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Uncle Joe Benson/Dedication of Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.

Alex Xydias Auto Arts299x48px logo

June 18, 2011: In the midst of the 47th Annual L.A. Roadsters Show, J.B. had the honor of hosting the dedication of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts. A division of L.A. Fairplex's CTEC (the Career & Technical Education Center), the AXC program was established to provide students with a reason to stay in school, an opportunity to develop skills for a viable career and the work ethic necessary to succeed. Having established the first SO-CAL Speed Shop in 1946, Alex was one of the pioneers of California hot rodding. Over the next 20 years, Alex set many Bonneville land speed records, became involved in the formation of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) and set several drag racing records, made award winning documentary films, was the editor of "Car Craft Magazine" before helping found the huge SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) organization. The epitome of hard work, creativity, teamwork, innovation, achievement and excellence, Alex is the perfect inspiration for future generations of car enthusiasts! Rock & Roll!

(Photos by Jim Sleeper.)


Unc overlooks the Grand Prix.

J.B. opens the ceremony.

speaking.
Wide shot of crowd.

Don Kendrick emphasizing of the importance of an education.

J.B. congratulating Alex.
Alex, Jon Blickenstaff & J.B.

Alex Xydias and Jon Blickenstaff complete the ceremony.

Alex, Jon Blickenstaff & J.B.

Alex with some of the AXC's first class.

Pete Chapouris

Hanging with one of the major forces behind the AXC, SO-CAL Speed Shop's Pete Chapouris.

Gale Banks.

Sharing stories with Gale Banks Engineering turbocharging guru Gale Banks.




Joe posing next = to a vintage .

Sure, I can pose next to this vintage Bonneville salt flats speedster... but can I drive it?




Uncle Joe's
Nissan 600ZX

Uncle Joe's
Super Gas
Corvette


On The Road
Schedule

'12 Grand National Roadster Show

'11 Home Depot - Monrovia

'11 O.C. Fair
Kansas/B.O.C.

'11 O.C. Fair
Pat Benatar

'11 Blood
Drive

'11 O.C. Fair
Paul Rodgers

'11 O.C. Fair
Steve Miller &
Duff Goldman

'11 O.C. Barrett-Jackson

'11 Ridemakerz

Alex Xydias Center

'11 Jethro Tull

Home Depot - Orange

Performance Bicycle

BBQ @Shannon's

Home Depot - Marina Del Rey

'11 Long Beach
Grand Prix

'11 NASCAR
Auto Club 400

Pep Boys
Speed Shop

'11 NHRA
Winternationals

Monster Trucks!

Larry's Pick-Up Truck

'11 Grand National
Roadster Show

Ozzy Osbourne

'10 NHRA Finals

Kragen
in Torrance

'10 NASCAR
Pepsi 400

La Mirada
Home Depot

'10 L.A. Fair
Bad Company

John Bonham
Tribute

Steve Miller
Kids Rock Free

'10 L.A. Fair
Monster Trucks
& C.C.R.

Axes & Axles
Hot Rod Show

BBQ @Kevin's

REDSTER Reveal

'10 O.C. Fair
Styx/ZZ Top

'10 Blood Drive

Kragen
in Walnut

Steve Miller/
Greek Theatre

Dodgers
5th of July

Rush's Star

Ridemakerz/
Fathers Day

'10 Long Beach
Grand Prix

'10 NASCAR
Auto Club 500

'10 NHRA
Winternationals

'10 Grand National
Roadster Show

Ridemakerz/
Xmas

'09 NHRA Finals

Steve Miller/
USC

'09 NASCAR
Pepsi 500

'09 L.A. Fair
Lynyrd Skynyrd

Abbey Road

'09 Blood Drive

'09 Kentucky Derby

'09 Long Beach
Grand Prix

'09 NASCAR
Auto Club 500

'09 NHRA
Winternationals

'09 Grand National
Roadster Show

'08 NHRA Finals

'08 NASCAR
Pepsi 500

Carl Edwards

'08 Jethro Tull

'08 NASCAR
All-Star Party

'08 Long Beach
Grand Prix

'08 Super Chevy

'08 Goodguys
Costa Mesa

'08 NASCAR
Auto Club 500

'08 NHRA
Winternationals

'08 Grand Nat.
Roadster Show


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