By SEMA Editors
 The three newest SEMA Hall of Fame members—Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker—will be recognized as part of the festivities during the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 29, 2016, at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. |
Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker will receive the industry’s highest honor and be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
The new members will be recognized as part of the festivities during the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 29, 2016, at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. They represent an accomplished group of leaders who have shaped and inspired the automotive specialty-equipment market.
Matt Agosta: As a former SEMA Board member, past chairman of a SEMA council and a president’s club member of the SEMA Political Action Committee, Agosta is among the most active members in SEMA history. The president/CEO of Steele Rubber Products is a pioneer in advocating for legislative issues, forging relationships with OEMs and supporting small businesses to succeed. He is responsible for advancing educational opportunities for the industry, and has been on the forefront of utilizing the newest digital strategies for the industry’s growth. Past honors include the Chairman’s Award from the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), ARMO Person of the Year award and SEMA Ambassador award.
Chip Foose: As the star of the hit television show “Overhaulin’,” Foose is among the most well-known builders in the industry, and arguably responsible for introducing car customization and hot rodding to a mainstream audience worldwide. Before launching Foose Design, Foose created and fabricated projects for influential corporations and OEMs. His work can be seen in the National Football League, Major League Baseball and movies, including “Blade Runner,” “Robo Cop” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.” In 1997, Foose was the youngest person to ever be inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame. He has also received the Goodguys Trendsetter Award and dozens of awards for winning vehicle builds.
Gary Hooker: Hooker Headers is arguably one of the most iconic brands in the automotive performance industry. Even before SEMA was formed, Hooker was on the forefront of the industry, producing products used by winning racers, including Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins and Bob Glidden. As a junior stock-car racer and world-class Ironman competitor in the early ’60s, Hooker launched his business after creating a header for his personal use. The immediate interest and demand for his product led to a business that has grown along with the industry. Hooker’s innovation and passion continued to pave a path for what is now a $36 billion industry.
The SEMA Hall of Fame’s three newest members join the elite group of industry icons and innovators who have already been enshrined in the SEMA Hall of Fame. To partake in the celebration where the inductees will be honored and recognized, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org or 909-978-6737. For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.