Every year off-road enthusiasts gather at the FAIRPLEX in Pomona, CA for the largest off-road show on the west coast.  The 18th Annual OFF-ROAD EXPO Powered by General Tire brings together over 350 off-road companies showcasing the latest off-road parts, equipment, and gear - in addition to the hottest off-road builds and race vehicles for a weekend packed with high energy and excitement.

For many companies in the off-road industry, this is the biggest show of the year, full of new product unveils and giving locals a sneak peak at what's in the works for the big SEMA Show in Las Vegas. From tricked out UTVs to desert pre runners and race trucks, the Off-Road Expo is where the off-road nation comes together.

Here are some of the highlights from this year's OFF-ROAD EXPO.

This year's OFF-ROAD EXPO had several special features taking place during the show, like the 50th Anniversary of the SCORE Baja 1000 exhibit, which showcased the best of SCORE off-road desert racing. On Saturday, the highly anticipated race course map for the Baja 1000 was unveiled for the big race in November.

READ MORE: 2017 Baja 1000 Race Course Revealed

Saturday night, SCORE also held a very special VIP event with Dust 2 Glory producer Dana Brown. We had the great privilege to meet Dana Brown and preview the upcoming film. Just like the original Dust to Glory film, Brown ties in Baja racing stories from SCORE racers and fans, bringing to life the mystique that keeps people coming back for more year after year. We're excited to see Dust 2 Glory it in its entirety come December.

READ MORE: Dust 2 Glory Set to Premiere on Dec.6

The crew at KMC/Wheel Pros always have eye candy at the show, and this year was no different.  On display was an extensive collection of rim designs and different finishes, along with new race beadlock wheels and applications.

4 Wheel Parts had a massive outdoor display area in addition to their indoor sales floor at the OFF-ROAD EXPO this year. UTVs are hot, and 4 Wheel Parts is helping fuel the passion with a dedicated semi-rig for UTV products. It joined the TMG train of semis representing parts and gear from their portfolio of brands like Pro Comp, Smittybilt, G2 Gear & Axle, and Poison Spyder.

KC HiLites brought out the big guns with this KC LED equipped Raptor Trophy Truck. The combination of round KC LED lights on the roof and modular light bar in front of the grill added tasteful detail to this wicked looking desert race truck. If you think it looks good sitting still, you should see it in action, lit up and all. BAD ASS.

The crowds were solid all weekend long. Southern California's sunny weather and cool temperatures made it a great weekend to get out and enjoy everything off-road at the show. As the economy continues to heat up, so does the off-road industry. The 18th Annual Lucas Oil OFF-ROAD EXPO powered by General Tire hit record highs this year for exhibitors and attendance. We're told by event organizer Family Events that the show experienced a 10 percent uptick from last year. 

DIRT KING unveiled some new long-travel suspension kits for late model Toyota Tundra and RAM 1500 trucks.  High quality components and finishes matched with top of the line KING Shocks bolted up to DIRT KING boxed upper and lower control arms made these show trucks really stand out.

Ever wanted to experience the Rubicon trail? 4 Wheel Parts gave show attendees a little taste with Jeep ride-a-longs at the Rubicon Experience.  The rigs were equipped with the latest Pro Comp, Smittybilt, G2 Axle & Gear, LRG Rims and Rubicon Express parts.  Not only was it a fun experience, it was also a great opportunity to show off how well these suspension systems and Jeep accessories work on the trail.  If you like what you see, all the parts are available from 4 Wheel Parts to build your very own Rubicon trail rig.

Yokohama Tire hosted live music in addition to having James Foster from Nitro Circus in the house for a live autograph session with fans.  They also showcased their new Yokohama Geolander M/T tire at the show.  The updated thread design not only looks good, it works well too.

Read More: Yokohama Geolander MT G003 Review

O'Reilly Auto Parts hosted top fan-submitted daily driver off-road vehicles on-site for the weekend in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Show-N-Shine. The "Best of Show" went to Howard Frausto and his 1969 Ford Bronco.

Attendees also enjoyed a live DJ and a bikini contest on the STEEL-IT Main Stage. Miss Savannah Snyder took home the title of Miss OFF-ROAD EXPO for 2017.

OFF-ROAD EXPO fans watched high-flying, high horsepower Dirt Alliance and Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series demos all weekend long.  Dirt drifting, big jumps, and ground pounding horsepower filled the track, and with the freshly burnt rubber and high-octane race fuel scent flowing through the air, it's obvious what makes this high adrenaline lifestyle so addicting.

Next year's event is scheduled for September 29 and 30, and we won't miss it!
http://www.offroadexpo.com/