Celebrating Excellence: I-CAR Honors Justin Lewis and Victor Auto Body Works at SEMA 2026

A Glimpse into the I-CAR Awards at SEMA 2026

The SEMA Show 2026 was a remarkable event celebrating advancements and excellence within the automotive repair industry. Among the highlights was I-CAR's annual recognition ceremony where Justin Lewis of Accurate Auto Body and Victor Auto Body Works were awarded for their outstanding commitments to education and quality in auto collision repair.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Justin Lewis, based in Redmond, Washington, received the prestigious Jeff Silver Memorial Award for his dedication to fostering excellence among technicians. His role goes beyond that of a business owner; he actively mentors new technicians, enhancing their understanding of the importance of proper repair practices. By educating his customers about safe repair processes, Justin underscores the value of current training and manufacturer guidelines.

As president of the Washington Independent Collision Repairer’s Association, he exemplifies leadership and commitment to the industry's continuous improvement. His contributions promote higher standards across the sector.

Victor Auto Body Works, represented by Tyler Rook at the awards ceremony, received the Russ Verona Memorial Award. This honor is awarded to a Gold Class shop that upholds a strong commitment to training and professionalism. Operating since 1953 in Middletown, Connecticut, Victor Auto Body Works recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of earning I-CAR Gold Class status. Their continuous engagement with local vocational programs aims to introduce aspiring technicians to the collision repair industry, ensuring a bright future for the profession.

The Legacy of the Awards

The Jeff Silver and Russ Verona Memorial Awards pay homage to industry pioneers whose legacies inspire contemporaries today. Jeff Silver played a pivotal role in establishing the Platinum and Gold Class programs, which recognize individual and shop excellence. Russ Verona, founder of the first I-CAR Gold Class shop, set high standards for professionalism and integrity that remain vital today.

These awards reiterate the significance of continued education in the collision repair industry, a field that continually evolves due to technological advancements in automotive standards. I-CAR's commitment to enhancing knowledge transfer and training ensures that professionals keep pace with modern repair techniques.

I-CAR’s Role in the Industry

Founded in 1979, I-CAR aims to support the dynamic needs of the collision repair industry. It is a not-for-profit organization providing education and knowledge solutions. I-CAR's accredited services enhance the safety and quality of auto repairs, benefiting both the industry and consumers. At the SEMA Show, their presence highlighted the importance of education and innovation in handling increasingly complex vehicles.

As we look towards the future, the celebration of achievements displayed at the SEMA Show emphasizes the vital role that education and professional training will continue to play in the automotive sector. It not only uplifts individual businesses but strengthens the entire industry, fostering a community dedicated to safety, quality, and excellence for years to come.