About 400 members of the automotive specialty-equipment industry attended the 46th annual SEMA Awards Gala at the Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 29, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s trailblazers and dedicated volunteers. Since 1969, 170 pioneers have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. The class of 2022 included Walker Evans, Jack Roush and Gene Winfield.
About 400 members of the automotive specialty-equipment industry attended the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala at the Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 29.
“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “Our roots extend to the city of Anaheim, so it was exciting to return with friends and colleagues to honor industry leaders.”
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola took the stage to personally recognize the efforts of an outgoing Board of Directors member and welcome the incoming and re-elected Board members.
Emceed by automotive media personality Kevin Oeste, the festivities were kicked-off by the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. The children built the vehicles for the Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) class and donors sponsored their racecars for $95. This year, SEMA Cares raised more than $33,000 for its three partner charities.
Popular automotive media personality Kevin Oeste emceed the 46th annual SEMA Awards Gala.
A reception followed shortly after the races ended, where Spagnola took the stage to personally recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and welcome the incoming Board. They included:
Incoming Board Members
Manufacturer:
- Norris Marshall – CEO, BluePrint Engines
- Kathryn Reinhardt – Director of Retailer Marketing, 4WP/Pro Comp
- Melanie White – President, Hellwig Products
Manufacturer Rep:
- Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
Outgoing Board Members
- Chris Douglas, Edelbrock Group
The festivities were kicked-off by the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities. This year, SEMA Cares raised more than $33,000 for its three partner charities.
Pinewood Results
Here’s a look at the pinewood leaderboard:
Industry Cup Challenge – Keystone Automotive Operations
Manufacturer – Hellwig Products
Rep Agency – PSKB Inc.
Service Provider – LGE-CTS
Warehouse Distributor – Keystone Automotive Operations
Media – Hemmings
Council Cup – Future Leaders Network (FLN)
Build It for Me
1st Place – Erika Marquez, WARN Industries
2nd Place – Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
3rd Place – Steve Wolcott, ProMedia LLC
While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.
The following photos showcase events from the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala:
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence (right) recognized the efforts of outgoing SEMA Board member Chris Douglas (center).
Les Rudd (center) was appointed SEMA Board treasurer earlier this year.
Mike Spagnola and James Lawrence welcomed incoming SEMA Board member Norris Marshall (center).
Kathryn Reinhardt (center) was re-elected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.
Melanie White (center) was also re-elected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.
Rich Butler, although not in attendance, was recognized as an incoming Board member.
Chip Foose (right) introduced 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame member Gene Winfield (left).
Walker Evans addresses the crowd after his enshrinement into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Raymond Gallagher, vice president of Roush Performance Group, accepted the SEMA Hall of Fame honor on behalf of Jack Roush.
Raymond Gallagher of Roush Performance holding the SEMA Hall of Fame trophy on behalf of Jack Roush.
Gene Winfield holding his SEMA Hall of Fame trophy at the Awards Gala.
Walker Evans with his SEMA Hall of Fame trophy at the Awards Gala.