Illustration by Ed Tillrock (www.edtillrock.com)

Hosted by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts during the 48^th 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 90^th 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, Alexes, Isky’s, and Thompsons!”

During the gala, partygoers 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.

Alex Xydias and Pete Chapouris

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 – Filmmaking began as a hobby he enjoyed at So-Cal Speed Shop that evolved into a business of documenting motorsports events.

So-Cal Speed Shop Company voted "Best Hot Rods" by Mechanix Illustrated.

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 90^th 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.