By SEMA News Editors
Facilities for longtime SEMA member Mid America Motorworks––the supplier and manufacturer of parts and accessories for Corvette and air-cooled Volkswagens––have sustained major damage following a devastating tornado in Effingham, Illinois.
The tornado tore across North Effingham County on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, with no reported deaths, according to local reports.
"First and foremost, our family and our staff are safe," said Michael Yager, son of founder Mike Yager, on a Mid America Motorworks Facebook video.
"We pretty much lost everything: our corporate building, our outbuildings, our inventory, our computer system.
"We're just asking that people don't show up while we're in the cleanup process and navigating everything that's going to come in the coming days and weeks.
"We appreciate all the phone calls, emails, most of them have gone unanswered, but not unnoticed. The Volkswagen and the Corvette communities are super strong. I know they'll have our back when the time comes. Appreciate the thoughts and comments, and we'll be back with you."
Photo of the recent tornado damage at Mid America Motorworks courtesy of longtime Mid America photographer Ed Baumgarten via local news site TheXRadio.com.
The Volkswagen Fun Fest and future events at the property have been canceled.
Mid America Motorworks was opened in 1974 by Mike Yager, and since then, it has supplied thousands of restoration and performance products to enthusiasts worldwide. The business operates alongside the MY Garage Museum, which is home to an array of rare and one-of-a-kind Corvettes and Volkswagens, including the last C4 Corvette and the Herbie vehicle from the 2005 film "Herbie: Fully Loaded."
SEMA sends its support and best wishes to the Mid America Motorworks family and staff.
