Lucas Bell 
Despite the ongoing situation with the coronavirus pandemic here in the United States, the organizers of SEMA 2020 have made it very clear that they have every intention of having the show this year (but skepticism remains). Single handedly the largest gathering of all things aftermarket, SEMA is known for the incredible builds that land on the show floor. The ongoing Battle of The Builders competition has become a point of pride for shops across the country, including for reigning champion Ringbrothers. Well, it appears that the Spring Green, Wisconsin-based builders are gunning to defend their title.
Over on the SEMA Show YouTube channel, we have seen Adrienne “AJ” Janic video chat with a few of the title contenders about the upcoming Battle of The Builders. In their latest installment, the AJ spoke with reigning champions Mike and Jim Ring of Wisconsin’s Ringbrothers to gauge how they were feeling about the competition, and their competitors. While there was certainly playful ribbing done at the expense of some of the other shops, it is clear throughout that Mike and Jim do not want to lose their throne. Their main competition comes from another pair of brothers just a stone throw away in Illinois. The Gerber brothers, otherwise known as the owners of Roadster Shop, who will be building a 1977 Chevrolet K10 pickup truck. It will pack 650 horsepower, thanks to a GM crate engine, likely an LT4 supercharged V8 based on the output. They’re also working on a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air that will eventually produce 1,300-1,400 horsepower, thanks to a Wegner Motorsports built LS3 and a Precision turbo.
What we can ascertain from the video is the fact that Ringbrothers will be bringing two cars to the SEMA show this year, but only one will be entered in the Battle of The Builders competition. That vehicle is a highly modified 1972 K5 Blazer, which is in the middle of construction at this point. While we don’t have a lot of information to share, they brothers were quick to note that this truck is carrying a 1,400 horsepower engine between its front flanks. The truck also marks the first time that Ringbrothers have entered the competition in the truck and off-road category. But if that wasn’t enough, the brothers Ring also teased a reboot of their 1969 Dodge Charger from a few years ago. For the 2020 SEMA Show, it will get the Mopar Hellephant crate engine with 1,000 horsepower.
If there is one thing that we know about Ringbrothers, it is the fact that they build some of the best cars that money can buy. While the truck segment may be a new take for them, we have no doubt that they will bring the same level of attention to detail that they’re known for. They might have their work cut out for them however, as four of the last six winners of the competition have been 1969 Camaros.
