SEMA Hall of Fame

SEMA Hall of Famer George Barris is best known for creating the Batmobile, but the world-famous, self-taught car customizer contributed to the auto industry in many other ways.

Eric Grant, who was SEMA's first executive director, helped the auto industry navigate various government regulations and was instrumental in changing the SEMA name to the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

Dick McMullen, who was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2010, started in the automotive industry as a hot rodder. McMullen started Drag News and then went into advertising before owning Hedman Muffler and Manifold.

Corky Coker entered the auto industry working for the family business. The SEMA Hall of Famer has gone on to become one of the most-recognized faces in the industry, with his signature mustache and personality to match.

Like many other SEMA Hall of Famers, Chuck Schwartz was in attendance at the first SEMA Show. Schwartz played a key role in the Show and led the SEMA Show management team for many years.

During the course of his illustrious career, SEMA Hall of Famer Chris Economaki promoted races and worked as a track announcer, writer, editor and television broadcaster.

Bob Cook talks about his love of cars and working on his '51 Mercury, which led him to a career working at a warehouse and stints at Holley and Edelbrock before being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2008.

Bob Larivee Sr. created the Detroit Autorama and other leading industry events before being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2012.

The widow of Bill Perry recounts personal stories about the SEMA Hall of Fame member who created Bill Perry and Associates and later joined the SEMA Board.

Ken Clapp recounts the early days of racing as he shares personal stories about Bill France Sr., co-founder of NASCAR and SEMA Hall of Fame member.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell joined the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2008. He shares stories about his mentors and growing up in the California car culture of the 1950s.

Art Chrisman attended his first drag race in 1951 and raced at Bonneville, becoming the first to do a 180-mph quarter-mile. Inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2011, Chrisman recalls his early days racing and building cars.

Henry "Smokey" Yunick, inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2009, began his love affair with engines as a child. This passion eventually turned into a love of racing and the creation of many innovations.

SEMA Hall of Fame inductee in 1984 and Bonneville 200 MPG Club honoree Jim Deist knows what it takes to succeed, and he advises the younger generation to dedicate their lives to hard work.

SEMA Hall of Fame member Burke LeSage reflects on meeting Wally Parks at the age of 14 and why he believes the automotive industry embodies the American spirit and the capacity for freedom.

Bob Airheart, who was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1993, talks about the types of people who are attracted to the automotive industry and how colleagues have become like family.

SEMA Hall of Fame member Wade Kawasaki shares what the SEMA Person of the Year Award means to him. He also recounts his accomplishments with SEMA and his experience with the Young Executives Network (YEN).

Chuck Blum, former SEMA president and SEMA Hall of Fame member, tells of the strength of the specialty-equipment industry and how aftermarket parts are ultimately something consumers want to have -- not need to have.

Inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1982, Alex Xydias reflects on the industry and its origins, back to the days when SEMA stood for the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Referred to by many as "Camfather," Ed Iskenderian was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1978. He speaks about the early days of hot rods, racing in the desert and how he created Isky Racing Cams.