If it weren’t for Jim’s dedication, drivers in racing wouldn’t be “wrapped” in the safety of foolproof fire-protection garments. Deist is a leader in the science of protective fabrics for driving suits, gloves and footwear, and Jim is an expert in the design of chutes used for slowing down dragsters. Jim is credited with designing and implementing the first "drag chute" for safely stopping cars at speed, and is said to be responsible for the earliest firesuits and masks that kept race car drivers safe. As a founding member of SEMA, Jim helped to establish the "Meets SFI Specs" programs.

A love of cars—fast cars—and a desire to improve their performance and appearance inspired George Foote to open and operate Karbelt Speed & Custom, one of Canada’s most popular—and reportedly first—speed equipment emporiums. George also had the foresight to expand the products available to include spark plugs, chrome parts, and offerings from Hurst, Mallory, Offenhauser and Isky, which were among the first product lines. George was awarded the PWA Pioneer Award.

“They said I couldn’t do it,” remarked D. William (Bill) Smith of Speedway Motors. “But I did.” Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Speedway is the largest supplier of engine parts, chassis, suspension and body panels for all types of race cars. Known to most as Speedy Bill, he started Speedway in 1952, for manufacturing, on-site retail and high-volume mail-order; it has been called America’s oldest speedshop.

Before the sudden death of Marion Lee "Mickey" Thompson and his wife Trudy in 1988, in a double murder that wasn’t solved until 2007, Mickey was one of auto racing’s most popular stars. He was a car builder, racing driver and event promoter—he covered all facets of his favorite hobby and career, auto racing, with unprecedented success.

Before Dick went into business, trying to find off-road gear or tires for a four-wheel-drive truck or Jeep was a formidable challenge.  Dick opened a large store, which was later expanded to a small chain of retail outlets. He initially sold tires and wheels, but eventually expanded to all aspects of off-roading: jacks, tents, auxiliary lights and even survival books. The Dick Cepek line of lighting became extremely popular. Within just four years, his products began being sold in foreign countries; South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Italy became home to Cepek products.

The term “mag wheels” can be traced to the racing wheels designed and produced by Ted Halibrand’s company. During the war, he worked for Douglas Aircraft as an engineer, where he often used magnesium to replace broken aluminum aircraft parts. He cast his first set of wheels out of magnesium in 1946, and their immediate success led to the formation of the Halibrand Engineering Co. in 1947. Referred to as “mags,” the custom wheels of today are steel or aluminum alloy. But it was Ted who introduced wheels of lightweight magnesium, sold exclusively for on-track racing applications.

Jerry operated one of the most popular (and earliest) speed shops, but he was also a hands-on racer. Jerry knew—and lived—the business of specialty cars and racing every waking hour, and was owner of Vic Hubbard Speed and Marine. His support of motorsports and help with industry causes earned him Hall of Fame recognition.

His name was associated with Cragar Wheels for many years; Tom managed the marketing and racing program for Cragar throughout the peak of his career in the specialty industry. His donation of time as a volunteer, his support to the racing community and his untiring work in the industry as a member of committees earned him many awards and Hall of Fame recognition, including a Sportsmanship Award in 1949.

It was Tom’s father who founded Babcox Publishing (Babcox Media), producer of an exclusive line of magazines for the automotive parts and service trade. Tom maintained the tradition of quality magazines as owner, devoting a lot of time to the causes of the specialty industry, a dedication that earned him SEMA Hall of Fame honors. Babcox Media’s first magazine was India Rubber & Tire magazine, which went into circulation in 1901; it is now called Tire Review.

Donna Imrie Foulger began working at SEMA as a young college student. With a very small staff, she and then CEO Eric Grant, spent countless hours creating a solidly recognized organization. He through marketing efforts; she through endeavors as membership liaison. SEMA went through its initial growing pains with a small staff wearing many hats. Soon, however, the association began unprecedented growth in prestige within the industry, as evidenced by growth of the SEMA Show, membership rolls, and legislative successes.