By Ashley Reyes
The year 2022 marks the 53rd year that automotive aftermarket pioneers will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.
The award is the most prestigious award given by the association and honors outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of or significantly contributed to the industry and/or association’s growth.
Industry members can nominate persons whom they feel deserve the prestigious honor and share how the individual has played a crucial role in the success of the automotive aftermarket by submitting a SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by the March 18 deadline at www.sema.org/hof.
Here are five quick facts about the SEMA Hall of Fame as the nomination deadline quickly approaches:
1. The first inductee was Paul Schiefer.
Paul Schiefer returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, resumed his hobby of working on cars and began experimenting on his flathead Ford V8-powered “T.” He eventually produced the first ribbed-type, lightweight, cast-aluminum flywheel that would not wrap or distort under severe load.
2. The award was once called the “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.”
In honor of being named the association’s first inductee in 1969, subsequent inductees received the Paul Schiefer “Old Timer’s Memorial Award.” In 1986, the award came to be known simply as the Hall of Fame. Though the name changed, the original intent did not. To this day, the award continues to honor and pay tribute to the leaders and legends that help make the automotive specialty-equipment market a thriving $47.89 billion industry.
3. The year with most inductees was 1981.
In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn SEMA Hall of Fame induction. The record for most inductions into the SEMA Hall of Fame in any given year was 1981, when eight great icons were recognized:
- John Bartlett, Grant Piston Rings
- Sandy Belond, Belond Mufflers
- Harvey J. Crane, Crane Cams
- Jack Harris, Rush Sales
- C.J. Hart, Lion's Drag Strip
- Robert E. Petersen, Petersen Publishing
- Bob Spar, B&M Automotive
- Jim Vaughn, Mr. Phone
4. Donna Imrie Foulger was the first woman to earn Hall of Fame induction.
Donna Imrie Foulger, who began working at SEMA as a young college student and spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization alongside then CEO Eric Grant, was the first woman inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1982. She is now joined on the list by Linda Vaughn, Hurst Performance Products; Joan Weiand, Weiand Industries; Amy Faulk, Hypertech Inc.; Charlie Van Cleve, Hedman/TD Performance; GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Marla Moore, Coker Tire; and Jessi Combs, Jessi Combs Foundation.
5. The total number of inductees is 165.
To date, 165 individuals have earned SEMA Hall of Fame induction, representing the industry’s top contributors, leaders and influencers.
For the members who are inducted each year, the SEMA Hall of Fame is a meaningful accolade to recognize their significant contributions. Nominations are currently being accepted at www.sema.org/hof.