I kept forgetting or procrastinating on posting the SEMA 2023 schwag, but here it is

 the most intriguing thing was the coozie WITH a bottle opener! 

A lot more booths were giving out bottle openers last year, far fewer t shirts, and lots more car freshners

the wide variety of cars upgraded to play in the Optima Challenge, and compete for the title of the Ultimate Street Car

Nice to see an AMX in the race

I was told this is a real AAR Cuda, with all the real AAR Cuda stuff removed and sold, so, there was no reason to not upgrade it with aftermarket stuff to make it a fun race car for the Ultimate Street Car Challenge

I had a 1993 Probe about 20 years ago. If they had only had powerful engines and great brakes, it would have been an awesome car.

Chevelles at the Optima Challenge Finals at SEMA

Camaros (1st gen) in the Optima Challenge Finals at SEMA

70s Camaros (2nd gen) at the Optima Challenge Finals at SEMA

surprising number of 80s Camaros (3rd gen) in the Optima Challenge at SEMA

trucks in the Optima Challenge Finals at SEMA

I found a tailgate party Beer Pong table that slides in and out of a truck bed at SEMA

 

cool built, not bought, SEMA booth podium

obviously a lot more money thrown at it for looks than dragstrip or autocross performance. I wonder, does it feel just like a new Mustang when driving on the street?

looks track ready

the build thread at https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/65204-1968-Camaro-(projekt-1sickT8)?utm_medium=email&utm_source=protouring&utm_content=2023-12-05&utm_campaign=takethedrive

shows that this was in real bad shape when found, and bought for $100

interesting GTO, it shows what one would look like if Pontiac were making them today

why does it seem like they tried to make it look like a Wrangler

2023 SEMA product of the year, Cyclerama Pistons

  The dimples spread out the flame front by creating more surface area for a more controlled flame front as it travels across the piston. More complete burn equates to less carbon and more efficiency of the combustion process. 

one of the most rewarding aspects of my favorite hobby (this one, what are you even asking for?) is learning interesting stuff all the time, everywhere, like this special color scheme for only the Alberta truck

not enough Oldsmobiles