The late Bob McJannett, co-founder of Performance Improvements, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2003 and remains one of only two Canadians to receive the honour to date.

SEMA is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association’s highest honour.

The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly enhanced the growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

“The SEMA Hall of Fame is a testament to the people who have positively impacted the industry in extraordinary ways,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer.

“By submitting a nomination, those in the industry can help celebrate and preserve the aftermarket’s history by acknowledging the contributions of those who have gone above and beyond.”   

Two Canadians are currently in the SEMA Hall of Fame.

George Foote, Karbelt Speed & Custom, was inducted in 1984
“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,” reads his nomination.

Bob McJannett, Performance Improvements, was inducted in 2003
“Bob has been instrumental in preaching the ‘gospel’ of how to run and manage a performance business through his prolific writings published not only by various Canadian automotive consumer magazines, but many SEMA publications as well,” said Bob Keller of Turbonetics of the nomination. “He always professed the best interest of the industry as a whole—not just his niche.”

Nominee qualifications include: 

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The 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. 

The association is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.  

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.   

Nominations can be submitted until Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PST at sema.org/hof. Contact Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org with any questions.