SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1541562
SUN, SAND, AND SMILES The 2025 DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show By SCORE Journal Staff The OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, was transformed into a desert enthusiast’s paradise last month as the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show roared to life from September 19th to the 21st. With some of the largest crowds in recent history, the show attracted off-road enthusiasts from across the country. Most came to experience the world’s largest dune and dirt sports expo, while others came for the great deals on factory-new Side-by-Sides, accessories, performance items, safety gear, and more. This year’s event was a spectacular showcase of the latest and greatest in off-road technology and demonstrated the growing culture of the sport. Hundreds of exhibitors packed the fairgrounds, displaying everything from new and custom vehicles, including powerful sand rails, and custom-built trucks. Acres of the newest accessories, performance parts, and apparel included major brands and custom builders who brought their A-game, offering attendees a chance to get up close with the best that the off-road industry had to offer. VIDEO: One of the innovations we saw at the event was Bilstein Blackhawk Shocks made for UTVs and trucks. We spoke with Kyle Richie at Bilstein, who gave us a full rundown. VIDEO: With a unique offering of UTV performance and safety components, we spoke with Landon Phillips of Holley Performance, who showed us several products from the company’s various brands. VIDEO: We were invited to see the unveiling of the new Kilo seat from PRP at the show, with new features, and a prototype was raced by Baja Design’s Trent Kirby. VIDEO: One of the very popular products for UTVs is window safety nets and carryall bags by Hostyle Racing. We caught up with the owner, Dan Roth, at the show for a full rundown of his latest products. VIDEO: We also had a chance to catch up with Jamie Zamora from Tremrr Wheels at the show, who showed us some of the company’s latest UTV and truck products. A unique highlight of this year’s show was the extended Friday night hours, which gave the Sand Sports Super Show an electrifying atmosphere under the lights. This gave a differentperspective on the vehicles and offered vendors specializing in lighting and nighttime gear a chance to truly showcase their latest technologies in compact and efficient LED lighting. Throughout the weekend, the energy was palpable, with live demonstrations and the roar of engines filling the air. To the excitement of the crowds, the Proving Grounds, powered by Hammer King Productions, was a major draw, offering attendees a thrilling, up-close look at a variety of trucks and Side-by-Sides jumping and taking on the short manmade course.In a special presentation on Friday, the show honored Greg Cottrell, founder of Rugged Radios, with the inaugural S4 Person of the Year Award. The new tradition celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the sand sports community, and Cottrell’s contributions to off-road communications made him a fitting first recipient. As the gates closed on Sunday, it was clear that the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show was another resounding success. It not only provided a massive marketplace for the off-road industry but also served as a vital gathering for a passionate community to connect, share their love for the sport, and get geared up for the adventures of the coming season. For side-by-side, truck, and sand rail lovers, all roads led to Costa Mesa this September, and the show has once again set the stage for an exciting year ahead in the desert and dunes. SJ • Kristen Matlock’s racing UTV in the Polaris area • Alumicraft’s sleek sand rail on display • The Rugged Radio booth was busy with deals on comms and safety items • Method Race Wheels had several cool vehicles on display