Chip Foose Returns as Grand Marshal of SEMA Summer Car Show

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," will return as Grand Marshal of the second annual SEMA Show 'N Shine public car show, Saturday, July 24, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Held in connection with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser (taking place the evening before, on July 23) and the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, also on July 24, the Show 'N Shine car show will draw some of the best local enthusiast cars, trucks and classics, with all proceeds benefiting children's charities Childhelp and Victory Junction. More than 200 vehicles last year.

Foose, a California native and an integral part of its car culture for the past decade, began working for his father's automotive company as a boy and became the youngest member, at age 31, inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997. He established his company, Foose Design, a year later.

"I was thrilled to be a part of the inaugural SEMA Show 'N Shine last year and am even more excited to return for 2010,” says Foose. “SEMA is an important organization for car enthusiasts and industry people like myself, and I’m proud to take part and work in supporting children's charities through this event."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through his personal vehicles and those he's worked on, including a '59 Bel Air, among others. Last year, Foose brought a '56 Ford F-100 pickup, a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe.

"It's fantastic to have Chip Foose back again this year," says Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee. "Last year, I watched as Chip paused from an interview to draw a car on the T-shirt for one of the children from Childhelp. The young boy later exclaimed it was the best day of his life. Chip's celebrity status was a major reason for the success of our inaugural show, and we were pleased to hear his generous offer to once again help the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp."

Foose, says Show 'N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment, is an industry icon, one that any automotive enthusiast will recognize. "He's one of the most down-to-earth automotive celebrities I've ever met, and we're thrilled that he's accepted an invitation to join us once again."

Both Show 'N Shine and the Pinewood Drag Races are part of the 2010 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the SPC Business Technology Conference and the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, both scheduled for the day and evening before, on July 23.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.