WHEELS IN MOTION

PETE CHAPOURIS . October 18, 2022 . All Feature Vehicles

Save ArticleLogin to save it

SEMA Show 2014 Part 2

Last month I brought to your attention the size and scope of the 2014 SEMA Show and then promptly ran out of space in my column, just like our friends at the show! I’ll try to add a little more of the ancillary stuff into the column that I was talking about last month.

As you know (or are about to find out) I’ve been involved with an educational group based out of Pomona for several years known as the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC). AXC is part of the Career and Technical Education Center at the Fairplex (CTEC). AXC is a non-profit organization that trains high school level kids in the almost non-existent field of auto shop. There’s no tuition because we want talent from every level, so we don’t need to scare anyone away before they even get started. The center has developed a strong reputation, and I’m proud to say that all of our “kids” have been placed in the automotive work force, generally before they graduate. With that said, SEMA Board Chairman Nate Shelton felt that 2014 would be a good year for the prestigious SEMA Chairman’s Service Award to be presented to the AXC committee for their work in shepherding well-trained individuals to the automotive aftermarket and beyond. (Good work, folks!)

Check out ZZ TOP front man Billy F. Gibbons’s radically chopped ’34 Ford coupe on display at SEMA Central. It’s showing off the radical side-molding provided by the newly formed SEMA Garage facility spearheaded by longtime SEMA guy Mike Spagnola. (Photo courtesy of SEMA)

Here’s another shot of the SEMA crowd bursting out of the aisles of the North Hall. (Photo courtesy of SEMA)

Speaking of SEMA awards, I would be remiss if I didn’t say a few words about the recipient of the 2014 President’s Service Award, which recognized Robert E. Petersen, and the foundation he and his wife Margie established (managed by foundation President Gigi Carlton). In fact, not long ago AXC was the recipient of a $500,000 gift from the Petersen Foundation. It was great having SEMA President Chris Kersting recognize the foundation for its good work and seeing good friend Gigi receive the award in Pete and Margie’s name.

Well, I just ran out of space again. See you next month. Oh, and don’t forget to catch our new podcast on iTunes. It’s free, just go to “Shift and Steer” for all things automotive.