Racing legend honored with 90th birthday celebration and statue at Fresno Fairgrounds

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Big Fresno Fair honored racing legend Blackie Gejeian Friday with a 90th birthday celebration and the unveiling of a statue in his likeness.

The statue will be on display in his dedicated area of the new Fresno County Historical Museum at the fairgrounds.

Gejeian was honored for his contributions to the racing industry in Fresno.

Born in Easton, Blackie went on to become a five-time NASCAR winning dirt track champion. He was a longtime promoter at the Clovis Speedway and then owner and promoter at the Fresno Dragway for more than 18 years.

"It gives you a feeling like you've never had before. Because you don't get to be 90 years old every day either," said Blackie.

Blackie also began the famed Autorama Car Show in 1958, which would go on to earn the title as one of the best car shows in the nation.

The Autorama was held annually for 51 years, the last show being held in 2010.