This year’s Off-Road Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, was packed all weekend long with off-road enthusiasts. Attendees traveling from all over the US, Japan, Netherlands, and Mexico came to the Off-Road Expo to check out the latest in the off-road industry. More than 19,000 attendees came through the gates this year, a 16-percent increase from last year.
“It was great to be back at the Off-Road Expo; I was able to see some people I haven’t seen in years, both customers and from other companies,” Steven Lutz of Rugged Routes said. “The response to the new products that expand Lowrance GPS functionality was really well received by racers, who were then telling other racers. Overall, meeting so many people and introducing my products to them was great. It was also very motivational. Encouraging me to finish some prototyped products for release.”
From engine-roaring horsepower at the Off-Road Expo Proving Grounds presented by BFG and delivered by Hammerking Productions to eye candy vehicles, this was one event you needed to attend. The top off-road manufacturers brought plenty of show specials and new products to the show. Check out a complete list of new products showcased at this year’s Off-Road Expo.
One of the highlights of the Off-Road Expo is the unveiling of the year’s SCORE Baja 1000 map. This year’s race is different than any other previous Baja 1000 as this will be the first time the race is run backward, starting in La Paz and ending in Ensenada.
“This is the longest race to run between Ensenada and La Paz in SCORE’s history at 1,310.94 miles,” Jim Ryan of SCORE said. “This is the 25th time a peninsula run has been raced in SCORE’s 56 years. The race starts on Thursday, November 16th, and racers have 50 hours to complete the grueling race.”
Something new to happen at this year’s show was filming an episode of Nick Cannon’s all-new show Big Drive. Cannon was in attendance filming and getting a ride with Darren Parsons in the proving grounds. To wrap it up, Cannon also unveiled a new Jeep build.
If seeing vehicles push the limits of their capabilities, the Proving Grounds was the place to be. Once again, Terra Crew ripped up the demo area, putting on a show for showgoers. From high-flying trucks jumping to tire smoke, there was plenty of noise created, and it was a fan favorite as always.
“When Courtney Prost from the Rookie Program with Ultra4 Racing asked if we wanted to bring the Death Proof Dime rock crawler into the demo area to perform for the crowd during Saturday and Sunday’s shows, we did not hesitate to say yes,” Danielle Haynie said. “The adrenaline rush is a big factor in putting on a performance for the crowd and sponsors all around. The Death Proof Dime rock crawler was driven in the demo by Patrick Jones in the demo area.”
“It is a 1989 Toyota pickup with a stock 90 horsepower 22re on one-ton axles,” Haynie said. “We knew going in that, being underpowered, it was going to be a challenge to put on as good of a show as some of the big trophy trucks, but I feel that we demonstrated the truck’s capability well. We did experience a minor hiccup on Sunday’s first run when one of the shock mounts left the chat, but in true Death Proof fashion, we were able to repair the damage just as the second show was starting. We want to thank Ultra4 for putting on a rad show, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”
“Honestly, it was extremely nerve-racking with all the people around, but at the end of the day, though the crowd didn’t care what you did out there, they were just happy to see the trucks,” Shaun Black, owner and driver of the white Silverado, said about how it was out on the proving grounds.
The Off-Road Expo returns next weekend, October 14th and 15th, at Pheonix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. Tickets are on sale now, and there is still time to save on your ticket by purchasing online ahead of time. If you are looking forward to the Off-Road Expo in Pomona next year, be sure to mark your calendars for September 28th and 29th.
