1st Racer and Creator Expo (RACE)

July 31–August 1, 2026

What a show! The first Racer and Creator Expo (RACE) was a new experience for me. I had not worked a show in a convention center in probably 20 years, which meant no rain to contend with for a change—any showers stayed outside.

Working with AMSOIL Corporate

This was also my first time working alongside AMSOIL Corporate at a show. The team included marketing staff, a Product Development Engineer, and Product Marketing team member, so there was plenty of knowledge being shared.

Years ago, AMSOIL held regional Dealer meetings where Corporate representatives could answer our questions directly. This event brought back that feeling: if I had a question, the person with the answer was often standing right next to me.

A First for Freedom Factory

The RACE Expo was also a first-of-its-kind event for Freedom Factory. The former DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton was purchased by content creator Cleetus McFarland and has grown into a major destination for automotive fans.

People came from across the country—and even around the world—to meet Cleetus, his crew, and many of the creators and automotive personalities they have followed online. Visitors could see the vehicles, displays, and people behind the content up close.

AMSOIL at the Expo

AMSOIL has become a corporate sponsor of Freedom Factory, and this appeared to be one of the first Freedom Factory events where AMSOIL had a major presence with Dealer support. I was fortunate to be part of the booth for this memorable event for AMSOIL, Freedom Factory, and me personally.

I arrived Thursday to help set up the booth and add several of my own display items. AMSOIL brought a strong selection of products, giving visitors a chance to see the range in person and ask questions.

Show Specials and New Accounts

AMSOIL ran several promotions during the expo, including free shipping on every order, regardless of order total. We also had a very popular pop-up chair giveaway that drew plenty of attention throughout the event.

The chair was free for new accounts, and many attendees took advantage of the Preferred Customer membership. That gave them access to discounted pricing on the AMSOIL products they use.

We also helped establish accounts for a few businesses that want to offer AMSOIL products to their customers, including:

• Carburetor Craig / Hot Rod Engineering in Sarasota
• Surfside JDM in the Florida Panhandle

If you are in either area, look them up—and tell them I sent you.

A Surprise Arrival

Setup included one especially memorable interruption. While I was hauling supplies in the parking lot, a helicopter landed at the back door of the convention center.

It turned out to be Cleetus himself, flying in with one of his displays. The helicopter was brought inside the convention center for visitors to see alongside the many other displays.

Something for Everyone

Seminars were held both days, and the event offered much more than just vehicles and vendor displays. You did not have to be a gearhead to enjoy it—I saw plenty of families walking around and taking it all in.

By the end of the show, it looked like everyone who attended had a great time, including all of us working the AMSOIL booth.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth, asked questions, checked out the products, or set up an account. I hope to see many of you at future events—and I look forward to working with AMSOIL again at more Freedom Factory events.