By SEMA News Editors
SEMA's 63-year history was on full display at the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors event Thursday evening, quite literally. Among the standout vehicles on stage were the famous Evel Knievel American Eagle, a Polaris RZR, the Pierson Brothers land-speed record car and Corvette Mike's '63 split-window Corvette.
The Corvette, built the same year SEMA was founded, offered a fitting reminder of how far the automotive aftermarket has come––and of the people whose passion, ingenuity and leadership continue to move the industry forward.
That spirit was at the center of the evening as SEMA recognized the industry's leading contributors, presenting its Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and other prestigious awards to individuals making significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket. Addressing Honors attendees, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola emphasized the importance of the relationships and connections that bring the aftermarket community together.
"The products may bring us to the Show. The conversations, ideas and relationships are what we take home," Spagnola said.
SEMA announced the winners of its famed Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and other prestigious awards. Presented during the SEMA Industry Honors event, these awards recognize industry members for their significant and transformative contributions to the automotive aftermarket during the past year.
SEMA Person of the Year: Dawson Druesedow
Druesedow's business leadership and nearly decade-long record of SEMA service exemplify the passion, leadership and service that define SEMA's Person of the Year. Since founding 4 Wheel Performance in 2005, he has grown the company into a respected business in the off-road and performance industry, while dedicating nearly a decade to advancing the broader aftermarket community. He has served on the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Select Committee since 2017 and currently serves as Chair. Druesedow has consistently demonstrated leadership, collaboration and a commitment to shaping the future of the truck and off-road segment. He also volunteers as a New Products Awards Judge and supports SEMA Cares, where he gives his time to youth, education and charitable outreach.
Content Creator of the Year: Tom's Refurb
Tom's Refurb has expanded participation in automotive culture through accessible, entertaining content. Across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, Refurb has built a combined following of roughly 2.4 million by resurrecting abandoned muscle cars on a budget, pairing real mechanical skill with self-deprecating humor and an unpredictable storytelling style that stands apart from typical tutorial content. His authentic craftsmanship, humor and consistent output has made him a fresh, relatable entry point into car culture for a broad audience, the kind of positive, enthusiast-driving impact this award recognizes.
SEMA Hall of Fame: Jay Leno
Inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame earlier this year, Jay Leno was on hand to receive his Hall of Fame jacket and addressed the crowd with friend and fellow car-loving comedian, Tim Allen.
A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early '80s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube--Jay Leno's Garage--and launching his own line of detailing products--Jay Leno's Garage Advanced Vehicle Care--to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA's global presence.
He's also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as "Leno's Law," legislation aimed at modernizing the state's smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.
While on stage, Leno shared some words of wisdom and lessons learned during the process of getting his namesake bill signed into law.
"We went to Republicans and were nice to them. We went to Democrats and were nice to them. We didn't insult anybody, we didn't go in the press, we didn't get any bad feelings going. Then suddenly we had Republican car enthusiasts calling us and Democratic [enthusiasts calling us]," Leno said. "We all got together, we kept it to what we have in common, and we got them all to pass it."
Above all, Leno encouraged the industry to stick together as it encounters whatever obstacles and legislative hurdles may come.
"We just need to think as a group," he said, "We need to be smart. We need to think as a group. And kill them with kindness."
Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award: Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart, the open-wheel, NASCAR and NHRA legend, was presented with this year's Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.
Awarded annually by the Petersen Automotive Museum, the award is named after its founder, Robert E. Petersen, previous recipients of the award include Dan Gurney, Art Chrisman, Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Andy Granatelli, The Ford Family, Vic Edelbrock, Jack Roush, Ed Iskenderian, So-Cal Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, William Clay Ford Jr., Richard Petty, Wally Parks, Roy Brizio, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme and last year's recipient, Don Garlits.
"When I was a kid, I just wanted to race," Stewart said after receiving the award. "There should be probably three, four, 500 people up here standing with me because none of the journey I've [been on] in 47 years of motorsports has been by myself. It's been with good people, whether it was great car owners, great crew chiefs, great team members or great teammates."
Looking toward the future of the sport, Stewart expressed optimism about the next generation entering the automotive industry and motorsports, highlighting youth outreach programs like those run by the NHRA, and sharing his gratitude for the work the industry is doing to secure its future.
"There are a ton of great kids that are coming into this industry, and they are going to secure our future. You are the future and we're grateful that you're here and doing what you do," he said. "We do have a bright future ahead of us in this industry. [There's a] lot to be proud of and I'm honored to be a part of this with you guys."
SEMA Chair Service Award: California State Senators Tim Grayson, Shannon Grove and Dave Cortese
SEMA also recognized three lawmakers who proved to be some of the industry's biggest advocates this year by supporting two crucial pieces of now-signed legislation that will not only help the aftermarket continue to innovate, but protect car culture itself.
Presented by SEMA Board of Directors Chair Melanie White, SEMA recognized California State Senators Tim Grayson, Shannon Grove and Dave Cortese with the SEMA Chair Service Award for their efforts and accomplishments in advocating for the automotive aftermarket.
Grayson was recognized for authoring Senate Bill 1069, which streamlined the process for aftermarket companies to receive California Air Resources Board (CARB) executive orders, while Cortese and Grove were honored for co-authoring and championing "Leno's Law" (Senate Bill 1392), which reformed smog check requirements for collector vehicles and helps to preserve the state's rich automotive history and culture.
Reflecting on the Industry's Responsibility to Invest in the Future at the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors
During the 2026 Industry Honors, Spagnola also took time to emphasize the industry's responsibility to invest in its future by creating opportunities for the next generation of automotive professionals.
"Because this is how our industry grows. One opportunity becomes a career. One career becomes a business. That business creates jobs. And more young people get their start," he said.
"Since 1963, this industry has given a lot of us a great life. Now it's our turn to help somebody else build one."
Follow SEMA News for 2026 Show Highlights
The 2026 SEMA Show ends today, Friday November 6. Industry professionals can stay up to date on key announcements, event recaps, award winners and show highlights by subscribing to SEMA News at semanews.com.
The SEMA Show is the premier global trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends and develop essential skills. For more information, visit semashow.com.
