By Jason Catullo
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, where the new SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in and the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame class is formally introduced, will take place tomorrow, July 26, in Pomona, California. | |
The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser takes place tomorrow, July 26. The event, open to all industry professionals, begins at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails, at which time the final heats in the Pinewood Drag Races will take place. The venue for this year's banquet is the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.
The annual celebration provides attendees the opportunity to welcome the newest members of the SEMA Board of Directors, and pay tribute to the Board volunteers who have served their terms. In addition to new and outgoing Board member recognition, the evening will also honor the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and “Gentleman Joe” Schubeck.
The Pinewood Drag Races annually feature more than 200 pinewood cars—built by SEMA staff, members and volunteers—going head to head to see who is king of the metal strip. Proceeds from the races benefit select charities chosen by the SEMA Cares Committee. Immediately following the races is a sit-down dinner where the official program will begin.
As an added treat for attendees, the legendary Batmobile will be one of several vehicles of on display providing a visual showcase of the creativity, ingenuity and unique styles that have driven the industry since its earliest days.
To learn more about the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser and to attend, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737. For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.