First semester MCC Automotive Service student Charles Spencer is a third generation car enthusiast planning to follow his dad and grandfather into a career in the automotive industry. At 18 and barely out of high school, he was recently recognized by the national Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for winning the Young Guns division of the Battle of the Builder competition at SEMA’s annual 2023 show in Las Vegas. His entry also placed among the top four vehicles overall.
Battle of the Builder is an elite competition open only to builders with vehicles in SEMA’s annual show. It consists of four divisions, three of which are for industry veterans. The fourth division, Young Guns, enables builders 27 years of age or younger to compete alongside these automotive industry pros. According to SEMA, each division winner represents extraordinary talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying vehicles on an international level.
Handpicked to compete among more than 170 other builders, Spencer earned high honors for his customized 1969 Chevy C10. “I was one of only a select few who won a Golden Ticket from SEMA to attend and compete in the show,” he says. “After first submitting an application, a panel of judges chose me for a 10-minute, online interview and Zoom presentation of the Chevy’s customized features. Based on what they saw and heard, I was awarded a Golden Ticket which paid for airfare to Las Vegas, towing of the vehicle to the SEMA show, a hotel room for the week and $500 in spending money.”
It was an incredible experience for Spencer. “It allowed me to talk with different people and to see what other builders created. I got a lot of good ideas from just looking at other builds that I would like to try on my next build.” He also networked with large companies from which he received several sponsorships. “Everyone there has the same passion for cars that I have, which was really cool because there aren’t a lot of people who understand it the same way that I do,” he explains.
Charles with his customized 1969 Chevy C10 at SEMAs annual 2023 show in Las Vegas
The May 2023 graduate of Red Mountain High School started his winning project at 14, completing it in four years with help from his father, grandfather and brothers. The Chevy features a Billet Specialties Serpentine system, ididit steering column, fast fuel injection and U.S. mag wheels.
A love of anything automotive runs in the family. Spencer’s dad owns Charly’s Garage in Mesa, starting the business when he was 21 years old with Spencer’s grandfather. “My dad taught me everything I know and then some. He’s been doing body work, paint, interior, engine work and suspension work for the past 24 years of owning the shop.” His grandfather, a talented machinist, “has an infinite amount of knowledge” of boats, cars and motorcycles, all of which he has raced.
Says Spencer, “I am the eldest of my siblings and they’re learning from watching me, my dad and grandpa work. They were instrumental in helping me complete my SEMA build as well as my grandpa when it came to building my engine. I wouldn’t have been able to do it right without him.” Spencer’s dad provided critical advice and answers to his questions “when I couldn’t get something to fit right. He would show me how to fix the issue or he would tell me and then I’d try it.” He also credits his mom and sister for helping him complete the project and companies including Ron Davis Racing Radiators, Dakota Digital, VintageAir and Ridetech for sponsoring him.
At an early age, Spencer started working on radio-controlled cars “and as I got older I began working on quads and dirt bikes. By the time I was six I was working on cars with my dad whenever I got the chance. I was just really fascinated with how things moved and worked together. As I got older my skills grew and each time I had to do something, I got better and faster at it.”
The East Mesa resident plans to graduate MCC with an Associates Degree in Automotive Service in 2025 and then work full-time for his dad. “Once I earn my degree, I hope to have an even better understanding of how each component of a car and truck works and continue to fine tune my skills.”