Action! Equipment! Parts! Legends! Everything off road! This past October, Eric and I (and our awesome side kick and apparel aficionado, Scottie) had the opportunity to pack our bags and travel back to sunny California to attend the annual Off Road Expo. Lucas Oil and General Tire aim to please and have stepped up their game every year. This is our second time attending this event (don't judge! Boston to LA and back again in 3 days is not an easy trip!) and we were thrilled to have the chance to go back. For those of you who are not familiar with what the expo is all about, stick with me while I break it down.

     This expo is by far the largest collection of companies, manufacturers, equipment and experts assembled in the US. Vendors and manufacturers galore fill the inside and outside of the Pomona Fairplex to show off their builds, showcase new products and, of course, mingle with devotees, answer questions and more. Tens of thousands of hardcore off road enthusiasts travel from near and far to check out the newest concepts, showcases and meet off road racing legends and the people behind the company names. Everything from off road racing and trail rides, motorsports, overland camping and adventures are features at this occasion. Fans have the chance to meet and chat with some of the most well-known and knowledgeable people in the industry. Celebrity appearances are scheduled throughout the day, both days and they are more than happy to take pictures, sign autographs and hang out with admirers. Racing demos, burnout contests and motocross stunts are scheduled throughout the weekend as well as live music performances and the Miss Off-Road Expo Bikini contest.

     
Photo Credit: Dragonfire Racing                          Photo Credit: www.offroadexpo.com

     This years expo was a record breaking one, to say the least. It was recorded that over 73,000 fans attended the SoCal fairplex along with over 350 exhibitors to showcase their latest and greatest products, parts and builds. This gathering expanded over 10 acres and was chock-filled with demos, exhibitors, entertainment and unique experiences for fans of every age.

Photo Credit: www.offroadexpo.com

When we first pulled into the massive parking lot, our heart rate sped up, breathing quickened and we could barely contain our excitement. It was a little before noon when we arrived and the parking lot was already very full so we knew we had a looooong way to get to the gate. There were thousands of pristine, built rigs scattered through the spaces that we drooled over while on our long walk. The hum of beastly exhausts and spinning tires echoed in the distance and the closer we got, the louder it became. We were welcomed into the event with flyers, maps, schedules and chances to win many door prizes. The scent of burning rubber filled our noses and the billowing smoke clouded our vision. We were finally here. Two years later and we had finally made it back to our Graceland. 

     The outside area was jam packed with vendors, food trucks, beer trucks, people, products and entertainment. Booths upon booths had business cards, table top displays, brochures and freebies available to collect and everyone was ready and willing to answer questions and offer general information and expert advice on their brand and products. There were 3 enormous buildings that were also packed with vendors, off road legends, show vehicles, entertainment and more. Many retailers had interactive displays where consumers could test out products and see how everything works together in unison. Although we weren't able to visit every booth and try out every display, there were a few that really stood out to us. Rigid Industries had a large trailer that was open for people to walk into and compare their quality of lights to competitors as well as exploring the internals of their light bars. ARB had an open differential with knobs on either side that you could turn to watch just how gears worked. It was hooked up to their working air locker system so you could see what happens when you are locked. Artec Industries had mirrors strategically placed under their show Jeeps so customers could check out their armor without having to lay on the ground or get on their hands and knees and strain their necks to see. No matter how many times we circled the buildings and rows of vendors inside and out, everyone was always smiling and engaging with customers and fans.

     Along with checking out representatives and products, the expo also features the Rubicon Experience- a chance to ride along with professional drivers in Smittybilt, Pro Comp and Rubicon Express Jeeps. All 3 vehicles are outfitted to tackle the toughest trails out there including, you guessed it, the Rubicon Trail. This test track had a small rock garden, plenty of dirt and sand, small hill climbs and enough obstacles to see and feel the Jeeps suspension and ride at almost full articulation. Event-goers could also sign up to ride along with Pro 4 racing champ Corry Weller and Mint 400 champ Lucrecia Beurrier in the DragonFire Racing Side-By-Side. SCORE International had their races and promo videos playing on a massive screen inside of the buildings before revealing their Course Map for the 49th Annual Baja 1000 on Saturday afternoon. 

                       Photo Credit: Rubicon Express Inc. Facebook

     The Spring Edition Off Road Expo powered by Nitto Tire will take place in Scottsdale AZ, March 18 and 19, 2017. The Fall Edition Lucas Oil Off Road Expo powered by General Tire will once again take place at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, CA September 30 and October 1, 2017. If you love everything off road and have the chance to enjoy some fun in the sun, exclusive opportunities and more, we highly recommend clearing your schedules and marking your calendars for this event! We know we will! Feel free to check out some of our photos of the event below!