SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1511862
2023 SAND SPORTS SUPER SHOW The Passion For Powersports Reaches New Heights By SCORE Journal Staff The excitement for one of the first major off-road events of the year in Southern California, began at this year’s Sand Sports Super Show held at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. The show started with a slight drizzle of rain, which meant the weekend was going to be great and gave attendees some relief from the hot temperatures in SoCal the week prior to the show. As the day progressed through the late morning, the crowds grew larger until by noon, it was elbow-to-elbow people. Side-by-side and off-road enthusiasts came to the show in order to see the more than 300 vendors in attendance, who had discounted parts and accessories for these vehicles, as well as for off-road trucks, and UTV dealers had discounts on new vehicles showcased from stock to fully accessorized. Factory side-by-side manufacturers such as Polaris showcased its latest racing Pro R models, as well as its new 2024 Xpedition XP, a new side-by-side designed for backcountry experiences that combines capability, range, and power for extended trips where the average Overlanding van can’t reach. Other manufacturers such as Can-Am, Yamaha, and Kawasaki were also showcasing their latest vehicles, as well as Robby Gordon’s Speed UTV, with a fleet of vehicles on display in a variety of models. Factory Honda Racing was also present, showcasing its racing Honda Talon driven by Zach Sizelove and the Ridgeline SCORE Trophy Truck spec Baja racing truck, which SCORE fans may see in Baja soon. Aside from new vehicles, a ton of aftermarket accessory manufacturers were present with their latest gear from extreme racing shocks to tires, drivetrain components, seats, and much more. Both racers and enthusiasts could find something for their vehicles, like a race-prepped transmission from Weddle Industries. The company has been famously known for building Albins transmissions for buggies and SCORE Trophy Trucks but had recently begun prepping UTV transmissions based on testing and race evaluations from teams they work with. Seat manufacturer PRP also had a new product that solves one of the common complaints among UTV owners and racers, heat. Built into one of its Enduro model UTV seats, was an electronically controlled cooling system that is battery-operated and fully adjustable. While there were some wild side-by-side builds that spanned from lifted Donks with huge diameter tires, to ground-hugging street course racers, and full off-road prepared race vehicles, there were also off-road trucks, pre-runners and SUVs on display with a host of accessories and aftermarket parts to make these vehicles truly Baja worthy. From shock manufacturers such as King, Bilstein, Radflow, and Fox Factory, to Rugged Radios, BDS Suspensions Wilwood Brakes, VP Racing Fuels, Method Race Wheels, and more, enthusiasts could find nearly everything they needed to upgrade their vehicles and gear to become more off-road capable. One unique product was a fresh-air filtration system from LP Engineering. The family has roots in Mexico and Southern California and is building a unique air system that pumps filtered air into a helmet. Innovation is what is most intriguing at the Sand Sport Super Show, seeing a variety of new ideas both in aftermarket parts and on vehicles that make this sport interesting as well as fun. While the old days of big V8 sand buggies on which the show was founded are still around, it’s obvious that Side-by-Sides are the big draw now. Vehicle manufacturers are keen on what enthusiasts want and showcase the latest ideas and technologies that make this part of the off-road industry great.