SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1529580
2024 SAND SPORTS SUPER SHOW The UTV Market Continues To Expand By SCORE Journal Staff By all accounts, you can still find some examples of mega-horsepower Sand Rails at the annual Sand Sports Super Show, but an ever-increasing UTV market, however, is the major draw for the thousands of people who flocked to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds this past September 19-25th. All the big names in the UTV industry, including Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki, Speed UTV, and others, allow consumers to immerse themselves into UTVs with display vehicles, information, and accessories that make anyone want to get into these vehicles in a big way. The official UTV of SCORE International, Polaris, had its latest 2-seat and 4-seat models of the RZR Pro R on display, along with some of the SCI Motorsports Factory Polaris race vehicles strewn across the fairgrounds. Brock Heger’s 2023 Championship #1896 RZR Pro R was in the Tensor Tire booth, but in contrast to all the UTVs at the show, Bryce Menzie’s #1 2023 Championship SCORE Trophy Truck was also on display in the Amsoil booth. While the show is mainly UTV-related, it didn’t disappoint the off-road and Baja racing enthusiasts either. Understanding that off-road enthusiasts love their 4x4 trucks and know they are also used to tow a pair of UTVs, is evident for the show promoters and the manufacturers present. As an example of the diversity of products showcased at the show, BDS Suspension had its new Coilover conversion front suspension kit for GM 2500 pickups, complete with Fox external reservoir shocks. McLeod Clutches introduced a set of performance clutches and its Cooler Clutch Pro for the Weddle Albins transmission, to improve shift performance and lower temperatures by 50 degrees. Also showcasing a new suspension system was Baja Kits with its latest front and rear kit for 2024 Toyota Tundra trucks. Alumicraft had one of its latest sand car builds in its booth, one with a carbon fiber body, a chromed suspension system, and a twin-turbo V8 at the rear. While people still order vehicles of this magnitude, they show how far this part of the off-road industry has come with new technologies and superior craftsmanship, which was evident in this particular vehicle. UTV owners could find an abundance of accessories, suspension upgrades, communication and radios, tools, safety devices, and much more to improve upon their UTVs. Because this show comes only once a year, it also has a variety of aftermarket parts retailers with great deals on the accessories UTV owners are looking for. The show also has various UTV dealers with great pricing on a variety of UTVs in just about every make and model available. If you are looking to purchase a UTV, this would be the show to attend, as it allows access to numerous UTV manufacturers and reputable dealers who can help you decide what models are best for your particular needs. As an example, UTVs are now available in a variety of models built for weekend warriors out having fun, to full-ready race vehicles capable of taking on a SCORE race. Utilitarian models with a bed in the back are still good for carrying parts or for working on the farm, but many are now equipped for Overlanding with tents, swing-out kitchen accessories, and canopies. Although the Sand Sports Super Show was the place to find everything you need for your UTV adventures, it also demonstrated how the UTV market has diversified into a variety of categories from race, weekend fun, camping, and Overlanding, and much more. SJ