

Received an e-mail earlier this week from Las Vegas BikeFest listing the competitors in this year’s “Artistry in Iron” invitational and the caliber of talent in this year’s build-off is phenomenal. There’s a lot of prestige surrounding “Artistry in Iron.” Not only does the winner receive a fat $10,000 check, they are elected by a jury of their peers. Rick Bray of RKB Kustom Speed is going to have his hands full defending the title because everyone on this year’s list has the skills to create show-winners.
‘Artistry in Iron’ is also attended by the editors of several of the top print magazines covering the custom and cruiser scene who will each select a motorcycle for a feature spread in their respective rags. The audience also gets to vote for the People’s Choice Winner.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, October 4 at 6 p.m. in the ‘Artistry in Iron’ showcase at the Cashman Center. A list of competitors is below.
Shannon Aikua, Count’s Kustoms
Lock Baker, Eastern Fabrications
Rick Bray, RKB Custom Speed
Tim Dixon, Gas Axe Chop Shop
Daniel Donley, Pandemonium Choppers
Jason Grimes, Northeast Chop Shop
Iliya Hamovic, Steelborn Choppers
Max Hazan, Hazan Motorworks
Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Cycles
Ken Nagai, Ken’s Factory
Caleb Owens, Cro Customs
Chris Phillips, Doomtown Choppers
Paul Ponkow, Bones Legacy
Chris Richardson, LA Speed Shop
Kosuke Saito, Sunrise Cycles
Aki Sakamoto, Hog Killers
Daniel Sanchez, Cut Throat Customs
Jon Shipley, Hoosier Daddy Choppers
Jesse Srpan, Raw Iron Choppers
Jimmy Todorovitch, Profile Cycles
Dalton Walker, Split Image Kustoms