The annual invitation only competition, sponsored by Steve Soffa Enterprises and Paughco, will include 19 award winning builders. A limited number of builders are invited to participate annually. The competition will be held during the 16th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest, September 29 – October 2, 2016.

Artistry in Iron participants include builders that have shaped the industry and who are establishing the latest trends in custom bikes and engineering. “Each year we invite those on the cutting edge as well as some past participants and they never cease to amaze us with the incredible works of art that they bring. We are honored that these builders have accepted our invitation,” commented event producer Mindi Cherry. “It solidifies the importance of the Artistry in Iron championship to the motorcycle industry. There are no rules or guidelines on the builds so it is always exciting to see what rolls in.”

The bikes are judged solely by the master builders themselves, and the winner is announced on Saturday, October 3 and presented with a check for $10,000 as well as a custom designed championship bracelet created by renowned designer and master artisan Steve Soffa. In addition, second place will receive a Paughco Custom Rigid Rolling Chassis and third place will receive a Paughco Springer Front End. The public is invited to visit the bikes during Rally Central hours and to meet the participating builders during autograph sessions throughout the weekend.

Confirmed participants include:

Austin Andrella, Austin Martin Originals – Akron, OH

Nick Beaulieu, Forever Two Wheels – Windham, ME

Paul Binford, Binford’s Custom Cycles – Manteca, CA

Johnny Branch, Branch Engineering – Wildomar, CA

JC and Jimme Lee Coen, Three Two Choppers – Fort Worth, TX

Bill Dodge, Bling’s Cycles – Tinton Falls, NJ

Adam Gaspic, Gasser Customs – North Hollywood, CA

Ryan Gore, Paper Street Customs – Grand Junction, CO

Steve Iacona, Iacona Customs – Brooklyn, NY

Johnny Mac, Johnny Mac’s Chopper House – Philadelphia, PA

Pete Pearson, Rocket Bob’s Cycle Works – England

Will Ramsey, Faith Forgotten Choppers – New Albany, IN

Aki Sakamoto, Hog Killers – Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Daniel Sanchez, Cut Throat Customs – Humble, TX

Mark Shell, Bonneville Customs – Idaho Falls, ID

Kyle Shorey, Speed Foundry of Texas – Roanoke, TX

Cristian Sosa, Sosa Metalworks – Las Vegas, NV

Kirk Taylor, Custom Design Studio – Novato, CA

Andrew Ursich, Ursich Customs – Long Beach, CA

For more information on each of the builders, visit lasvegasbikefest.com/artistry-in-iron

Las Vegas BikeFest 2016 will be held September 29 – October 2, 2016 in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street East. Registration will be held at the headquarter hotel, the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on the world-famous Fremont Street Experience. More information regarding vendor space, event registration and official hotels can be found at www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, or by calling 1-866-BIKEFEST (1-866-245-3337).

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