By Ashley Reyes
Newly released footage featuring Chip Foose at the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available. Powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC), the candid interview features the legendary automobile designer as he opens up about his influences and career accomplishments with host Myles Kovacs.
As the youngest member inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997 at the age of 33, Foose is one of the largest influences in the aftermarket industry. The featured episode offers viewers the opportunity to get to know Foose as he shares stories about his favorite builds, designing and building custom street rods and studio vehicles, and how following in his father’s footsteps ultimately led him to obtaining the career he has today.
“I never thought of it as pressure, I thought of it as I had a great opportunity,” said Foose. “I was working with my hero, and I wanted to be him.”
In addition to paying tribute to his father, Foose attributes his strong work ethic and ability to keep moving forward to the team that works around him.
“I’m just lucky I get to make a living doing something that’s 100% unnecessary,” adds Foose. “The world doesn’t need another hot rod. There’s a reason, and that’s because it’s 100% passion driven. People are willing to reach in their wallet and pay us to build their dream. I’ve got the greatest job in the world, I’m so lucky.”
Additional topics include stories behind his favorite builds, his experience with diecast and plastic model cars and how automobile design has changed over the years.
“It’s amazing to me what can be done now with a computer,” said Foose. “I use it a little bit, but I still think that human touch is very important in the hot-rod world. There’s a difference—you can see a car that’s been all computer cut, and you can tell something that has passion and desire to be the best in it.”
Throughout his career, Foose starred in various reality television shows such as TLC’s “Overhaulin’”, Discovery Channel’s “Ultimate Car Build-Off,” and “American Icon: The Hot Rod” on Discovery’s HD Theater.
Check out the full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews from the STAGE. For the latest news and updates, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.