Hot rod legend Blackie Gejeian died Friday, Sept. 2 at the age of 90. His passing leaves the hot rod and racing communities bereft of an inspiring and imaginative man who had been a staple of car events for more than half a century.
Born on a California ranch in the year 1926, Blackie starting driving his dad's car around by the age of 12. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy to serve in World War II. Upon his return from the war in '45, he built his first hot rod, a speedy black roadster that earned him the name 'Blackie.' When a crash three years later destroyed the car and nearly led to his death, Blackie didn't lose enthusiasm for hot rods for a second. He rebuilt the car, and in 1955 it was named World's Most Beautiful Roadster by the Oakland Grand National Roadster Show.
In 1958, Blackie started the world-famous Fresno Autorama Show, which ran annually until 2010, when Blackie retired. He was a five-time NASCAR dirt track champion. Through his tireless promotional efforts over the course of two decades, he helped the Clovis speedway gain popularity to become one of the most-loved dirt tracks in the U.S.A. until its closure in '76, and for 18 years he owned the Fresno dragway, another excellent track. In 2009, Fresno honored Blackie's contributions to hot rod culture with a plaque placed outside the Fresno Convention Center. On his 90th birthday earlier this year, the Fresno County Historical Museum displayed a bust in his image.
Blackie Gejeian was a unique presence in the hot rod community. His contributions, stories and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all those who love cars and car events. We at Hotrod Hotline extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will most certainly be remembered.