Alex Xydias, most known for his SO-CAL Speed Shop, land speed racing, and many other accomplishments, has passed away at 102 years old. He was born in 1922 and by the 1940s he was captivated by the lure of hot rodding, before being called to serve our country in World War II. Xydias (pronounced X-hideous) returned from service and promptly founded SO-CAL Speed Shop in Burbank, California, quickly gaining notoriety for building the first 200-mph hot rod on the Bonneville Salt Flats and had a heavy influence in the early days of organized drag racing.
The SO-CAL Speed Shop land speed exploits are legendary, most notable being involved in Bill Burke’s first-ever belly tank race car, many record-breaking streamliners, and other hot rod’s for the then-new speed trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He was not only a speed shop owner in his illustrious career, by the 1960s he closed the shop and went into filmmaking, with a heavy focus on motorsports. He joined Petersen Publishing as publisher for Car Craft and Hot Rod Industry News in 1963, eventually working with a group in the formation of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) later that decade. Ultimately, Xydias joined up with famed speed parts manufacturer, racer, and motorsports promoter Mickey Thompson to create SCORE off-road racing, a venture he retired from in 1987.
Xydias remained involved in the hobby through great friends like Bruce Meyer as they recreated his famous SO-CAL belly tank racer following his official retirement. At the behest of family, friends, and others, Xydias would also help relaunch SO-CAL Speed Shop in 1997, making the red and white paint job famous once again to new generations of hot rodders. A lifelong friend of NHRA founder and HOT ROD’s first named editor, Wally Parks, the sport of drag racing and the hot rodding hobby have Xydias’ fingerprints all over it.
HOT ROD sends its condolences and thanks to Xydias’ family and friends. He served his country during World War II, became a hot rod legend, and influenced millions of enthusiasts for nearly 80 years.
