Dépêches

Second Annual I-X Piston Power Show, World’s Largest Indoor Power Display, Features Mix of Vintage Airplanes, Cars, Motorcycles and Virtual Reality

Dépèche transmise le 27 septembre 2011 par Business Wire

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eight piston-powered airplanes will be among the more than 1,000 vehicles under one roof when Cleveland’s I-X Center hosts the second annual I-X Piston Power Show, the world’s largest indoor display of custom cars, bikes and airplanes.

“We had a huge response from car, bike and aircraft clubs and enthusiasts asking to participate.”

Covering more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space, the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 show will feature a fully restored B-17 replica from the movie Memphis Belle, a virtual reality NASCAR racer simulator and an appearance by auto designer Chip Foose, star of the hit TV show Overhaulin’ on TLC. Classic motorcycles and Star Cars, such as Knight Rider and Bumblebee from the popular Transformers movie franchise, also will be among the highlights.

After last year’s inaugural show, I-X Center organizers were inundated with interest from car and vintage vehicle clubs wishing to display their vehicles in the show. The result, said Eric German, vice president of marketing and business development, is a significantly larger show.

“It speaks to how quickly the news about this event has spread since last fall,” said German. “We had a huge response from car, bike and aircraft clubs and enthusiasts asking to participate.”

One of the many high-profile features of the I-X Piston Power Show is the restored B-17 replica from the movie, Memphis Belle. “We looked all over the world to get original parts for the airplane,” said Joseph Krzeminski, director of the Military Aircraft Restoration Company. “The top gun turret is from New Guinea, which was the hardest to find. It also has working electronic turbochargers and a re-skinned nose.”

The show will include several interactive elements as well. Visitors will be able to test their driving skills in The Mid-Ohio School Honda Civic Skid Car, a unique defensive driving mechanism aimed at teaching individuals how to control a vehicle in adverse weather conditions. The school also will bring its iRacing.com Simulator, used by motorsports legends like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Scott Pruett. Visitors will also be able to take a few “virtual” laps at their favorite racetrack.

Lincoln Electric Company, the exclusive and official welding partner of the I-X Piston Power Show, is sponsoring the special appearance by Foose, owner of Foose Design and a three-time top hot rod Ridler Award winner. Foose will participate in the “Chip’s Choice” competition, selecting his favorite pick of vehicles at the show.

In addition, the All-American Soap Box Derby will feature a 250-foot Indoor Rally track that accommodates side-by-side racing. Registrants from around the country will compete for trophies and points. Soap Box Derby races are held in 150 communities around the world, culminating at the championship finals in Akron, Ohio.

Motorcycles connected with Ohio Bike Week will take over the entire South Hall of the I-X Center. And to mark Ohio Bike Week, all motorcycles will enjoy free parking in the I-X Center’s outdoor lot.

About the show

The I-X Piston Power Show is held at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio on Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. It is easily accessible from I-480, I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike. For more information, visit us online at www.pistonpowershow.com.

Show hours are Friday, September 30, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission, $15; children ages 7-12, $12; 6 and under FREE. Military discounts with valid military ID. Discount tickets available for just $12 each at Excalibur Auto Body and Discount Drug Mart.

Follow the I-X Piston Power Show on Facebook and Twitter!

About the I-X Center

The I-X Center, located in the City of Cleveland, is the eighth largest convention center in the United States. The I-X Center’s diverse show schedule includes public events, trade shows, banquets, meetings, and conventions. The facility attracts more than 2 million visitors annually through a combination of consumer and trade shows. Detailed information about these and other events, including show times and admission, can be seen at www.ixcenter.com under the schedule of events; or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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