By Sean P. Holman
photographer: Sean P. Holman
Every October our favorite off-road show comes to the Fairplex, in Pomona, California. This year's Off-Road Expo was one of the best shows yet, with more than 270 vendors set up over 2-1/2 acres of indoor and 2 acres of outdoor space, showcasing some of the most awesome and unique vehicles in the off-road world. More than 38,000 people cleared the turnstiles for their fill of dirty toys. The Expo was sponsored by Primedia publications 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, Off-Road, JP, Four Wheeler, and 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazines, and drew such big off-road names as Advanced Flow Engineering (aFe), BFGoodrich, Camburg Engineering, CST, Donahoe Racing, Embee Powdercoating, Energy Suspension, Fabtech, Goodyear, K&N Engineering, L&G Enterprises, MagnaFlow, RCD Suspensions, Skyjacker Suspension, Toyo Tires, as well as countless other companies.
Because the Off-Road Expo happens right before SEMA, many vendors treat the show as a SEMA warm-up, bringing each company's latest wares and project vehicles. These previews treat showgoers with something that won't start appearing in magazines for three or four months.
In addition to the latest and greatest, there was live entertainment, big-air freestyle motocross action, pretty girls signing posters, product demonstrations, and good food. Each year, thousands of fans line up early and pack the Expo, so to get the scoop for next year's show, check out www.offroadexpo.com.