Gale Banks to receive industry award

Some people's lives are difficult to capture in words.

Gale Banks is one of them. I know this because every time I sit down to write a story about him it's painful - painful because it invariably becomes a struggle to decide what to include and what to leave out.

Let me explain. Gale Banks, who owns Banks Power in Azusa, established his company more than 50 years ago. Banks Power makes a variety of power-enhancing products for diesel and gas-powered light trucks, motorhomes, SUVs, Jeeps, Hummers and boats.

During this half century in business, he's managed to rack up more awards, honors and nods than just about anyone on the planet. And this doesn't include the fact that major automakers - including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Volvo and Pontiac - have turned to Banks' company for advanced research and development. 

A self-described futurist, Banks is a big proponent of diesel power.

"The near-term alternative fuel that's viable and already has an infrastructure is diesel," Banks said last year. "It's not so much how much it costs, but how far you can go on a dollar. With diesel you can go 40 percent further on a gallon. And the harder you work it ... diesel is the hands-down winner."

It's a little tough to articulate, but when you talk to Banks face to face, you get a clear sense that this guy know of what he speaks. The Automotive Hall of Fame must think so as well, because this Sunday they will honor him with a 2009 Distinguished Service Citation in New Orleans.

The honor is the Hall of Fame's oldest ongoing recognition and is presented each year to people who have had a significant impact on the automotive industry.

In these troubled times we're living in, it's nice to see someone who's achieved their success through hard work, ingenuity and resolve. And it's especially nice to see those qualities rewarded.