Each October Southern California's Off-Road Expo show detonates inside the confines of Pomona Fairplex like a volcanic emporium, bursting with an array of eye candy designed to benefit corporations and enthusiasts alike. Nobody leaves empty-handed and all share the opportunity to absorb a piece of California dirt subculture. Since the show's inception some nine years ago, the event has drawn hordes of desert junkies, extreme rockcrawlers, mud boggers, and sand addicts out to an absolute drool-fest under the hot California sun, or as in the case of this year's exhibition, light drizzle. That's right, the Expo is here to stay, and for some companies the event triggers a who's who showdown that some claim rivals SEMA, minus the frivolous electronic gizmos and over-the-top gold-flake paint schemes. Fortunately we had our staff on hand to evaluate the event and document the best-in-show for your viewing pleasure.
Although General Tire does not yet offer the new desert-race-inspired Grabber tire to the non-desert-racing public, this mildly built '08 Tundra was sporting a set. Lacking DOT approval, these race-only answers to BFGs Baja Project tires are the hottest thing going in off-road racing. Rumor has it the new tires were used during the filming of the much-anticipated Hollywood blockbuster Fast and Furious 4. Sources tell us these new tires will be seen on Reese Millen's newly constructed Trophy Truck as part of a stunt sequence featured in the film. The film is set to debut June 5, 2009.
Bestop surprised us with this unique-looking JK soft top called Trektop. This product is made with the same premium fabric that maintains its shape in any temperature, like the O.E. soft top, yet it features a removable rear curtain that provides more of that open-air experience for passengers. The front portion still maintains our favorite feature that exposes the front of the cab on two-doors. However, both the front and rear can be exposed using this top in a four-door model. Info: 800/845-3567, www.bestop.com
 Our own Source Interlink booth...  Our own Source Interlink booth was a happening spot during the show. Four Wheeler's own Project 'Con Artist and Project Rhino were on hand for fans to see. |  We spotted TV Star Jesse James's...  We spotted TV Star Jesse James's Trophy Truck on display in one of the massive exhibit halls. Onlookers in the know would recognize this rig anywhere due to many subtle yet distinctive West Coast Chopper-style details. |  Our own Sean P. Holman was...  Our own Sean P. Holman was observed signing up and paying dues for membership to the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. Supporting organizations such as CORVA is essential to ensure our 4x4 trail systems remain open for generations to come. |
 Cornay Company was on hand...  Cornay Company was on hand to showcase its new CVX-30 driveshaft technology. These high-angle driveshafts are designed to withstand high speed and high torque, while providing long life, even at angles up to 30 degrees. Info: 303/651-9099, www.cornay.com |  Off Road Evolution's booth...  Off Road Evolution's booth was quite impressive with six custom-built JKs, each sporting a variety of wicked suspension revisions including the Evo Lever rear coilover conversion and trick Evo Flex front coilover upgrade. Owners Mel and Lisa Wade headed up a friendly and knowledgeable staff to meet and answer questions for showgoers. |  Gen-Rite wowed Jeep TJ fans...  Gen-Rite wowed Jeep TJ fans with its awesome body stretch kits. Essentially these kits allow users to lengthen the wheelbase of a Jeep TJ up to 5 inches over stock. Also on display were Gen-Rite's clean-looking Hi-Fender conversion kits, which allow 35-inch tires with no lift on TJs. Info: 805/584-8635, www.genright.com |
 Daystar showed off its newest...  Daystar showed off its newest innovation: D-ring bumper protectors. Now there is no excuse for that annoying clanking noise you always hear coming from the bumpers of 4x4s on the trail. These polyurethane collars snap into place easily and prevent any and all contact between the shackle and the bumper. At only $16 for a pair, this new product is sure to be a hit. |  This JK lightbar by KMA Fabrication...  This JK lightbar by KMA Fabrication allows JK owners an easy way to add auxiliary lighting above the windshield where lighting is most effective. The easy bolt-on bar is constructed from 0.120-wall HREW tubing and comes raw for custom coloring. The design will accommodate up to four 8-inch lights. Holes are predrilled in the lightbar for wiring. These bars start at $359. Info: 559/493-8314, www.kmafabrication.com | |