SCORE Mourns The Passing of Automotive Icon Alex Xydias

An innovator in the automotive industry, SCORE is grateful for his help

By Dan Sanchez

Industry icon Alex Xydias passed away at age 102, and his innovative accomplishments across many areas of the automotive industry will be sadly missed. Xydias is most known for his SO-CAL Speed Shops, as well as being the first person to reach 200 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, but Xydias also has a place in SCORE history. 

He helped Mickey Thompson start the SCORE Show in 1978 and led it to a successful 20-year run. Xydias' experience in helping to start the Specialty Equipment Market Association show SEMA, led Thompson to want the off-road industry to have its own show. 

The SCORE Show opened on February 1st, 1978 and continued successfully until 1988, when Xydias retired at age 65. The show helped launch many off-road racing and accessory manufacturers. Without Xydias and his wife Helen running the program, Mickey Thompson didn't think the show would do well so he sold it to a publishing company. 

Xydias will be remembered as one of the innovators in the automotive industry and SCORE is grateful for his help and involvement. His legacy will continue to influence automotive enthusiasts for years to come.