Austin Hatcher Foundation Roadster to Debut at SEMA Show
The custom-built vehicle will be auctioned in late November to support services for children with cancer.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Car Culture
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Pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings are set to showcase a custom-built 2026 Factory Five Mk5 Roadster at the SEMA Show starting November 3. The vehicle, which will be auctioned off later this year, represents the 19th custom build project from the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
Why it matters
The Industrial Arts Therapy Program uses the hands-on process of vehicle fabrication to provide therapeutic support for children impacted by cancer. Proceeds from the auction will fund ongoing, lifelong services for these families.
This project marks the 19th custom build by the foundation and its 6th collaboration with Factory Five Racing. The roadster will be featured at booth #22951 during the upcoming SEMA Show.
The players
Austin Hatcher Foundation
An organization that provides specialized services and therapeutic programs for children with cancer and their families.
Factory Five Racing
A vehicle kit manufacturer that partnered with the foundation to provide the base for the Mk5 Roadster project.
SEMA Show
The annual automotive specialty products trade event held in Las Vegas.
The details
Participants in the Industrial Arts Therapy Program, including young builders like 10-year-old Cruz and 16-year-old John Allen, contributed to the build by learning welding, fabrication, and wiring. The vehicle, powered by a 347 stroker engine with a 10.5-inch clutch, will debut in Las Vegas before moving to the digital auction block. All funds generated from the eventual sale will support free services offered by the foundation to families affected by pediatric cancer.
Timeline
November 3-6, 2026: Public debut at the SEMA Show.
November 27, 2026: Auction opens on Bring a Trailer.
December 7, 2026: Auction concludes.
Beyond the Strip
This project follows the established methodology of the Austin Hatcher Foundation's Industrial Arts Therapy Program. It extends the foundation's history of utilizing hands-on automotive fabrication as a therapeutic tool for children and their siblings.
Attendees at the SEMA Show can view the finished roadster at booth #22951 throughout the event dates. Residents interested in the auction can begin placing bids online starting the morning of November 27.
The takeaway
The roadster demonstrates the therapeutic value of vocational skills for young cancer survivors and their families. Watch for the online auction launch on November 27 to support the foundation's ongoing services.
What happens next
Prospective bidders can monitor the upcoming auction by visiting the foundation's official updates.
Further reading
Learn more about the local automotive scene in our Car Culture section.
More information
To receive updates on the project, you can subscribe to auction notifications via the hosting platform.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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