World-Class Shine Award for Automotive Excellence at SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2002; It's the automotive equivalent of an Oscar. The Shine Award, now in its second year of presentation by Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners, recognizes singular excellence in the field of customized vehicles. This year, automotive icon Robert E. Petersen, founder of numerous automotive magazines and the Petersen Automotive Museum, is scheduled to bestow this distinguished trophy on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA event is the premier event of the year for the $26 billion automotive aftermarket industry, with more than 90,000 attendees, 1,400 exhibits and 1,000 vehicles on display. The presentation will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the Primedia booth (#22143), slated for broadcast on ESPN2 and TNN, and later posted on the Mothers web site ( www.mothers.com ). Mr. Petersen will be available for a brief interview and photo opportunity with the press after the presentation.

The Shine Award is highly prized by automotive enthusiasts, and hundreds of entries will be vying to take home this prestigious trophy. Judging for the Shine Award will be handled by a panel of independent experts known for their automotive expertise and critical eye. To pick the best-of-show winner, and 10 "Mothers Choice" runner-ups, they will be canvassing some 12 miles of aisles that crisscross 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space, scrutinizing and evaluating an impressive collection of stunning vehicles customized for public display.

In its inaugural year, the 2001 Shine Award went to the "NewMad," a spectacular street rod designed by Chris Ito, built by Steve Frisbie, and owned by Dave Hall. This pinnacle of the car-builder's craft melded the classic features of a 1955 Nomad with truly inspired vision, artistry, design, detail and craftsmanship. The NewMad will be on display this year in the Mothers booth (#20757) at the SEMA show.

It's anybody's guess which vehicle will take home the 2002 award. But one thing is for sure -- it will be one awesome ride.