Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has announced the session schedule for the inaugural PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium, taking place Thursday, December 10, during the 2026 PRI Show at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The program will bring race engineers, motorsports professionals, manufacturers, educators, and emerging engineering talent together for technical discussions focused on the challenges shaping modern motorsports. Sessions will examine the engineering challenges that impact on-track performance, from simulation and powertrain development to materials, manufacturing, and workforce development.

The technical sessions will feature perspectives from leaders across motorsports and engineering, including experts from INDYCAR, Purdue University, and Motor State Distribution.

2026 PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium Schedule

10:00 a.m. — Opening Statements
10:15 a.m. — From Simulation to Track: Closing the Performance Gap
11:15 a.m. — Powertrain & Thermal Limits: Where Performance Breaks
12:15 p.m. — Purdue Networking Lunch: Engineering Exchange
1:30 p.m. — Building the Next Race Engineer: Closing the Talent Gap
2:30 p.m. — Materials & Manufacturing: Speed to Track
3:30 p.m. — The Future of Motorsports Engineering
4:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks

“The PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium is designed to bring different areas of motorsports engineering into the same conversation,” said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. “From simulation and powertrain development to materials, manufacturing, and developing the next generation of engineers, these are issues that affect the future of the industry. Bringing the right people together to share knowledge and experience is an important part of PRI’s commitment to technical education and industry advancement.”

“The technical demands of motorsports continue to evolve, and the companies supporting the industry have to evolve with them,” said Motor State Distribution Vice President of Marketing Daryl Sampson. “This program creates an opportunity to share knowledge, explore new technologies, and connect with the engineers and professionals who are solving these challenges every day.”

“Developing the next generation of motorsports engineers requires more than classroom learning,” said Purdue University Director of Motorsports Engineering Chris Finch. “It requires opportunities to connect students and emerging engineers with the people, technologies, and challenges shaping the industry. The program provides a valuable forum for that exchange.”

“Engineering decisions are ultimately about finding performance, and that requires bringing together data, technology, and experience,” said INDYCAR Vice President of Competition and Engineering Mike O’Gara. “Creating a forum where engineers and industry professionals can discuss those challenges and share what they are learning is valuable for the entire motorsports community.”

The PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium is open to all registered PRI Show attendees. A valid Show badge is required for entry. There are no additional registration requirements or fees to attend.

For questions about Symposium registration, contact PRI at mail@performanceracing.com or call 812-592-7219.

Register for the 2026 PRI Show

The 2026 PRI Show takes place Dec. 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, bringing together motorsports professionals from across the globe.

Register today to connect with more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, explore new products and technologies, attend education sessions, network with industry professionals, and experience everything the PRI Show has to offer.

To register and learn more, visit PRI2026.com/Attend. PRI membership is no longer required to attend.

About Performance Racing Industry

Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world's premier motorsports trade show, the PRI Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. According to the PRI Economic Impact Study, motorsports generates $69.2 billion in U.S. economic activity and supports more than 318,000 jobs nationwide. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.

Tagged: INDYCAR

PRI Announces Programming for Motorsports Engineering Symposium at 2026 PRI Show