Hot Rod Legend and Museum Board President Alex Xydias is turning 90, and we want you to join us in this special celebration. June 16 at the Fairplex in Pomona will be the heart of hot rodding revelry honoring one of the automotive industry’s most influential people, Alex Xydias. Just Google his name and you will see what we’re talking about.
Hosted by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts during the 48th annual L.A. Roadster Show, the birthday gala is also a charity event. All proceeds raised from the gala will equally benefit these two organizations close to Alex’s heart.
“Celebrating my 90th birthday is going to be great fun, not just because it’s my birthday but because this party is going to support two organizations I’m very proud of – the Museum and AX Center for Automotive Arts,” said Alex Xydias. “I want those in attendance to become a part of these unique organizations that are enriching the lives of young people – the future leaders of the automotive world; the next Wally’s, Alex’s, Isky’s, and Thompsons!”
During the gala, party goers will witness a special display of three major So-Cal Speed Shop cars together for the first time including the So-Cal Streamliner recreation built by Dan Webb of Burton, Michigan, which was a hit at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fellow Greek and friend, Pete Chapouris, president of SO-CAL Speed Shop, tells us the hot rodding community is revved up for Alex's "big fat Greek" birthday.
"My phone has been ringing off the hook with people interested in getting this hot ticket for Alex's birthday party," said Chapouris. "Alex is a living legend and I'm honored to say that Alex has been my mentor and friend. The Pomona Fairplex is a perfect backdrop with the Roadster Show in town and of course it's really special when someone celebrates a 90th birthday."
The evening’s program includes a live and silent auction with some exciting never-before-seen items from Alex’s personal collection, special remarks from close friends and family and lively entertainment. There will also be a special presentation of Alex’s early racing film documentaries – Film making began as a hobby he enjoyed at So-Cal Speed Shop that evolved into a business of documenting motorsports events.
The gala will be held at the newly opened Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center to accommodate an anticipated huge crowd. The center is located at 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768.
To join in wishing Alex a happy 90th birthday and support two great organizations, purchase tickets online at www.TLCfairplex.org/axgala or by calling 909/865-4207. Tickets are $90 and table sponsors start at $1500. Don’t let the “gala” word fool you! Casual dress is strictly enforced. Don’t wait too long. Tickets are selling faster than the So-Cal streamliner ran.
So-Cal Speed Shop Company voted "Best Hot Rods" by Mechanix Illustrated
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, long a dream of NHRA founder Wally Parks, opened to the public April 4, 1998, after years of planning and months of hard work cataloging and arranging the exhibit. Housed in a 28,500-square-foot building on the edge of the historic Los Angeles County Fairplex, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's mission is to celebrate the impact of motorsports on our culture. We collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the vehicles, stories, and artifacts that represent our affection for, and the influence of, automotive speed and style in all its forms. We are the place to view and learn about hot rods, customs, racecars and speed records, and the West Coast's role as the historic center for their past and present development.
The Museum features an impressive array of vintage and historical racing vehicles –- nearly 50 at the Grand Opening -- along with photographs, trophies, helmets and driving uniforms, artifacts, paintings, and other memorabilia chronicling more than 50 years of American motorsports. A gift shop offers a wide variety of souvenir items. The Museum is open during the annual Los Angeles County Fair. Please check the Fairplex website for hours of operation and admission prices (www.fairplex.com). Museum admission is just $1 with regular paid Fair admission ticket.
HOURS: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Extended hours during the NHRA Winternationals and NHRA Finals. Also, hours change during the annual Los Angeles County Fair.
HOLIDAYS WE ARE CLOSED: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
ADMISSION PRICES: Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older, $6 for juniors 6 through 15, and free for children under the age of 5. AAA discount available.
HOW TO GET HERE: From the 10 fwy east, exit White Avenue, proceed North, turn left on McKinley Avenue, enter Fairplex Gate 1. From the 210 fwy, exit Fruit Avenue, proceed South, turn right on McKinley Avenue. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona. Call us at (909) 622-2133.
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Building 3A
Pomona CA, 91768
Museum Main Number: 909-622-2133
Museum Fax Number: 909-622-1206
Reunion Hotline: 909-622-8562
[email protected]