The world of motorsports was saddened this weekend over the news that an industry pioneer many described as a legend had passed away in California.

As Autoweek reports, Alex Xydias, founder of the So-Cal Speed Shop and hot-rodder extraordinaire, died at the age of 102, leaving a long-lasting legacy within the racing world.

A legendary American life

Born in Hollywood all the way back in 1922, Xydias was raised during the Great Depression, though his father worked as a movie producer.

Amid America's entry into WWII, Xydias became an Army Air Corps enlisted man, completing training as a flight engineers as well as as a gunner, though not serving overseas during the course of the conflict.

It was after the war that Xydias' career in the world of racing really began to take off with his decision to open the So-Cal Speed Shop where he sold specialized equipment to members of the burgeoning hot-rod movement.

Xydias clearly had a personal need for speed, helming vehicles designed to set records, a goal he saw through to fruition on multiple occasions, including behind the wheel of a Class A Streamliner, before eventually turning his attention to the filming of a full range of race types.

As Autoweek explained, “They'd set up in corners at Indianapolis, Sebring, Pikes Peak, and toher racing venues and start filming...[w]hen the race ended, they'd pack everything up and drive right back to Hollywood to process the film, edit it together into a race report, then sell tickets at auditoriums.”

Later career brings honors, admiration

When the demand for his race films began to recede, Xydias again reinvented himself and concentrated on motorsports publishing.

In 1963, he began work as the editor of Car Craft and ultimately went on to serve as the publisher of Hot Rod Industry News and as founding force behind the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show.

2012 saw the creation of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, which, as Autoweek explained, “essentially replaces what had been the high school shop class, teaching youth of today about auto industry skills they might not be able to learn anywhere else.”

Fond farewells

Mark Vaughan of Autoweek remembered his numerous interactions with Xydias, saying that his “memory and enthusiasm remained sharp up until the end."

“It's hard to imagine not hearing him call up and say, in his gravelly voice, 'Hey pay, how ya doin'? Let's go have lunch. Whaddaya say?" he added.

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), echoing those warm sentiments, issued a statement declaring, “Alex Xydias' influence on the automotive industry and hot rod culture is immeasurable."

"His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of enthusiasts. The NHRA and the entire automotive community honor his memory and contributions. Godspeed, Alex," the remembrance concluded, expressing thoughts with which legions of race fans surely agree.