Alex Xydias (born March 22, 1922) is an American racecar driver, active in the early days of the auto racing sport involving hot rods.

Xydias was born in Los Angeles. He served in World War II as radio operator and engineer on a B-17.

In 1946, immediately after Xydias was discharged from the United States Army Air Corps, he opened the So-Cal Speed Shop in Burbank, one of the first hot rod speed shops in Southern California. In 1950, he drove the first streamliner (made from drop tanks)[1] powered by a Flathead Ford to go over 200 mph (322 km/h). His hot rod was named the "So-cal-Streamliner" and powered by an Edelbrock V-8 60 engine.[2][3] One secret to his success was a mixture of 40 percent nitromethane and not the grinding of the cam, as was commonly told.[4]

He is a member of the board of directors of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

Xydias turned 100 in March 2022.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Engerud, Ivar (9 March 2021). "Hot-rod-legende Alex Xydias (98): – Jeg skjønner ikke at jeg turte. Jeg fikk så vidt presset meg på plass i fronten". finansavisen.no (in Norwegian).
  2. ↑ Madigan, Tom. Edelbrock: Made in USA, Tehabi Books, 2005.
  3. ↑ The guide to United States popular culture. Browne, Ray B. (Ray Broadus), 1922-2009., Browne, Pat. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press. 2001. ISBN 0879728213. OCLC 44573365.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. ↑ Oilstick.com NHRA museum article Groak, Bill, 2004.
  5. ↑ Vaughn, Mark (23 March 2022). "Hot Rod Hero Alex Xydias Turns 100!". Autoweek. Retrieved 27 November 2022.


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