSAUTOMOTIVE CONCEPTS
CUSTOM FOREMAN WORK STATIONAUTOMOTIVE CONCEPTS
TINT 2 FRONT WINDOWSLLUMAR
STROBE LIGHTSECCO
LEVELING KITROUGH COUNTRY
CUSTOM WHEELS 20X9 FITIPALDI
TIRES 305/55/20 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY ATTOYO TIRE
OEM WHEEL AND TIRE CREDIT 

Dino Perfetti and the team at Automotive Concepts took a unique approach by focusing on the often-overlooked commercial fleet market. Their well-equipped 2024 Chevrolet Silverado WT commercial truck build stood out in its category, demonstrating how aftermarket solutions can deliver real value for businesses.

Dino’s truck featured a range of creative storage solutions and rugged utility upgrades, including customized racks, compartments, and organizational tools designed for commercial use. These enhancements transformed the vehicle into a highly functional workhorse that appealed to fleet managers and dealerships catering to commercial clients.

“Our focus was on functionality,” Dino explained during his interview. “We wanted to show how restylers can take a standard truck and outfit it for businesses. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about providing solutions that dealerships can sell to contractors, fleet owners, and commercial customers.”

By targeting the commercial market, Dino’s team brought a fresh perspective to the competition, proving that restylers can expand their opportunities by addressing the growing demand for fleet customization.

Auto Trim Design - Curtis Nielson

Auto Trim Design of Utah's Hyundai Santa Fe 2024
Auto Trim Design of Utah's Hyundai Santa Fe 2024
AccessorySupplier
Custom Leather InteriorKatzkin
Paint Protection PackageSunTek
Ceramic TintSunTek
Color Change Wrap Package3M
Roof RackRhino
Lift Kit 1.5 Inch 
Wheel & Tire Package 

Curtis Nielson at Auto Trim Design of Utah brought a build that combined classic styling with modern enhancements, showcasing a thoughtful approach to aftermarket customization. Curtis’ team focused on upgrades that added value without overcomplicating the base vehicle, making it a strong candidate for dealership adoption.

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 build featured enhancements to the vehicle’s exterior trim, interior comfort, and subtle tech upgrades that elevated the overall experience for drivers. Curtis emphasized that simplicity and versatility were key:

“It’s about adding value where it matters most. Dealers need vehicles that look sharp and offer something unique but can still appeal to a wide range of customers.”

Curtis’ build underscored how even subtle aftermarket modifications can make a big difference, particularly for dealerships looking to differentiate their inventory.

MARS of Billings - Devon Davidson

MARS Nation / Mars of Billings' 2024 Ford Bronco
MARS Nation / Mars of Billings' 2024 Ford Bronco
AccessorySupplier
XPEL Full Body Paint Protection FilmXPEL
XPEL PRIME XR 20% Window Tint (Front Side Doors)XPEL
XPEL Windshield Protection FilmXPEL
XPEL Fusion Premier Ceramic Coating PackageXPEL
FORM LED Projector HeadlightsDiode Dynamics
Stage Series Sport Fog Light KitDiode Dynamics
Bronco Hood and Rocker Graphic (Matte Blue Met.)Eagle Enterprises
Matte White w/ Amber Backlite Grille LettersORACLE Lighting
Katzkin Custom Leather KitKatzkin
Katzkin Heated/Cooled Seat PackageKatzkin
DV8 OE Plus Step BarsKeystone Automotive
707 Bahia Blue Method Racing WheelsKeystone Automotive

Devon Davidson and his team at MARS of Billings delivered a build emphasizing practicality and market demand. Their 2024 Ford Bronco entry was designed with the everyday customer in mind, combining cost-effective enhancements with a clean, polished presentation.

Devon’s approach focused on high-demand modifications that dealers can offer without significant investment, including interior upgrades and functional enhancements that improve the vehicle’s usability.

“We wanted to create something practical—something that’s attainable and easy for dealerships to implement,” Devon explained. “It’s not always about flashy; it’s about what sells.”

This approach resonated with judges, showcasing that restylers can deliver impactful customizations that meet dealership and customer needs without breaking the bank.

Keystone Styling - Kenny Pillings

Keystone Styling's 2024 Ford F150
Keystone Styling's 2024 Ford F150
AccessorySupplier
3.5″ SST Suspension LiftReady Lift
20″ Fuel Wheels & Spline LugsWheel Pros
35″ Ridge Grappler TiresNitto Tire
Speedo Recal.Forescan
Wheel Well LinersRough Country
Dual Exhaust w/Black TipsKS
Custom Leather InteriorLeather Craft
Colored Seat BeltsSeat Belt Planet
Heated Rear SeatsChampion
Caliper CoversMGP
Adrenaline Edition GraphicsKS

Rounding out the competition was Kenny Pillings of Keystone Styling, whose builds blended modern styling and functional upgrades. Kenny’s 2024 Ford F150 stood out for its clean execution, featuring custom interior work and carefully chosen exterior enhancements that gave it a refreshed, modern appeal.

Kenny focused on combining aesthetics with functionality, delivering a build that showcased the versatility of aftermarket solutions:

“We wanted to create something that dealerships can confidently display—something with broad appeal that still feels unique to the buyer.”

Kenny’s approach reinforced the value of attention to detail, proving that even subtle aftermarket modifications can transform a vehicle into something that stands out on the showroom floor.

Conclusion

The 2024 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge delivered an impressive lineup of builds reflecting today’s top restylers’ skill, creativity, and business acumen. From fleet-focused commercial trucks to showroom-ready luxury packages, the competition showcased the incredible versatility of the aftermarket industry.

With increased dealer participation and stronger audience engagement, the event demonstrated the tangible value of restyling as a critical part of the automotive ecosystem. Whether enhancing customer appeal, driving sales, or solving real-world problems for commercial markets, this year’s contestants set a new standard for what’s possible in vehicle customization.

For Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh and Fan Favorite winner Auto Trim Restyling, their success reflects a larger story: that the Pro Cup Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a showcase for the future of the aftermarket industry, connecting restylers, dealers, and customers in ways that drive the business forward.

As the competition evolves, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.

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