Legendary Companies CEO Wade Kawasaki Encourages Enthusiasts to Drive a Collector Car This Friday.
Chattanooga, Tenn. (July 9, 2020) – Car enthusiasts, much like sports fans, have struggled through the Covid-19 pandemic, as many of their favorite events have been canceled. For the average local car enthusiast, it’s common to attend at least one car-related event per month. Some enthusiasts attend a car show or cruise-in event nearly every weekend throughout the car show season, which typically stretches from March until November.
Though very few car events have taken place in 2020, the leader of a local company is encouraging enthusiasts to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day on Friday, July 10th. “Now more than ever, we need to embrace this nationally-recognized day and enjoy some time behind the wheel of an old car,” said Wade Kawasaki, CEO of Legendary Companies, which owns Coker Tire Company and many other aftermarket companies.
The Chattanooga-based company manufactures tires and wheels for collector cars and also hosts events such as the Chattanooga Cruise In to bring the car community together. Typically, Coker Tire hosts an event at its downtown headquarters to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day. “We regret that we cannot host our normal lunchtime gathering on Collector Car Appreciation Day, but we still hope that local enthusiasts will take part in this special day by driving their collector vehicle,” said Kawasaki, in regard to the unusual circumstances of this year’s celebration. Kawasaki continued, “Many of our employees are enthusiasts and drive their collector cars to work. If you drive by, honk your horn to let us know you love collector cars!”
Kawasaki, a lifelong car enthusiast, is the immediate past chairman of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which is the association that represents thousands of small businesses that make up the 60-billion-dollar automotive aftermarket industry. Coker Tire is a longtime SEMA member and works with the organization to safeguard the collector car hobby. Having Congress designate July 10th, 2020 as Collector Car Appreciation Day is great news for the Chattanooga-based company and auto enthusiasts in general.
Kawasaki was part of the team of industry leaders who created Collector Car Appreciation Day and presented it to Congress more than a decade ago. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) worked closely with the government to recognize this awareness day and has done so for the past 11 years. Kawasaki encourages all enthusiasts to join SAN. It’s free of charge and allows you to be part of the voice that shapes the course of car hobby legislation in your state. You can find more information at www.semasan.com.
Coker Tire Company, Inc.
Founded in 1958, Coker Tire Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of tires and wheels for collector vehicles. From OEM reproductions to innovative products that blend vintage looks with modern performance, Coker Tire has a wide variety of products to fit thousands of applications. Restored classics, customs, hot rods, classic pickups, motorcycles, military vehicles and more are covered in Coker Tire’s extensive product line, and new products are always right around the corner. For more information, please visit www.cokertire.com.
