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Racing News: 2024 PRI Show Opens Thursday, Featured Products Highlight Best in Innovation

By SEMA News Editors
 

PRI Featured Products Showcase Highlights Best of Motorsports Parts Innovation
 
PRI Show Featured Products Showcase


The Featured Products Showcase at the PRI Show returns with the hottest motorsports products and technology on display at the Indiana Convention Center, Dec. 12-14, 2024. Located at the ICC Capitol Connector--near the yellow hall, Capitol Cube hanging car, and Georgia Street entrance--the Featured Products Showcase offers media, buyers, decision-makers, and automotive professionals at the Show the opportunity to discover top products from leading racing and performance aftermarket brands in one single location.   

Innovation on Display 

From engine blocks and batteries to race gear and fuels, the showcase will spotlight top products submitted by PRI Show exhibitors from every segment of the industry. Buyers can explore cutting-edge innovations, gain insight into emerging trends, and see the latest advancements that can enhance racing performance and efficiency.  

"The showcase enables attendees to quickly identify products and solutions tailored to their needs," said PRI President Michael Good. "From there, they can visit the manufacturer's booth to check out the product up-close, ask questions, and learn how it works."  

A Must-See for Media  

For media and influencers, the showcase is a valuable resource for discovering popular motorsports products to share with their audiences. Each product includes information and descriptions to help visitors understand its relevance and potential impact within the market. This not only benefits those creating content but gives exhibitors opportunities to build relationships with media who are interested in their product, which can lead to increased brand exposure and ROI.  

Award-Winning Creations 

Happening throughout the days of the PRI Show are the Featured Products Showcase Awards. The awards feature an esteemed panel of racing industry professionals – consisting of track operators, sanctioning bodies, social media influencers, and media – selecting their favorite products on display. Top vote-getters receive the title of a Featured Products Showcase Award recipient, a crystal award, and their product name included in an article in PRI Magazine

"The Featured Products Showcase is a testament to the growth of the industry and its passion to innovate," said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw. "Those seeking to discover the latest cutting-edge performance products are encouraged to visit this exciting Show feature."  

All 2024 PRI Show exhibitors are eligible to participate in the Featured Products Showcase. Submissions made pre-show before the Dec. 6 early bird pricing deadline are $75 per product. After the deadline, exhibitors can enter product(s) in the Showcase onsite at the PRI Show (as space permits) at $100 per product. For more information, click here. To view a map leading to the PRI Show Featured Product Showcase, click here.

The PRI Show attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers, and media. To register for the 2024 PRI Show, secure hotel reservations, and for more information, visit PRI2024.com/Attend

 

PRI Show Expands Sim Racing Arena to Foster Motorsport Growth and Esports Excellence
 
SIM Racing


The PRI Show, a cornerstone event in the motorsports industry, is proud to announce a significant expansion of its SIM Racing Arena Presented by SRO Motorsports Group and the U.S. Army at the 2024 Show, held Dec. 12-14 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. This dynamic, 43,000 square-foot hub featuring 85 booths will spotlight the burgeoning world of sim racing, offering attendees an immersive experience into the sport that bridges virtual and real-world motorsports.

Sim racing has experienced exponential growth, captivating enthusiasts worldwide with its accessibility and realism. It has become an essential gateway to motorsports, creating a virtual entry point to the thrill of racing and providing on-track drivers with an innovative platform to learn, train, and develop critical skills.

The racing simulator market is projected to grow from $500 million in 2024 to $1.1 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 15.6%, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth is driven by advancements in hardware and software, as well as the increasing accessibility of racing simulators for both personal and professional use. Sim racing also plays a critical role in eSports, a sector that continues to expand with a global audience that's expected to reach more than 640 million by 2025.

"Sim racing is revolutionizing how people connect with motorsports," said Michael Good, President of PRI. "With our expanded SIM Racing Arena, we aim to inspire the next generation of racers and fans, creating opportunities for learning, competition, and collaboration across the industry."

Highlights of the Expanded Sim Racing Arena

  • Cutting-Edge Simulators: Attendees will experience the latest in sim racing technology, including state-of-the-art rigs and peripherals that replicate the sensation of driving on world-class tracks.
  • Interactive Coaching Sessions: Professional drivers and coaches will demonstrate how sim racing can sharpen driving skills, enhance race strategy, and prepare for real-world competition.
  • eSports Racing Series: The area will feature live eSports racing events, showcasing top talent in head-to-head competitions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in open qualifiers and test their skills against seasoned racers.
  • Networking Opportunities: Industry leaders, sim racing developers, and professional racers will gather to discuss the future of sim racing and its integration into traditional motorsports.

This expansion underscores the PRI Show's commitment to innovation and education within the motorsports community. By highlighting sim racing's versatility as both an entertainment platform and a professional training tool, the Show continues to elevate its role as a leader in the industry.

Sim Racing Featured Exhibitors

This year's expanded sim racing area will feature a diverse lineup of exhibitors showcasing how sim racing connects technology, skill-building, and community engagement. From global motorsports organizations to innovators in simulation equipment and partner organizations, these exhibitors highlight the versatility and appeal of sim racing in modern motorsports.

Renowned for sanctioning both on-track and eSports races, SRO Motorsports Group will showcase its commitment to merging the physical and virtual worlds of racing. Attendees can learn about their global racing series and eSports championships, bridging traditional motorsports with cutting-edge technology. "SRO is a motorsports ecosystem, and eSports is an important part of that environment," said Greg Gill, President and CEO of SRO Motorsports. "PRI is unique because it allows us to showcase both on-track racing and eSports." SRO has three days of activities planned for the PRI Show, including a pro playoff invitational, featuring 16 of the top sim drivers that will be broadcast live on SRO and PRI social media channels. SRO will endcap the weekend with partner KUNOS Simulazioni's demo of its' game Assetto Corsa Evo in North America for the first time.

A leader in sim racing equipment, Advanced SimRacing will highlight its innovative tools, including interconnected seats that provide motion feedback and haptics, designed to help drivers improve their skills on track with its biggest display ever at the PRI Show. From high-performance racing simulators featuring partners Juncos Hollinger IndyCar, Mercedes AMG and others, to personalized training aids, their offerings cater to both aspiring and professional racers. "The PRI Show is motorsports central," said Marc-André Ladouceur, Chief Marketing Officer, Advanced SimRacing. "Exhibiting at the PRI Show helps us bridge the gap between sim and on-track motorsports and demonstrate sim's value as a training tool."

Podium 1 Racing was created by on-track racers looking to replicate the excitement of racing in a virtual environment. Through partnerships with multiple brands, Podium 1 creates a wide range of sim experiences for everyone from enthusiasts looking for another level of immersion to real-world professionals seeking an edge on track. "PRI is a huge motorsports event and motorsports is what we are," said Podium 1 Co-Founder Steve Paladino. "PRI helps us engage with the motorsports world where drivers use sim to improve, looking for tools to get better and faster." Podium 1 will bring multiple sim rigs to the PRI Show featuring from three-to-six degrees of freedom, including pitch, roll, heave, yaw surge and sway – even harnesses that pull on the drivers.

By bringing a sim racing team to the event, the U.S. Army demonstrates how a shared passion for motorsports and simulation technology helps it connect with the public. Their presence emphasizes the role of sim racing in fostering community, teamwork, and skill development while engaging with fans through interactive activities and competitions. Members of the U.S. Army eSports team, made up of full-time, active-duty soldiers will be on hand not only to compete against each other and PRI Show attendees, but to demonstrate that personal passions and military service can coexist. "It's important for people to understand that your individual passions can continue and grow after joining the Army," said Maj. Andy Ainslie. "Participating in the PRI Show helps America's Army connect with America's people through a shared passion for motorsports."  

The PRI Show attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers, and media.

To register for the 2024 PRI Show, secure hotel reservations, and for more information, visit PRI2024.com/Attend.

 

Andy Lally Named Trans Am Series President

The Trans Am Series has named Andy Lally as its new president.

A motorsports veteran with more than 30 years of experience on the race track, the appointment comes as Lally announces his retirement from on-track competition.

Lally will report to Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) COO Michael Printup, who has led the Trans Am series since April 2024.

The Trans Am Series will begin its 59th year of competition at Sebring International Raceway in Florida, February 20-23, 2025.

For more information, visit gotransam.com.

Genesis Launches WEC, IMSA Prototype Program
Genesis Prototype

 

Genesis, the luxury vehicle brand owned by Hyundai, has officially announced its new LMDh prototype program that will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA.

Officially dubbed Genesis Magma Racing, the team will field a two-car entry in WEC beginning in 2026, then expand into IMSA in 2027. The GMR-001 Hypercar, revealed at an event in Dubai, is based on an ORECA Motorsport chassis.

Additionally, Cyril Abiteboul, president of Hyundai Motorsport, will serve as team principal for Genesis Magma Racing, while sportscar veterans André Lotterer and Luis "Pipo" Derani will lead the two-car effort from behind the wheel in 2026.

Ahead of its WEC debut in 2026, the team will collaborate with IDEC Sport to field an LMP2 entry in the 2025 European Le Mans Series.

The team will operate out of headquarters at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, leveraging its proximity to ORECA Motorsport and IDEC Sport, the team said.

For more information, visit genesis.com.
 

Toyota Ending NHRA Participation After 2025

Toyota will be ending its NHRA participation after 2025, according to published reports.

Toyota, which has been in the series since 2002, has been providing Toyota-backed teams with tow vehicles, and engineering, technology and trackside support.

"Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization," Paul Doleshal, group manager, motorsports, Toyota Motor North America, told media outlets. "Our NHRA drivers and teams have truly become part of our Toyota family. We look forward to competing for more wins and championships with our supported teams in the upcoming season, and we will work diligently along the way to make sure each team and driver have the tools necessary to compete at the highest level for the years to come."

The manufacturer currently supports six teams in the top-level NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series and won its first NHRA Manufacturers Cup in 2024.

For more information, visit toyota.com.


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