By SEMA News Editors
Chip Foose & Coulson Aviation Announce Winner of Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest
Following last year's announcement of the Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest by Coulson Aviation in association with automotive design icon and TV star Chip Foose, the submissions were examined, the public vote counted and a winner selected: Ben Johnson's '55 Chevrolet Delray will receive a full restoration from Coulson Autosports during the course of the year.
The contest was open to anybody who had lost a vehicle during the 2024-2025 Southern California wildfires. Ben and his family lost a great deal to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, including the Delray, which was more than just a vehicle; it was a piece of family history.
Purchased when he was 16, the Orbit Orange Chevy was Ben's first car and featured in so many of his key memories. Dating back to high school, he'd drive out to Bob's Big Boy for the weekly Friday night gathering, and later shared memories of it with his wife and children. In fact, when he bought his Altadena home 15 years ago, finding somewhere to keep the car was an important part of the decision.
Like thousands of people affected by the devastating wildfires, Ben had to make decisions quickly and he couldn't evacuate the Delray in time. Once the flames were extinguished and people could return home, Ben discovered only charred remnants of the frame, fenders, bumpers, and floorpan: fragments of his countless memories.
Ben had hoped his children, now nine months and six years old, would grow up riding in it, but the insurance did not cover the loss and rebuilding their home would need all the resources they had.
The Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest was designed to offer a glimmer of hope to survivors. The company is the global provider of firefighting aircraft. Its crews participated in the efforts to contain the flames and witnessed the devastation on the ground. Collaborating with automotive legend Chip Foose, they wanted to revive a vehicle that would otherwise have been lost forever.
A video series will be created by Chip Foose, chronicling the adventure and the return to Ben of his Orbit Orange Delray.
I-CAR Marks 18 Years of Support for CREF with $255K Donation
I-CAR––the collision repair industry's provider of technical educational programming, related technical services and industry talent solutions––presented its annual donation of $255,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). This contribution marks I-CAR's 18th consecutive year of support for the foundation and brings its cumulative giving to more than $2.3 million.
CREF is an organization that works to strengthen collision repair education programs across the country by connecting schools with the funding, resources and industry support they need to produce work-ready graduates.
I-CAR supports its programs that give students access to quality education and provide schools with the tools and equipment they need, and also provides I-CAR Academy to 42 schools nationwide.
"Supporting CREF and the schools and students they serve is a natural extension of everything I-CAR stands for," said I-CAR President and CEO Kyle Thompson. "When we invest in education, we invest in the future of this industry, and after 18 years, that conviction has only gotten stronger."
I-CAR was a founding partner of the organization––then known as the I-CAR Education Foundation––when it was established 35 years ago. When CREF transitioned to its current philanthropic model in 2008, I-CAR stepped in as a financial supporter and has contributed annually ever since, making this its 18th consecutive year of giving.
Announcing Mopaw From Mopar
Mopar has announced the launch of Mopaw, an all‑new line of premium-quality, travel- and vehicle‑related pet accessories designed to support the growing community of pet‑loving drivers in the United States.
Pet industry expenditures recently totaled more than $150 billion in the United States with sales expected to continue climbing, according to the American Pet Products Association, and approximately 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year, says the Global Vet Link.
Whether exclusively designed for Mopaw or sourced from prominent manufacturers, all products embrace Mopar’s high standards for quality, durability and vehicle compatibility. The result is a collection that gives pet owners the confidence that comes from choosing a brand built on decades of engineering excellence.
"When it comes to making sure our pets are happy and healthy, Americans don’t cut corners, they treat their pets just like a member of the family," said Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy. "Mopaw accessories bring the car enthusiast and the pet lover together in a way that only an OEM can, so you don't have to sacrifice fit or finish when traveling with your pets."
The initial Mopaw product and merchandise lineup includes:
- Pet carrier: Sourced from Nemesys Gear, the pet carrier is designed to integrate seamlessly with a vehicle’s back‑seat latch system. This secure, comfort‑forward carrier helps reduce pet anxiety while giving owners peace of mind during every ride.
- Folding pet kennel: Pets and drivers agree that travel feels safer in an enclosed space. This folding kennel features four tie‑down straps for secure vehicle attachment. It stores flat, assembles quickly and is ready for any four‑legged adventure.
- Interior protection options: Sourced from 4Knines, the heavy-duty, functional seat and door covers protect interior surfaces, while hammocks are designed to block the gap between the front and back seats, because every adventure should leave memories, not messes.
- YETI buddy tumbler and dog bowl: The buddy tumbler delivers temperature-controlled hydration on the go, pairing perfectly with a durable dog bowl.
- Collars and leashes: From driveway to the dog park, a variety of collars and leashes keep every adventure stylish, secure and full of wag.
- Dog T-shirts and hoodies: Combining comfort and personality, the shirts and hoodies are designed to keep pets cozy while showcasing their adventurous spirit.
Pet lovers looking to bring an adventurous spirit with Mopaw gear can explore a growing collection of products at the online store or by visiting a U.S.-based Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Alfa Romeo or Fiat dealership.
