Import Spring Showoff attracts thousands of people to Utah on Sunday

SM Headline: Thousands of cars on display at the Maverick Center this weekend

Import Spring Showoff, or ISS, attracted thousands of people and businesses from all over the western United States for its event Sunday. ISS is the largest car meet held annually in Utah.

"We are really excited about all of the new cars and vendors this year," said Jeff Woodyatt, the president and founder of ISS. "It is a great opportunity for the businesses to advertise to so many people."

One of the most prominent businesses at ISS this year was LYFE Motorsport, a company that is centered on building and racing cars.

“This is such a good opportunity to get out and connect with the local import car community,” said Cole Powelson, Owner of LYFE. “It’s an opportunity for all of the different car groups to meet together at one event.”

While the staff is excited about the new vendors this year, they were also surprised at how quickly they sold out tickets for the event.

"The first wave of 300 tickets sold out in just 20 minutes," said Jerry Carson, the second in command at ISS. "I was blown away when the sell-out counter maxed out in just over 40 seconds with the second round of tickets."

With over 400 paid parking spots and nearly 2,000 free parking spots, which were full to capacity, the show attracted thousands of people.

“I think it’s a really big deal because most car shows can’t touch it,” said Rhett Panter, a participant from Idaho. “Everything is here and it caters to everyone.”

ISS is more than just another car show to the participants and the vendors. It gives everyone the opportunity to show what the automotive industry means to them.

“Every single dollar I have goes into this,” Powelson said. “It’s the passion and respect that each person has for their car. We want to help anyone and everyone with their car, no matter what kind of racer they are.”

Some participants at the event consider cars an art form.

“You don’t have to be a car person to see how amazing something is put together,” Panter said. “It’s the same thing as a regular person attending an art gallery. Just because that person isn’t an art expert doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate the work and talent it took to create the art.”