Have you noticed a change in the last few issues of Diesel World? By now, regular subscribers and new readers have (hopefully!) seen that we’re getting Diesel World back to its roots—and back to a magazine we as an industry can be proud of. And it’s even better when you see your own build or a friend’s in print! We are tirelessly working to keep print alive and reduce your screen time each month.
We were warmly welcomed to the Performance Racing Industry show (PRI), which was our last show of the 2023 season. It was so awesome seeing “Diesel Row” and the growing presence of the diesel industry in a previously full-on gas-engine world. The diesel innovation we saw this year was second to none. I want to say thanks to the guys and gals who continue to push diesel performance in every corner of the automotive industry!
This past month, we’ve edited and posted our super-detailed SEMA recap (check it out on Diesel World’s socials) and we’re getting our show schedule lined out for 2024. We’ve also been ripping on getting Stock to Not through the break-in period—which we did in three days—and up to par with our Belltech lowering kit to give us a better driveline angle and a night-and-day difference on the look of the truck.
Once again, thank you for picking up an issue of Diesel World magazine, whether you’re a subscriber or you’re out grabbing some groceries. Stay tuned for the best in diesel rides!
When it comes to automotive events, you’ll find nothing larger or more recognized than the SEMA Show. While most people perceive this event to be a car-and-truck show, it isn’t. It’s an industry-only trade show designed for aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and related companies to network and show off the latest and greatest parts.
Are most of these parts installed on top-notch vehicles? Yes. Are there more high-end builds than any other automotive event? Yes. So, in a way, you can say it’s a “show” but on a totally different level.
Each year people from all over the world travel to Las Vegas the first week of November to attend this event, and this was the 60th year they have done so. SEMA organizers recorded more than 130,000 attendees with 70,000-plus buyers and 3,000-plus media personal, all from over 140 countries. While the size of the crowd was massive, the size of the venue was even more impressive: With over a million square feet indoors plus all the massive outdoor areas, attendees had literally no way to see every vehicle.
Engaged Media, the parent company of Street Trucks magazine and our sister titles, sent the editorial team to SEMA so that we could give our readers the best truck coverage possible. The company also hosted a booth in the Central Hall, right in the middle of Hot Rod Alley. In the booth, we debuted our Sergeant Square C10 build you’ve seen for several months throughout the build process, which was done to benefit Mission 22. The booth stayed packed from opening to closing each day as attendees stopped by to salute the Sergeant in person.
We also debuted our Project Stockish, a ’23 Sierra build you’ve also seen on these pages. It starred in the Dropstars Wheels booth after making its way from North Carolina to Las Vegas to represent the wheel company as well as Street Trucks.
To get you the best print and digital coverage in the world, we packed our most comfortable shoes and stocked up on plenty of water and energy drinks to prepare for the miles we would walk each day as we tracked down the best trucks and the newest products.
This is one event we refuse to miss. And because it’s open only to the automotive industry, it’s a must for us that we attend to bring you as much coverage as possible. Follow our social media pages as well as the Motortopia YouTube channel for even more content from the show!
A the dust settles on SEMA Show 2023, one thing is clear: this year’s show was an absolute triumph for auto enthusiasts of all persuasions, and we were proud to see the diesel folks show up and show out. This year, Diesel World Magazine and our team descended upon Las Vegas to soak in the sights, sounds, and innovations that make the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show the most exciting event of the year for the whole automotive industry.
With over 70,000 domestic and international buyers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts in attendance, SEMA Show 2023 was nothing short of an automotive oasis. But of course, we had our eyes open for the diesel power on display. Walking through the crowded halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, it was evident that diesel power is only getting stronger. The sheer number of trucks, each more decked out than the last, was enough to make any diesel heart beat a little faster.
SEMA Show 2023 wasn’t just about products; it was a showcase of innovation and customization. The Battle of the Builders competition brought together the finest craftsmen in the automotive world, and the diesel category was no exception. After witnessing the creativity and ingenuity on display and getting to shoot some awesome trucks you may see on these pages soon, we’re now even more excited about the future of diesel.
Our journey through SEMA Show began with a pilgrimage to the most impressive booths on the floor. One standout was the 1 Way Diesel showcase, where we got a chance to see how they’re merging raw power with cutting-edge technology. 1 Way Diesel has long been a standby for diesel enthusiasts, and their SEMA Show display did not disappoint. From performance upgrades to diesel-specific accessories, the array of products left us eager to enhance our own rigs. It’s safe to say that 1 Way Diesel is at the forefront of pushing the limits of diesel performance.
Liberty Forged Wheels was another heavyweight in the diesel showroom, showcasing their latest designs that seamlessly blend form and function. The attention to detail on their forged wheels was nothing short of spectacular. These wheels aren’t just an upgrade; they’re a statement. They were also the first wheel company to actually manufacture a set of wheels in their booth at SEMA Show, with the help of HAAS automation. Liberty Forged Wheels are a testament to the fact that diesel enthusiasts crave both performance and aesthetics, and these wheels deliver on both fronts. You’ve seen them on these pages before, and we think it’s a safe bet you’ll see a lot more in the future.
In our quest for the best, we also hit up the SSBC Brakes booth, where braking performance took center stage. We all know ensuring your ride has the stopping power it needs is a critical component of any truck build. SSBC Brakes demonstrated why they are an industry leader, with an impressive lineup of American-made and sourced high-performance brake systems designed to handle the increased demands of diesel power. When it comes to safety and stopping power, SSBC Brakes is a name that diesel enthusiasts can trust.
We couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as we spent time at the Motortopia booth, too. Motortopia has been at the forefront of diesel journalism, and SEMA Show was the perfect platform to connect with our readers and spread the word about Diesel World Magazine. The energy at the booth was contagious, and we were stoked to see so many diesel enthusiasts eager to pick up our latest issue.
In terms of sheer numbers, SEMA Show 2023 did not disappoint. With over 2,400 exhibiting companies and 3,000 new products, the show was a massive combination of innovation and excitement. The sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center was home to over 1,500 trucks, each telling a unique story of customization and passion. Navigating the 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, we were constantly surrounded by the hum of engines and the smell of burnt rubber. It may be a chaotic week, but at the end of the day, it’s our happy place.
As we reflect back on SEMA Show 2023, one thing becomes abundantly clear—the diesel community is stronger than ever. With brands like 1 Way Diesel, Liberty Forged Wheels, and SSBC Brakes leading the charge, the future of diesel performance is in good hands. The team at Diesel World Magazine truly is honored to be a voice of this community, and we can’t wait to share the stories and innovations we discovered at SEMA Show 2023 with our readers. The SEMA Show 2032 experience may be over, but the diesel revolution is just getting started.
