The World Drag Expo was created in 1995 by Laurie and Todd Silvey as owners of Drag News Magazine.

The concept was to create an event where hardcore motorsports companies could exhibit direct to racers and rodders with a wintertime happening. Timed as the pre-racing season begins to wind up, the annual January event hosts over 6,500 attendees looking for the latest components along with deals for their racing components.

...2005 ... packed


With beginning efforts in a small trade show center in Harvey, Illinois, the show grew rapidly to expand in just 2 years to Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles Illinois.

...2002 ... packed
The 7 years of shows at Pheasant Run had the World Drag Expo bursting at the seams with a need to grow into a yet larger facility.

Within the first two years of holding the show at the new Schaumburg Convention Center, the show has effectively doubled in size in both display vendors and our ever growing attendee numbers!

...2000 ... packed

Now with 14 years of hardcore racers trade show, seminar and swap meet weekend experience, The World Drag Expo is the undisputed show to attend for a great racing and rodding weekend. Over 6,500 attendees from 18 states and Canada visit over 450 trade and racer swap booths over the weekend.

...1998 ... packed

One of the key features of the World Drag Expo since its inception 14 years ago has also been our weekend seminars. Leading personalities and technological innovators bring a weekend of interesting seminars for the hardcore performance enthusiast.

... 1995

...1999

...2003
Todd Silvey with some old goofball...

...2000
Legendary Squid Brothers

...1999
...2001