Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open until March 18, with multiple inductees possible for 2022.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honours the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

Notable Canadian SEMA Hall of Fame members include Bob McJannett, founder of Performance Improvements, and George Foote, founder of Karbelt Speed & Custom.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honours those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness, and accomplishments, on a national basis, have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES

His/her contributions must have extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national or international level.

The candidate is and/or has been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 (ten) years.

The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.

The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.

Candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

A significant contribution to SEMA should be an important consideration for nomination. However, the committee may, at its discretion, nominate no more than one individual who has not had a close association with SEMA but has had a significant influence in the advancement of the specialty-equipment automotive industry. Since these people usually have their own Hall of Fame award within their segment of the industry, this choice should be only for the very exceptional person.

A candidate who has been an employee of SEMA or a vendor to SEMA must have had a very significant presence in and have made an outstanding contribution to the specialty-equipment automotive industry either before or after their SEMA employment.

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. 

Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.