 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will feature the formal induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class and the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors. |
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Nick Arias Jr. will be honored and officially inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California.
Beginning in the late ’40s and through the mid-’50s, Arias learned about engines, pistons, cylinder heads and more working at Wayne Manufacturing.
Arias was also involved with the Rusetta Timing Association dry lake meets and The Screwdrivers Car Club, where he experimented with different engines and configurations while setting records and testing the limits of his share of vehicles and parts.
He started Arias Pistons in 1969 to manufacture forged pistons and components and kept refining engine configurations. In 1972, Arias introduced what was then considered a state-of-the-art Hemi-head conversion for big-block Chevys known as the "Hemi-Chevy."
His creations did not end there and included the 10L block and Hemi-head that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races; an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing; the Howard 12-Port GMC; and many more.
 Nick Arias Jr. (pictured), Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr. will be formally inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser on July 27, in Pomona, California. |
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Arias will take the stage at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser with the rest of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame Class: Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr. SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the Association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service.
The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the Association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from Victory Junction Camp and Childhelp race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction Camp and Childhelp.
All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.
For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909/978-6684.