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Ultra4 Racing Spec Class Car (Tim Rogers photo)
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Race-Dezert UTV Display next to the “Dirt Theatre” (Mike Rogers photo)
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Brendon Thompson of Elite Metal Designs visits Tim & Mike Rogers at the TMR Customs Booth (Alena Rogers photo)
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Radflo Suspension debuting their new external compression adjuster (Mike Rogers photo)
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Miller Motorsports 2013 Ultra4 car on display in one of the outdoor pavilions (Tim Rogers photo)
Story and photos by Tim & Mike Rogers – Owners of TMR Customs
After a successful trip to last year’s Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo it was a no brainer we would return to Pomona, California, to once again exhibit at the event. The buzz surrounding the 2013 event was huge. With over 300 vendors and 60,000 diehard off-road enthusiasts all in one place, Off-Road Expo’s slogan sums up the event perfectly “Where the Off-Road Nation comes together!” The event offers something of interest for all off-road disciplines – desert racing, rock crawling, trail riding, sand sports, motorcycles, ATV’s and expedition.
One of the new show features for 2013 was Ultra4 Racing’s outdoor HammerTown display. King of the Hammers takes place each year in February in Johnson Valley, California. The race has evolved from 12 teams racing for bragging rights to one of the fastest growing motorsport events with over 300 competitors and 35,000 live fans in attendance on race day. In “HammerTown” you could get autographs from the top King of the Hammers racers, and watch them tear up the KOH Exhibition Course. Ultra4 Racing also debuted their new “Spec Class” cars, built by Jimmy’s 4x4. The “Spec Class” cars will be available on a rental basis, and with every car being identical; it’s truly a driver’s class.
While setting up our TMR Customs vendor display on Friday morning, Ian Johnson of Xtreme 4x4 and formerly of Crawl Magazine dropped by our booth. Being in California and surrounded by US Off-Road manufacturers, nothing beats catching up with a fellow proud Canadian! Other Off-Road celebrities that stopped by to see our latest offerings included current King of the Hammers Champion Randy Slawson, Trophy Truck driver TJ Flores, Ultra4 racer JT Taylor and John Currie of Currie Enterprises, just to name a few.
Another unique event to take place at Off-Road Expo is the “Dirt Theatre” powered by Race-Dezert. You can take a break from walking the endless buildings/display halls and catch the premieres of the General Tire Mint 400 & Dezert People independent off road films. Movies played throughout the weekend allow attendees a chance to sit and relax.
Brendon Thompson from PJD (Paul Jr Designs) and OCC fame also paid a visit to our vendor booth. Brendon and his brother Joe are just putting the finishing touches on a brand new Ultra4 King of the Hammers build. They have teamed up with Maxxis, Trail Gear, Torq Motorsports and TMR Customs to build their own machine. We supplied the Thompson brothers with a 5 Piece Dimple Die set, which they have been putting to work! Their car was on display in the Trail Gear booth and it garnered a lot of attention all weekend long.
One of our favourite vendors to visit at the show is Radflo Suspension Technology. Glenn Classen and Mike Crosby of Radflo debuted the release of their external compression adjuster. The adjuster is available for both 2.0-inch and 2.5-inch diameter reservoir shocks. With 26 clicks of adjustment, you can fine-tune your ride quality with nothing more than your fingertips. You can soften your ride for street use, or increase compression for off-road or load carrying capability. The Radflo booth was jammed with interested customers all weekend long with 2012 Ultra4 Champion Nick Nelson’s car on display attracting a lot of positive attention.
At the 2012 event we debuted our made in-house Dimple Dies. This year we brought our Interlocking ID Tube Clamps. With a number of unique features that set our clamps apart from the competition, we’re proud to offer the most innovative Tube Clamp on the market.
If you are passionate about all things Off-Road, the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo should be at the top of your “to do” list for 2014. As the world’s largest off-road consumer tradeshow, Off-Road Expo offers something for everyone – from diehard race fans to casual weekend wheelers. We are already looking forward to 2014. Can’t wait to see you there!