15th PRI TRADE SHOW SETS NEW RECORDS!

Attendance reaches 40,000; exhibitors total 1,180 with 2,765 booths

INDIANPOLIS, In. - The 15th Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show set new records for attendance and number of exhibitors. With figures totaling 40,000 racing entrepreneurs from more than 35 countries, and 1,180 exhibiting companies, the numbers clearly demonstrate that the continuing strength of the international racing industry.

The trade-only event was held December 5-7, at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, in downtown Indianapolis, the home of the PRI Trade Show for the past five years. The show provides retailers of racing components, race engine builders, professional race teams and more the opportunity to preview new lines of racing products, and have parts in stock before the start of next year's racing season.

"We are extremely pleased at the response our show receives-from the racing community to the city of Indianapolis," stated Steve Lewis, producer of the PRI Trade Show. "The economic impact to Indianapolis is close to $30 million, and that's a big number. The fact that this show continues to attract record crowds means we have brought together the right exhibitors and buyers in the perfect trade show environment."

Exhibitors took up a total of 2,765 booths to display their racing products, another new record for the PRI Trade Show.

PRI's Industry Roundtable, created by the late legendary engine builder Smokey Yunick six years ago, preceded the first day of the show. It was moderated this year by NASCAR TV Analyst Jeff Hammond.

Several themes emerged from the Industry Roundtable. While the racing industry appears to stay the same-challenging for some and expanding for others-noted Moderator Hammond, it still requires three vital components: "money, more money, and then maybe some more money."

Panelists agreed that all racers are passionate, and clearly want to buy whatever it takes to reach Victory Circle. Their demand thus drives up costs, for engine building, for state-of-the-art parts and for people. "Racers will do just about anything to get an edge," said Joe Balash of the ASA, a statement supported by all participants, "but we do need to work together to control costs."

This was echoed by those panelists who were racing promoters as well as engine builders. American LeMans Series President Scott Atherton talked about crate engines keeping costs down as well as the importance of having manufacturers "invest" in his series. Fritz Kayl, president of Katech Race Engines, stated that the industry needs to invest in people as well, especially engineers. "These people are heroes in the sport, too."

Getting new people to participate at all levels-including more women-was also a dominant theme. Joe Mondello, head of the Mondello Technical School, noted that many women have attended his school to gain technical training in order to pursue a career in motorsports. "It may be harder to get started, but over time, more women are showing up," said Longacre President Jeff Butcher.

In the end, Hammond declared, there is no favoritism, whether it's a man or a woman on the technical end or behind the wheel. It's all about "pushing the pedal," he said.

Growing Segment of Economy

The 40,000 racing industry buyers at the 2002 PRI Trade Show not only pushed the pedal this year, but also demonstrated that the racing industry at large is diverse and healthy. "There is so much excitement on the show floor and throughout the industry," observed Lewis, "that it is indeed gratifying to be a part of all this. Motorsports is an important part of our economy, and we intend to do our part to keeping it growing."