Canadian Engine Rebuilder: AERA Tech Show Provided Value

The Automotive Engine Rebuilders Associa-tion Tech Show and New Product Showcase in Indianapolis arrived to mixed results in attendance, which was unfortunate for those who missed it.

Notable events on the show floor included the Engine Rebuilders Education Fund auction, which raised thousands of dollars for education, including a few hundred dollars spent for Team Canada Olympic Wear. There were also relatively brisk sales for suppliers showing products of all kinds.

Among the purchases made was an on-the-spot cheque writing for a $7,000 cylinder head leak tester, though there were surely other like occasions.

Off the show floor, seminars were offered on a variety of subjects and included one on high performance opportunities and caveats, co-presented by Canadian Rob Munro, owner of Valley Speed in B.C. These were generally well attended and provided for some lively discussion, which is perhaps the most valuable part of the event.

Deciding to forego a formal reception, the Vanguard group’s indoor karting competition night turned out to be one of the most popular items on the itinerary this year. It provided fierce competition, a forum for relaxed communication, and more than a few aching arms the next day.

The group is looking to present a similar outing at the next AERA event, which is the full-blown operating equipment exposition, AERA Expo 2003, scheduled for April 24 to 26, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Bring your helmet.