SEMA Member News—January 2019
Hot Rodders Capture the Spotlight
 The HRIA booth, shared with ARMO, creates inviting space for SEMA members to learn more about the council and how to get involved. | |
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) kept a high profile throughout the 2018 SEMA Show, from Hot Rod Alley to the council’s awards reception to the Hot Rod Builders Panel. The HRIA booth, which shares space with the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, is best known as Central Park for its role as a gathering spot on the exhibit floor, and it featured stellar display vehicles representative of the street-rod segment.
HRIA also pulled out all the stops at its annual awards reception, held at the Westgate Paradise Center on Wednesday evening, October 31. The much-anticipated event—which raised $11,450 in sponsored tables to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund—drew a crowd of more than 500 hot-rod professionals.
Hot rodder and former HRIA chair Rick Love emceed the gala evening of networking and celebration. Five prominent honorees were recognized during the awards ceremony for their accomplishments and contributions to the growth and progress of the hot-rod industry. Tom Vogele of the National Street Rod Association and Bret Voelkel of Ride Tech became the newest members of the HRIA Hall of Fame. The HRIA Chairman’s Award was presented posthumously to John Menzler of Comp Performance. The HRIA Industry Recognition Award went to John Drummond of Goodguys Rod & Custom, and Bowler Performance Transmissions was named HRIA Business of the Year.
Hot Rod Builders Panel: Insider Insights
Becoming a top-notch hot-rod builder takes time, talent, resources and a lot of know-how. Are TV builds really a reality? What does it take to become successful and earn a reputation as a top-tier builder? How do you avoid pitfalls and differentiate yourself? By asking the experts, of course.
For answers to those and other hot-button questions, HRIA powered an expert panel moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air. Panelists included respected builders Troy Trepanier, Bobby Alloway and Kyle Tucker, who shared insider tips and tactics during the well-attended Thursday morning Hot Rod Builders Panel.
A multi-jurisdictional law enforcement Honor Guard presented the colors for the National Anthem at the HRIA Reception.
2018 HRIA Hall of Fame inductee Tom Vogele (center) of National Street Rod Association.
HRIA Builders Panel. Pictured from left to right: Rick Love, Bobby Alloway, Troy Trepanier, Steve Cook, Kyle Tucker and Brian Brennan.
2018 HRIA Hall of Fame inductee Bret Voelkel (center) of RideTech.