Industry Community Unites to Advance Racing Technology and Build the Next Generation of Professionals

The 37th Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show concluded last week in Indianapolis after three days of dynamic engagement, collaboration, and innovation. Held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, the PRI Show reaffirmed its role as the premier global gathering for motorsports by convening manufacturers, retailers, race teams, tracks, sanctioning bodies, promoters, and media under one roof.

“The PRI Show is where the global motorsports community comes together to shape the future of racing,” said PRI President Michael Good. “This year’s Show delivered on every front -- innovation, education, and strategic collaboration -- while reinforcing PRI’s commitment to growing the sport and connecting the next generation of professionals.”

Industry Support Stronger Than Ever

The 2025 PRI Show was one of the largest in nearly two decades, with more than 1,060 exhibitors, including 161 first-time participants. Thousands of attendees filled every corner of the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the connector, creating an unmatched environment for collaboration and innovation. This convergence of industry leaders and innovators underscores PRI’s role as the global hub for motorsports -- strengthening relationships with sanctioning bodies, expanding educational programs, and driving initiatives that connect the next generation of professionals to the sport.

T.O.P.S. HQ: Driving Collaboration and Growth for Tracks and Sanctioning Bodies

A key highlight of this year’s PRI Show was the expanded T.O.P.S. HQ presented by MyRacePass.com area, which served as the central hub for track promoters, operators, and sanctioning bodies. Designed to foster collaboration and strengthen industry relationships, T.O.P.S. provided a dedicated space for networking, conducting business, and participating in 42 targeted seminars aimed at improving track operations and event promotion. The activation featured sessions and educational programs that empowered attendees with actionable insights to enhance their facilities and grow grassroots racing. This initiative underscores PRI’s commitment to supporting the backbone of motorsports and building a stronger, more connected racing ecosystem.

Attracting the Next Generation of Motorsports Professionals

Education and workforce development were a major focus throughout the Show, highlighted by the Next-Gen Engagement Panel moderated by PRI President Michael Good. The panel featured top leaders from across motorsports, including Michael Cobb, SCCA President and CEO; Joey Denewitz, NASCAR Managing Director, Weekly & Touring Series; John Doonan, IMSA President; Evan Jonat, NHRA Senior Vice President of National Events; and Jason Smith, USAC President.

The discussion centered on strategies to connect with future talent, create career pathways, and ensure a strong pipeline of professionals for the racing industry. This year’s efforts included participation from leaders representing 118 educational institutions and more than 500 students, highlighting PRI’s commitment to workforce development. Additional programs such as the Next-Gen Education Track, Student Networking Breakfast, and the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship provided hands-on learning and networking opportunities for students and educators.

Exhibitor Innovation Recognized

Innovation was front and center on the Show floor, highlighted by the Featured Products Showcase awards. More than 400 cutting-edge products competed for recognition from a panel of 12 motorsports industry judges, with 22 manufacturers earning top honors. The winning entries represented the forefront of motorsports technology, spanning performance components, advanced simulation tools, safety innovations, and data-driven solutions.

Attendees also enjoyed an impressive lineup of feature vehicles throughout the Show and showcased in the new PRI Paddock, a dynamic addition to this year’s Show. Highlights included a BMW M4 GT3 EVO from SRO GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, a Honda Civic from SCCA Time Attack, a TRAD PRO4 custom off-road truck from Amsoil Champ Off Road, a Schnee-Lawson Sprint Car from the High Limit Racing Series, and a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano from Formula Drift. Also on display was the “miRAGE” Mitsubishi Mirage R4 owned by Vivian Campbell, guitarist for Def Leppard, which drew crowds throughout the event. A centerpiece of the experience was the Show’s iconic hanging car, represented by the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by four-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, continuing a long-standing PRI tradition.

Celebrity Appearances

The PRI Show welcomed some of the biggest names in motorsports, including Mario Andretti, Antron Brown, John Force, Tony Kanaan, Richard Petty, Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, and Tony Stewart, among others, who engaged with fans and industry professionals, adding excitement and star power to the event.

PRI also honored three industry icons with induction into the PRI Hall of Fame: Paul “Scooter” Brothers, John Kilroy, and Chris Raschke. These honorees exemplify the ingenuity and craftsmanship that define modern racing and the value of PRI as the platform to launch new products to a global audience.

Motorsports Advocacy and Education

PRI continues to champion the interests of the racing community through legislative and regulatory advocacy. Show attendees had the opportunity to participate in education sessions focused on PRI’s efforts to protect racetracks and grow the sport, including updates on federal legislation such as the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act and state-level initiatives that safeguard tracks from nuisance complaints. These programs reflect PRI’s commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable future for motorsports.

The PRI Show returns to Indianapolis Dec. 10-12, 2026.

For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.

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 monthly 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: Next-Gen Racing

Record-Breaking PRI Show Sets the Pace for Motorsports Innovation