The 10th edition of the Race & Performance Expo recently rolled into the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in suburban Chicago.

Since moving to this larger venue in 2016, the Expo continues to grow as evidenced by every inch of display space being spoken for, and a busy show floor both days. Greg Parker from R&P Expo was extremely pleased. “The enthusiasm by our exhibitors and the show goers is gratifying and is a sign of health in our industry.”

The focus of the R&P Expo is on the companies that make the parts to get you down the track. Howard’s Cams, Moroso and Strange joined dozens of others to present their wares and give technical expertise.

Race cars were on hand to demonstrate parts application, while others were there to promote racing series such as Great Lakes Nostalgia Funny Car Circuit’s Rocky Ausec and his “Solid Rock” Nostalgia Funny Car.

R&P Expo again featured the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge in competition. Team McLeod from Fremd HS made the best showing in the Varsity class and advances to the Dual National Championships at the SEMA and PRI Shows.

The Midwest Junior Super Series is a Junior Dragster traveling series for tomorrow’s drag race heroes. MJSS teaches young racers more than the experience of competition. Discipline, hard work and humility are also part of the program that Dave Beimfohr, Bob Churchill, Trevor Wiggins and Antron Brown have put together.

Gearheads of all skill level have something to learn at the seminars presented by several exhibitors. Kyle Fikler discussed the latest in Aeromotive’s fuel systems, while Jeanette DesJardines of Crank It Media gave a very informative lesson on “Promoting Yourself & Your Race Team”

Race tracks are also represented, from major facilities such as Heartland Park & Chicagoland Speedway, to family run grassroots venues. Among those was Byron Dragway, the home of the Meltdown Drags and Power Wheelstand Championships. Byron’s Randy Simpson and Chelsea Vangsness were on hand to sign up racers for the series they run and distribute schedules to fans.

A stunning array of racing parts and memorabilia was offered for sale by swap meet vendors.

Several local heroes were on hand to chat with the fans, including Dale Creasy Jr., Kevin Lawrence, John Lawson, Tom Motry Joe Zolper and TJ Zizzo. Creasy’s limited NHRA season will begin at the 4-Wide Nationals. He then will engage Jack Wyatt in a series match races in the US and Canada.

Lawrence revealed that he will be swapping a 400 CID combination under the hood of his Cobalt to compete in NMCA Pro Stock.

See more from the 2017 Race & Performance Expo in our Event Gallery