It may be the 55th Detroit Autorama but it was also the 11th Annual Autorama Brunch which is held each year to honor past Ridler award winners, induction into the Autorama Circle of Champions, and other assorted fun stuff car guys do when presented with a chance to eat.
This year the featured tribute focused on Alex Xydias the founder of SO-CAL Speed Shop and its legendary history. During the brunch the 2008 Owner/Builder Award was announced and it will be Gene Winfield. The Preservation Award went to Stephen Timoszyk for the Prock & Howell '33 Willys gasser. This was the official announcement and presentation of the Great 8 finalists for this years Don Ridler memorial Award as well as the induction of the 2006 Ridler Builder of the Year, Roger Burman of Lakeside Rods & Rides out of Rockwell City, Iowa.
The Circle of Champion inductees for 2007 are Kevin and Karen Alstott and Street Rodder magazine's own Senior Editor Eric Geisert. Congratulations to all of the inductees at this year's Autorama Circle of Champion Brunch but especially to one of our own. (Editor's Note: it's through Eric's efforts that SR has and will remain one of the industry's most respected automotive titles.)