Nominations are now open for the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) Robert E. Petersen Media Award honoring storytellers whose work continues to shape and support the future of motorsports. Nominate here.
As the founder of Hot Rod magazine in 1948, Petersen helped spark the nation's fascination with hot-rodding culture and helped motorsports evolve into a global phenomenon. His legacy expanded further with the establishment of the Petersen Automotive Museum in 1994--an enduring tribute to automotive history, innovation and community.
The MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors his legacy by recognizing those who carry the torch forward. Nominees must be automotive or motorsports journalists--whether in print, online or broadcast media--who have delivered influential, positive coverage within the last year while maintaining a long-term dedication to the motorsports community.
The award winner will be announced at the MPMC Reception during the 2026 Media Trade Conference, January 27-29 in Anaheim, California.
If you know a journalist whose work has helped elevate motorsports, now is the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.