October 20-23, 2005
Los Angeles Convention Center
For 2005 the iHobby Expo moved from the usual location in Chicago to the Los Angeles Convention Center. HPI Racing once again brought out our "big booth" for the show. A fleet of brand new products and an action video playing on the big screen TV helped to show off the latest HPI products to the industry and public.
Nearly all of the R/C magazine editors commented that the highlight of the show was the new HPI Baja 5B 1/5th scale gasoline powered buggy. Huge and powerful, the Baja 5B was on display. The crowd was surprised at the size, and impressed by all of the small details that were designed into the innovative design.
Another big hit was the Hellfire RTR truck. Loaded with "go fast" standard parts like a high output K4.6 HO engine, alloy tuned pipe and header, total adjustability of the suspension and easier maintenance, the Hellfire will be a formidable competitor on racetracks for 2006.
Also on display were some stunning new Vintage bodies. First to be released will be a 1968 Camaro, followed by a Mustang GT, and then an AAR 'Cuda. Those bodies, plus our Vintage wheels & tires, and our existing Shelby Mustang body will combine to make it possible for vintage Trans Am fans to replicate the thunderous racing from the late 60's and early 70's.
Hot Bodies was also part of the HPI booth, with many of their newest products on display. The full line of Lightning trucks and buggies, Cyclone touring car, E-Zilla and several others were on hand for the public to check out.
For this show HPI co-sponsored the "Hands On" track for consumers. A fleet of HPI Sprint RTR 1/10th scale electric touring cars were on hand for anyone to try. The Sprint proved its durability, running flawlessly for the weekend.
And for a big splash, HPI had the full-scale HPI Racing Subaru in the booth. With its bright paint job and full blown competition set-up just as it ran during grueling 24 endurance races in Japan, the HPI Subaru looked great under the bright lights of the hobby show.
Thanks to all of you that were able to come out to the show to see the latest R/C products, we'll see everyone at the RCX show in 2006.
