Posted June 29, 2005, 9 a.m. EST
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) chairman and Coker Tire Company president Joseph “Corky” Coker was honored with a “Wally” Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd annual Holley NHRA Hot Rod Reunion’s public reception. Hosted at the Bowling Green Convention Center in Bowling Green, KY, the reception was part of the popular weekend event that included a cruise night, memorabilia auction, “Show and Shine” and NHRA vintage drag racing.
The award, named for National Hot Rod Association founder Wally Parks, acknowledged Coker’s unrelenting commitment and dedication to the preservation and expansion of the sport along with his work to ensure that events like the Hot Rod Reunion continue.
“Today, I’m honored to be a ‘car guy’,” said Coker. “SEMA was founded with wonderful companies like Holley, Edelbrock and Crain, who have worked closely with us to help ensure that we can continue to enjoy our cars as we always have. I urge hot rodders everywhere to take action to support their hobby and their sport so that future generations can experience the thrills, sights, and sounds we’ve come to love. In the face of legislation that seeks to regulate or curtail our sport, we cannot take anything for granted. We need to be vigilant and protect our rights.”
Coker’s impassioned plea received a rousing round of applause. Afterwards he urged attendees to visit the SEMA Action Network booth to keep abreast of developments that could possibly adversely affect their sport.
The Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, is produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars that represent more than half a century of drag racing, dry lakes and salt flats racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.
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