IRVINE, Calif., (February 2004) - Joseph "Corky" Coker, president of Coker Tire Company, the world's largest distributor of antique and classic tires for automobiles, and the current chairman of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) has been chosen to receive the 2004 Meguiar's Award honoring the Collector Car Hobby's Person of the Year. A panel of 21 of the most respected automotive journalists from across the country meet annually to review the nominations and select a recipient for the prestigious honor that is equivalent to receiving an Oscar. Candidates are evaluated on their contribution to the growth, quality, visibility and respectability of the hobby, plus their assistance with federal, state and local legislation affecting the hobby and their overall community involvement.
Coker was the founding member and former chairman of the Automobile Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), which is the auto restoration arm of SEMA. In 1998 he was inducted into its Hall of Fame and after serving numerous years on the SEMA Board of Directors, he assumed the chairmanship of SEMA in 2003, making him the first chairman to come from the Restoration/Street Rod segment of the automotive aftermarket.
As an avid supporter of the hobby of antique vehicles, including a personal collection of more than 70 classic cars and motorcycles, Coker regularly participates in car shows and rallies and was quick to recognize collectors' growing demands for rare tires that were no longer commercially available. In the 1970s he began to develop an astounding array of hundreds of specialty tires for vehicles from the 1890s to modern-day cars and trucks. In less than three decades, Coker turned the fledgling antique tire division of his father's Chattanooga, Tenn. BFGoodrich dealership into what is today the world's leading supplier of vintage and specialty tires.
Corky Coker to Receive 2004 Meguiar's Award
"Corky is the ultimate car guy," says Barry Meguiar, president and CEO of Meguiar's, Inc. "His overwhelming enthusiasm and tireless efforts have impacted almost every segment of the collector car hobby. He has also proved to be one of our most effective speakers for protecting hobbyists rights in the face of "clunker bill" legislation." Coker will be honored at a gala event at the 3,500-seat Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland on June 19, 2004. He will also receive a replica of the perpetual wood sculpture trophy created by noted automotive artist Dennis Hoyt. He joins a distinguished list of previous Meguiar's award winners that includes Chester "Chet" Krause, founder of Krause Publications; Bill Miller and Chip Miller, recognized internationally for their Carlisle collector car events; Tonight Show host Jay Leno; Jules Heumann and the late Lorin Tryon, previous co-chairmen of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance; Bruce Meyer, renowned Beverly Hills car collector and hobby activist; Robert E. Petersen, founder of Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines; J.B. Nethercutt, creator of The Nethercutt Collection, one of the most comprehensive auto collections ever assembled; Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours and last year's winner, Steve Earle, founder of the Monterey Historic Races. The selection process for the Meguiar's Award is kept entirely separate from the business interests of Meguiar's Inc., a privately held surface care products manufacturer based in Irvine, Calif. For more information on the Meguiar's Award or for ticket information, please call Kim Milman or Jarrod Holland at JMPR at 818/992-4353.