Posted: 7/9/12
It was a perfect June day for the 4th Annual So-Cal Off Road Truck Show and Axial was happy to attend for the 3rd year running. This year 4Wheel Parts of Compton was kind enough to open its gates allowing off roaders from all over Southern California to display their rigs. From a bone stock 1950's GMC pickup to pre-runner style trucks to all out rock crawlers this show had something for everyone. The California Off-Road Vehicle Association, CORVA, was on site handling the announcing duties as well as the raffle. This organization works tirelessly to keep our trail's open for us to enjoy; please visit their website for information on how you can help: www.corva.org. Although we did not have any natural rock to play on I was able to make a challenging little course with a few artificial rocks and a wood ladder. It was difficult to get all 4 tires up on the rock without using too much gas and going right up and over the rock. Once on the rock you hoped you were facing the ladder because there wasn't much room to maneuver without falling off the rock. The skill level of the drivers was impressive and most had prior R/C experience. The EXO RTR was a hot topic since it was just released and not yet in stores. Those who were lucky enough to get behind the wheel were surprised with its top speed and excellent handling. Just before the raffle 4Wheel Parts brought out the RTI ramp for anyone who wanted to test their flex out. A crowd drew as more and more rigs, including a 2wd pre-runner, tested the fruits of their labor. One rig went a little too far and flopped over to the crowds delight and cheers, see the pic and video link below. Lastly was the much anticipated CORVA raffle. Raffle items included a Smittybilt 8,000lb winch donated by 4Wheel Parts, a LED Light Bar by Tough-Light, even a ride in a Class 1 trophy truck by Engage. This year CORVA had a separate raffle specifically for the Axial Trail Honcho and I was honored to draw the winning ticket that belonged to Alex Ayala. This was a great way to spend a summer Saturday and we will be back next year for more off roading eye candy!Big thanks to Pepe Palomo of Global Offroad Supply for organizing yet another great show! www.globaloffroadsupply.com
Also a big thanks to Nicole Pearson for the great pictures! https://www.pearsonimages.com
The Axial booth in all its glory!
On Top: AX90019 Ridgecrest, Left: AX90022 Trail Honcho RTR, Middle: AX90018 Wraith RTR, Right: AX90024 EXO RTR
Front: AX90024 EXO RTR, Behind: AX90019 AX10 Ridgecrest RTR
Kids, and some adults, were drawn to the rigs as if they had some sort of magnetic field emanating from them. Axial wasn't complaining!
John Rocha of Road///Race Motorsports very capable Willy's Jeep.
Nothing like a 'home-grown' Toyota with plenty of battle wounds to prove you don't necessarily need 30K-50K in a rig to have fun and get in a magazine article or two!
This Jeep means business!
The Storm Trooper edition Toyota Tundra complete with white tint. As you can see the Tundra's were represented very well here. All of them were super clean and well built!
I would NOT want to plop down on these nice seats after spending a day working under the Toyota....haha!
Sand ramp's anyone? Did you know Axial makes scale sand ramps? AX80112 is the part number and they can be purchased from your local hobby shop. To view them visit the Axial website: https://www.axialadventure.com/products/ax80112
Alex Ayala's CJ7. Get a look at that GIANT D-ring hanging off the front end?! Alex was also the proud winner of the Honcho RTR raffle, congrats!
No off roading truck show is complete without a Suzuki Samurai with Toyota Axles. I believe the Chevy bow-tie represents the current power plant. The ol' Suzuki 1.3L 4cyl is probably not up to the task of pushing all this extra steel!
What if you need to replace the headlight bezel? It's these questions that keep me up at night......
This was a Jeep at one point in its life. I think......
Engage was displaying these trick LED light bars from Tough-Light. A lucky raffle winner took one of these home, thanks Engage!
Admire'ers of the various sharpie markings from trail dings and dents.
See the guy leaning against the yellow Jeep Cherokee in the background? He was driving his heavily modified Honcho from his Jeep and managed to make it across, now that's skill! He also had a very nice Wraith in his collection. Thanks for the support!
I know this 'course' doesn't look very challenging but it was. Once the right line was found the 100% stock Wraith, Ridgecrest, and Honcho were all able to make it across the ladder.
Two future Axial vehicle owners. Which one to get is the only question, decisions decisions.....
The EXO RTR got a lot of attention since it just came out that week. Many show attendees were into short course racing and were anxious to see the new EXO RTR in person.
With her nimble handling, brisk acceleration, and awesome top speed, the EXO RTR impressed even the most seasoned short course drivers. Drivers quote of the day: 'Wow, the EXO RTR seems to handle way better then my [insert brand/model here]?!?!' That's what we want to hear!
RTI ramp time! This Suburban did very well for its size.
Full pull! Talk about crossed up?!
V8 powered Tacoma doing WORK!
Someone had to do it and that someone was Richard Flores of the 'Rock Brawlers'. For a great video of the action click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quh-FyG3DBY&feature=youtu.be
John's Willy's never fails to impress! Hey what's that waiting in line behind him?
The Wraith would never miss an opportunity to tackle the RTI ramp! Alex measured up the wheelbase and we heading up the ramp....
Oh yea! Scale full pull? Haha!
Once again Wayne Ford of CORVA, along with the CORVA crew, did a great job with the raffle. This year they had a separate raffle for the AX90022 Honcho RTR which became very popular. Other great prizes were raffled off as well.
The winning ticket belonged to Alex and boy was he happy! He double-downed winning in the standard raffle as well?! I'd say he had a good day!
Nothing like a Honcho to put a smile on your face!
