The National Street Rod Association presented Joe Petlick with the 2017 NSRA Person of the Year Award during the recent 48th Annual Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Petlick is a sales manager at Motor State Distributing, a leading distributor of racing equipment and high-performance auto parts.

Petlick has spent a lifetime involved in the Street Rod community, according to Motor State. Not only is Petlick a fellow enthusiast and owner of several hot rods—including his red 1939 Ford Coupe—but his occupation at Motor State has allowed the Southwest Michigan native to champion many of the causes that keep the hobby and the industry alive.

Petlick also serves on the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Select Committee and is the Chair of Education.

Petlick was sure to thank his wife who surprised him on the stage during the ceremony for their 42nd anniversary.