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As director of special events at Petersen Publishing, Wells was also
instrumental in producing the first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger
Stadium. |
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| Wells (right) was the first editor of National DRAGSTER when it was launched in 1960 by the NHRA (photo courtesy NHRA). |
A memorial service for SEMA Hall of Fame member and industry pioneer Dick Wells, who passed away January 18, is set for Monday, February 1, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.
The Celebration of Life ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 3:00 p.m. The museum is located at 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona, California.
Wells' contributions to SEMA and influence within the specialty-equipment
industry are immeasurable. He was highly active in SEMA initiatives
throughout his career and helped nurture the industry during its
formative years.
He was the first editor of National DRAGSTER when it was launched in 1960 by the NHRA. Soon after, he became managing editor of Hot Rod magazine and later executive editor of Motor Trend.
As director of special events at Petersen Publishing, Wells was also
instrumental in producing the first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger
Stadium.
Named SEMA Person of the Year in 1977, Wells was inducted into the SEMA
Hall of Fame in 1993, received the International Specialty Car
Association Founder’s Award in 1994, and was among those honored in
2001 with the NHRA’s Pioneer Award.
Wells remained a key editorial, marketing and historical adviser to SEMA to the end.
“There are only a few folks you can identify as foundation stones in
the realms of SEMA and NHRA, and Dick Wells was one of them,” said
Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “His life was all about drag
racing, street rodding and the industry behind the hobby. Dick was
particularly unique in having held influential positions in race
sanctioning bodies, the automotive media and the industry’s trade associations.
“In those walks, Dick made many important contributions and many, many
friends. The industry family he so loved is mourning his loss.”