The International Motorcycle Show opened November 12th in Dallas with its newest feature display, The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, taking center stage on a red carpet right down the middle from one end of the show to the other. When the crowds (estimated at 30,000 enthusiasts) first entered, they were drawn to the gleaming chrome and brilliant paint, and as they got closer the craftsmanship and artistry of these custom bike builders became apparent.
The quality of the bikes entered in this debut show definitely was world class. Not only were the builders competing for $7000 in first place awards and $1500 in
The first Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show was held at the IMS in Dallas last weekend where Christian Dotson won top honors in the Free Style class for his '07 Dotson Design Custom above. The winning custom bike builders gathered for a photo op below.
prizes, they also were competing for a chance to qualify for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building to be held in Sturgis in the summer of 2011.
The judging for this show was done in a manner similar to World Championship judging, with builders themselves being a major part of the decision-making. VIPs from the motorcycle industry also were invited to share their expertise as judges, and in the case of a tie the Mob Rules, aka people's choice, became the tie breaker. Having only three classes, along with definitive rules and peer judging, makes for a tough competition. On Sunday afternoon everyone anxiously awaited the results.
Free Style
1st Place: Christian Dotson with his 07 Dotson Design Custom
Modified Harley
1st Place: Lobo with his 08 Lowrider style Road King
Performance Custom
1st Place: Mark Adams with his Suzuki powered Pickard USA Custom
Mob Rules
People's Choice: Derek Johnson with his wild 02 Suzuki Hayabusa
It was a great show. Special thanks are due the International Motorcycle Show, Harley Davidson and Yamaha for their support and the great prizes they provided. There will be an Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at all 12 of the International Motorcycle Shows across the USA this winter, with the American Championship being held in Daytona in March 2011.
The Ultimate Builder Competition runs concurrently with all Progressive International Motorcycle Shows. The series now moves to San Mateo, CA, Nov. 19-21, 2010; Seattle, WA, Dec. 10-12, 2010; Long Beach, CA, Dec. 17-19, 2010, Novi, MI, Jan. 7-9, 2011; Washington, DC, Jan. 14-16, 2011; New York, NY, Jan. 21-23, 2011; Cleveland, OH, Jan. 28-30, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 4-6, 2011, Chicago, IL, Feb. 11-13, 2011; Greenville, SC, Feb. 25-27, 2011, Daytona, FL, Mar. 9-12, 2011.
