THE AUTO BUILDER
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THE YORK BEFORE YORK
Central Pennsylvania has long been a hot bed for traditional hot rods. When the N.S.R.A. moved the Nats East from Timonium, Maryland to the York County Fairgrounds in 1975, the town of York, and the associated York County Fairgrounds became synonymous with the NSRA Nats East. But wait, there was a good show in York before that happened.
BLUE OVAL IN A BOW TIE
Let’s face it, most of us are working within the confines of a set of unwritten, yet clearly defined, rules of hot rodding. Stance, engine choice and wheels are for the most part selected from a menu of items that come “pre-approved” by our peers. Sure these rules work most of the time, and they provide a degree of certain acceptance when you’re building a traditional pre-’49 hot rod. But all in all, it also makes us a group of conforming nonconformists. However, for some hot rodders (and they are in the minority) building hot rods is about pure ingenuity, a total lack of peer pressure and joy of mixing parts from various sources and making it all work.
GOLDEN ARCHES
As enthusiasts, when we build our cars, we tend to stuff as much tire under those cars as possible. This is especially important for rear tires that hook the car to the ground while improving its stance. For those interested in drag-racing their cars, you will need to accommodate larger rear tires or slicks. The current hot trend is the 10.5-inch slick, which seems to work well on many applications, but depending on the make and model of your car, it may require modifications to enlarge the rear wheel openings to accommodate the larger rubber.
Spotlighter
Celebrating the Life of Marla Moore
A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Faith
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Madison Moore
The automotive aftermarket community mourns the passing of Marla Moore, a true pioneer, mentor, and friend. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Marla’s professional achievements were matched only by the love she had for her daughter Madison—and the deep faith that guided her every step.
Marla was a trailblazer, a respected leader in marketing and business strategy, and a tireless advocate for women in the automotive industry. Her contributions shaped brands, empowered people, and left an impact that will live on for generations.
A Trailblazer in the Automotive Industry
Marla’s remarkable journey began in the early days of Auto Shack, the company that would later become AutoZone. Hired as an Art Director, she helped craft the visual identity of what would grow into one of America’s largest auto parts retailers. This early experience laid the foundation for her exceptional career in the automotive world.
She continued honing her marketing expertise with roles at Competition Cams and Hypertech, where she served as Advertising Director and played a pivotal role in creating a new category of high-performance engine tuning for computer-controlled vehicles. Whether it was branding, campaign strategy, or training sales teams, Marla approached every challenge with unmatched creativity and drive.
Later, as Director of Marketing for The Coker Group (Coker Tire), Marla’s leadership elevated some of the most recognizable brands in the automotive aftermarket. From The Great Race to Wheel Vintiques, she helped bring vintage automotive culture to a global audience. Her efforts were key to the company’s international expansion and its transformation into Legendary Companies. Marla also cofounded Autofluencer, a platform that connects automotive brands with content creators. Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, she helped shape its strategy for authentic brand partnerships and influencer campaigns.
Championing Women and Mentorship
Beyond her corporate leadership, Marla’s heart beat for people—especially for the next generation of women in the industry. Through her involvement with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), she took on roles that gave women a stronger voice in automotive leadership.
As Chair of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), she led the groundbreaking SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women project, gaining national media attention. Her work earned her the prestigious SEMA Person of the Year award in 2012 and SBN Woman of the Year in 2013. In 2022, she was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as one of the industry’s greats.
A Life Anchored by Love and Faith
While Marla’s professional accolades are impressive, they don’t fully capture the woman she was. At her core, she was a devoted mother to her beloved daughter, Madison. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in the young woman Madison became.
More than that, Marla’s life was rooted in her love for the Lord. Her faith shaped how she worked, how she served, and how she lived. Kindness, compassion, and integrity defined her relationships both inside and outside of the workplace.
Her Legacy Lives On
Marla Moore’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and unwavering heart. She leaves behind an automotive aftermarket industry that’s better because of her influence, a generation of women who were inspired by her example, and a family that will forever carry her memory.
As we reflect on her life and mourn her passing, we remember a woman who knew how to win in business without ever losing sight of what truly matters: faith, family, and lifting others up.
Rest in peace, Marla. Your light shines on.
Marla at a local fundraising event in Chattanooga.
A favorite moment—captured at her induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2019. An honor she gratefully shared with the women of the SBN and the industry, surrounded by love.
Jennifer Seely and Marla Moore with Courtney Hansen discussing The SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women on the Powerblock.
In 2012, at Hot Rod Garage, over 40 women came together to transform a basic Mustang into the iconic ‘High Gear’—the first all-female SEMA build that changed their lives forever.
Marla representing the industry in Washington D.C.
Crosstown Complex in Memphis
In Honor of Marla Jean Sconyers Moore
A time to gather and remember Marla’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Chattanooga Funeral Home – North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson, Tennessee. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for a receiving of visitors from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Marla will be laid to rest beside her parents in the quiet grounds of Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Clayhatchee, Alabama. Final burial arrangements are forthcoming and will be shared once confirmed.
To read more about Marla’s life and legacy, or to share a message with her family, please visit:
🔗 Marla Moore’s Obituary
