Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Bill Perry

Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an elite group of industry innovators who have played a key role in shaping the automotive specialty-equipment market.

"The SEMA industry is built by hard-working men and women who share a deep passion and love for the automotive hobby," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Hall of Fame honors and pays tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing and growing the market."

Since 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame has paid homage to the leaders and innovators who have contributed to the health and success of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Honorees include businessmen, government officials, race-car drivers and entrepreneurs.

"This year's inductees include three outstanding individuals," said Kersting. "When you learn about their histories and how they have impacted this industry, it's clear to see why they are being honored."

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan

Bill Perry: Perry was serving his third consecutive term as a SEMA Board member when he passed away earlier this year. Before opening his own rep agency in 1985, Perry worked at a jobber store selling parts. A member of several organizations, Bill Perry & Associates instantly became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agencies. His company has been honored with the SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative of the Year award, and Perry was the recipient of the 2008 MRC (Manufacturers’ Representatives Council) Hall of Fame award.

Rolan “Jeep” Worthan: When Worthan joined Auto Meter in 1974, he worked in the sales department. However, as a long-time enthusiast and innovator, Worthan quickly moved to other areas of the business and soon found himself out on the race tracks developing new products for what is now a leading manufacturer of automotive performance instrumentations and gauges. Worthan continued to be an advocate for the industry and has served on the SEMA Board of Directors 16 years.

Henry “Smokey” Yunick (middle) at the 1962 Daytona 500. —Photo Courtesy of General Motors

Henry “Smokey” Yunick: Already a member of more than 30 Hall of Fames throughout the world, Yunick—who passed away in 2001—was a world-renowned mechanic, car designer and racer. By the end of his racing career, Yunick’s teams included 50 of the most famous drivers in the sport, winning 57 races and two Grand National championships. He also became a member of Chevrolet’s unofficial factory race team and headed NASCAR efforts for Ford and Pontiac. Much of the high-performance development of the Chevrolet small-block engine involved Yunick in design, testing—or both.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. The event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program, includes dinner and includes the formal induction of the newly elected SEMA Board members. Tickets and details are available at www.sema.org/gala, or may be obtained from Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 105.

Classic Corvettes. Vintage pickups. Tricked-out Hondas. These are just a few of the "rides" expected to cruise into the inaugural SEMA Old Town Car Show taking place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. In all, more than 200 vehicles representing every facet of the car culture — from hot rods and musclecars to exotics and sport compacts — will come together to help children in need.

“We hope this enthusiast car show will become the showcase event of the summer and grow each year so that we can raise more money for two deserving children’s charities,” said Mike Spagnola, chairman of the SEMA Old Town Car Show and president of Street Scene Equipment based in Costa Mesa, California. While SEMA is a trade association and the world-famous SEMA Show is a trade event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA car show is a unique event that is open to all enthusiasts.

“Our emphasis is to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp,” Spagnola said, explaining that proceeds from the car show will benefit the two groups. Founded in 1959, Childhelp provides services to abused and neglected children, while the Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

“We’re asking all enthusiasts and the public to join us in our efforts,” continued Spagnola. “It will be a great event with an amazing collection of cars and trucks that really exemplify everything SEMA is about — design, passion and performance.”

Trophies will be awarded for Best Engine, Best Interior, Best in Show and People’s Choice. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will have an opportunity to attend the trade-only SEMA Show in November, with free hotel accommodations in Las Vegas.

For many in attendance, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the recently renovated state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center. Organizers say that the car show, located within walking distance of Old Town Pasadena and dozens of popular shops and restaurants, will be a great option for Southern California residents looking for something fun to do.

The day will also include the 2nd annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, which last year helped raise more than $40,000 for these two children's charities. Presented by eBay Motors, the event will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited). Participants will be able to sponsor a child’s car, thereby serving as team owner and racing it under the child’s name.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the car show is $75 per vehicle, and the cost to attend is $5 for adults, with kids 10 and under free. Registration fees for the Pinewood Drag Race range from $125–$200, depending on the vehicle class. Money raised from all activities benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Vehicle applications are available online at www.sema.org/carshow. Tickets to attend the car show will be available at the door on the day of the event. Registration for the Pinewood Drag Races is available at www.sema.org/derby.

Both the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race are part of the SEMA Leadership Days, which includes the association’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser held that evening. The event pays tribute to the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees and honors newly elected and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors. Complete details about the gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Classic Corvettes. Vintage pickups. Tricked-out Hondas. These are just a few of the "rides" expected to cruise into the inaugural SEMA Old Town Car Show taking place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. In all, more than 200 vehicles representing every facet of the car culture — from hot rods and musclecars to exotics and sport compacts — will come together to help children in need.

“We hope this enthusiast car show will become the showcase event of the summer and grow each year so that we can raise more money for two deserving children’s charities,” said Mike Spagnola, chairman of the SEMA Old Town Car Show and president of Street Scene Equipment based in Costa Mesa, California. While SEMA is a trade association and the world-famous SEMA Show is a trade event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA car show is a unique event that is open to all enthusiasts.

“Our emphasis is to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp,” Spagnola said, explaining that proceeds from the car show will benefit the two groups. Founded in 1959, Childhelp provides services to abused and neglected children, while the Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

“We’re asking all enthusiasts and the public to join us in our efforts,” continued Spagnola. “It will be a great event with an amazing collection of cars and trucks that really exemplify everything SEMA is about — design, passion and performance.”

Trophies will be awarded for Best Engine, Best Interior, Best in Show and People’s Choice. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will have an opportunity to attend the trade-only SEMA Show in November, with free hotel accommodations in Las Vegas.

For many in attendance, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the recently renovated state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center. Organizers say that the car show, located within walking distance of Old Town Pasadena and dozens of popular shops and restaurants, will be a great option for Southern California residents looking for something fun to do.

The day will also include the 2nd annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, which last year helped raise more than $40,000 for these two children's charities. Presented by eBay Motors, the event will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited). Participants will be able to sponsor a child’s car, thereby serving as team owner and racing it under the child’s name.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the car show is $75 per vehicle, and the cost to attend is $5 for adults, with kids 10 and under free. Registration fees for the Pinewood Drag Race range from $125–$200, depending on the vehicle class. Money raised from all activities benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Vehicle applications are available online at www.sema.org/carshow. Tickets to attend the car show will be available at the door on the day of the event. Registration for the Pinewood Drag Races is available at www.sema.org/derby.

Both the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race are part of the SEMA Leadership Days, which includes the association’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser held that evening. The event pays tribute to the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees and honors newly elected and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors. Complete details about the gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Classic Corvettes. Vintage pickups. Tricked-out Hondas. These are just a few of the "rides" expected to cruise into the inaugural SEMA Old Town Car Show taking place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. In all, more than 200 vehicles representing every facet of the car culture — from hot rods and musclecars to exotics and sport compacts — will come together to help children in need.

“We hope this enthusiast car show will become the showcase event of the summer and grow each year so that we can raise more money for two deserving children’s charities,” said Mike Spagnola, chairman of the SEMA Old Town Car Show and president of Street Scene Equipment based in Costa Mesa, California. While SEMA is a trade association and the world-famous SEMA Show is a trade event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA car show is a unique event that is open to all enthusiasts.

“Our emphasis is to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp,” Spagnola said, explaining that proceeds from the car show will benefit the two groups. Founded in 1959, Childhelp provides services to abused and neglected children, while the Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

“We’re asking all enthusiasts and the public to join us in our efforts,” continued Spagnola. “It will be a great event with an amazing collection of cars and trucks that really exemplify everything SEMA is about — design, passion and performance.”

Trophies will be awarded for Best Engine, Best Interior, Best in Show and People’s Choice. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will have an opportunity to attend the trade-only SEMA Show in November, with free hotel accommodations in Las Vegas.

For many in attendance, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the recently renovated state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center. Organizers say that the car show, located within walking distance of Old Town Pasadena and dozens of popular shops and restaurants, will be a great option for Southern California residents looking for something fun to do.

The day will also include the 2nd annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, which last year helped raise more than $40,000 for these two children's charities. Presented by eBay Motors, the event will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited). Participants will be able to sponsor a child’s car, thereby serving as team owner and racing it under the child’s name.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the car show is $75 per vehicle, and the cost to attend is $5 for adults, with kids 10 and under free. Registration fees for the Pinewood Drag Race range from $125–$200, depending on the vehicle class. Money raised from all activities benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Vehicle applications are available online at www.sema.org/carshow. Tickets to attend the car show will be available at the door on the day of the event. Registration for the Pinewood Drag Races is available at www.sema.org/derby.

Both the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race are part of the SEMA Leadership Days, which includes the association’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser held that evening. The event pays tribute to the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees and honors newly elected and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors. Complete details about the gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Classic Corvettes. Vintage pickups. Tricked-out Hondas. These are just a few of the "rides" expected to cruise into the inaugural SEMA Old Town Car Show taking place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. In all, more than 200 vehicles representing every facet of the car culture — from hot rods and musclecars to exotics and sport compacts — will come together to help children in need.

“We hope this enthusiast car show will become the showcase event of the summer and grow each year so that we can raise more money for two deserving children’s charities,” said Mike Spagnola, chairman of the SEMA Old Town Car Show and president of Street Scene Equipment based in Costa Mesa, California. While SEMA is a trade association and the world-famous SEMA Show is a trade event that is not open to the general public, the SEMA car show is a unique event that is open to all enthusiasts.

“Our emphasis is to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp,” Spagnola said, explaining that proceeds from the car show will benefit the two groups. Founded in 1959, Childhelp provides services to abused and neglected children, while the Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

“We’re asking all enthusiasts and the public to join us in our efforts,” continued Spagnola. “It will be a great event with an amazing collection of cars and trucks that really exemplify everything SEMA is about — design, passion and performance.”

Trophies will be awarded for Best Engine, Best Interior, Best in Show and People’s Choice. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will have an opportunity to attend the trade-only SEMA Show in November, with free hotel accommodations in Las Vegas.

For many in attendance, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the recently renovated state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center. Organizers say that the car show, located within walking distance of Old Town Pasadena and dozens of popular shops and restaurants, will be a great option for Southern California residents looking for something fun to do.

The day will also include the 2nd annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, which last year helped raise more than $40,000 for these two children's charities. Presented by eBay Motors, the event will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited). Participants will be able to sponsor a child’s car, thereby serving as team owner and racing it under the child’s name.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the car show is $75 per vehicle, and the cost to attend is $5 for adults, with kids 10 and under free. Registration fees for the Pinewood Drag Race range from $125–$200, depending on the vehicle class. Money raised from all activities benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Vehicle applications are available online at www.sema.org/carshow. Tickets to attend the car show will be available at the door on the day of the event. Registration for the Pinewood Drag Races is available at www.sema.org/derby.

Both the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race are part of the SEMA Leadership Days, which includes the association’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser held that evening. The event pays tribute to the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees and honors newly elected and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors. Complete details about the gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.