Spring is pretty much here and winter is a not-so-distant memory and for some of you, it's still hanging on unbelievably.

By the time the Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show comes along, at least you know you've "broken winter's back". This year, Toronto's Performance World was held on March 5, 6 and 7 2004 and, unlike some years I can remember, the weather cooperated (a few years back there was a wicked snowstorm on the Friday night).

Everyone has a different opinion about indoor shows - some good, some bad, some downright ugly. I'm going to stick to the opinion that indoor shows have a place in this hobby and, if done right, serve both the hobbyist and the promoter. However, having said that, if you asked ten people about what being done right entails, you'll likely get at least 8 different answers. This applies to outdoor events also. Like: too many "show" cars, not enough show cars, catering to a specific segment, catering to too many segments, too predictable, "seen it before", etc.

So, from the perspective of the promoter, it would seem best to find a formula that mostly works and then adapt as appropriate without making any radical changes that can backfire. Make the changes evolutionary rather than revolutionary. I believe that the promoters of Performance World have a formula that mostly works which is good (in some way pleases everyone attending) and they pull off an entertaining event.

For me, this type of event also serves a purpose other than simply gawking at cars. You also get a chance to connect with people you haven't seen over the winter and check out new products and vendors. We did, in fact, run into a lot of people we hadn't seen since last fall and did discover some new products and vendors of both materials and services.

As the show is about the vehicles ("Where the cars are the stars"), we did naturally take a good look at them and bring you a sampling below. Until next year.......

If you have any feedback about the show, email us.