By Rachel, OTS Brand Ambassador

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) was quite the whirlwind! Auto enthusiasts were tempted by gorgeous exotic cars, flashy rims and super cool auto detailing from the moment they stepped into the show floor at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past February. Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) found its fit in the show this year with the introduction of an eye-catching new element, the Top Gear Leaderboard!

There was competition in the air as visitors came by the thousands to see what our booth had to offer. For the first time ever, we dared attendees to beat out the competition in a performance-based race. Their mission was simple: be the fastest person to properly check a tire for pressure and tread wear. Show-goers were provided with the appropriate tools (tread wear indicator and pressure gauge) to take the challenge and secure their spot on the leaderboard, and did they ever rise to the challenge!

We saw competitors nail times anywhere from over a minute to under ten seconds, and the later in the day, the tougher it became to get a spot on the board. Many first-timers gave it a shot, and while some had unfortunate fumbles with the tire valve cap, many more were surprised by their expert speed.

It was entertaining to see trained professionals compete against rookies. Crowds gathered around the leaderboard as show-goers fought for the coveted top spot and $50 The Home Depot gift cards.

Overall, the CIAS was well attended this year. For those who have seen us before, our timed trial competition was a refreshing new way to engage with show visitors, and for those who dropped by for the first time, our product display was the ideal backdrop for conversations about the Used Tires Program, our province-wide tire recycling program, and our grant program, the Community Renewal Fund.