If you’re involved in racing and motorsports in general, they you’re probably aware that the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show just took place. The PRI Show is an industry-only trade show held in downtown Indianapolis that gathers hardcore race parts manufacturers, tool and trailer companies, racers, sanctioning bodies and more for three days surrounded by all that is racing.
This was the 35th PRI Show and after missing 2020, the racers were ready to see what was new and exciting in motorsports! The show gathers all disciplines of racing from karting to sprint cars and rally racing to top fuel funny cars so there’s a lot of everything for everyone. The event also brings seminars that range from sponsorships to social media and this year weighed heavily on the RPM Act to help Save Our Race Cars.
Parts!
If it’s on a race car, then it’s at PRI. You see everything from quick release fasteners to top fuel blowers and roof flaps for stock cars. Even if you’re only into one form of racing, walking around the show for a weekend will expand your motorsports knowledge and open your eyes to different parts used in other forms of racing. With almost 1,000 vendors on hand, there’s a lot of everything to check out.
Cutaway Displays!
As you make your way through rows of parts, you have the chance to stop and ask about components for your specific application. These are the experts in their field and can explain in detail the how and why of their products. Brake pad formulations, piston ring materials, friction coatings, tire compounds or data acquisition systems – they’re all there. It’s always fascinating to see a product cutaway to give you a look inside of a shock, transmission or even a complete engine.
Engines!
The heartbeat of any race car is of course the engine and the PRI show does not disappoint when it comes to race engines of all sorts. Huge diesel powerplants, wicked forced induction setups (some that you may recognize from tv shows) and the latest powerplants from Detroit are all on display – along with all the parts to build your own. Following are a few favorites to get your imagination going and maybe spark a plan for a winter upgrade to be ready for the new cruise season.
Machinery Row!
Not only are there enough parts on display to build a complete race car along with the pit tools and even a trailer, but there is also a section of the show called Machinery Row. As you can guess, this section is chock full of welders, fab tables, CNC machines, sheet metal tools and enough machinery to outfit a complete fab shop. (My wish list for Santa got a lot longer after spending some time in this area.)
Cars!
What would a motorsports tradeshow be without race cars? The aisles are full of cool cars and trucks from championship winners to brand new builds with a few street cars thrown into the mix, there is something from every discipline of motorsports. You can spend a lot of time marveling at some of these builds up close and personal to get an idea of what it takes to campaign and pilot some of these amazing cars. In fact, a lot of the drivers are at the show taking it all in, just like everyone else.
If you’ve never been to the PRI show, and you’re somehow involved in the industry as a builder, hot rod shop, track promoter, machine shop or something having to do with motorsports, make plans to attend PRI next year which is already set for December 8 – 10, 2022 in Indianapolis.
Photos by Todd Ryden
About the author Related posts
Todd Ryden
Todd Ryden is first and foremost a car guy and admits to how lucky he is to have been able to build a career out of a hobby that he enjoys so much. He’s owned muscle cars and classics, raced a bit and has cruised across the country. With over 25 years in the industry from the manufacturing and marketing side to writing books and articles, he just gets it.
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