The motorsports world has one event it circles on the calendar every year. The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show is that event. In 2026, the show returns to Indianapolis for three action-packed days. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning professional, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the PRI Trade Show?
The PRI Trade Show is the world’s largest gathering of motorsports professionals. It brings together manufacturers, race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, and distributors from across the globe. The event runs annually every December at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.
However, this is not a consumer show. It is a trade-only event. Therefore, only qualified motorsports industry professionals may attend. The show focuses entirely on business, education, and innovation within the racing world.
Every year, the event attracts more than 40,000 professionals from all 50 states and over 70 countries. It is, without question, the central hub for motorsports business.
2026 Show: Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | PRI Trade Show 2026 |
| Dates | December 10–12, 2026 |
| Venue | Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium |
| Location | Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Show Hours | 9:00 AM daily |
| Show End (Final Day) | 4:00 PM, Saturday, December 12 |
| Event Type | Trade-only (qualified professionals only) |
| Expected Attendees | 40,000+ |
| Expected Exhibitors | 1,000+ |
Dates and Venue
The 2026 PRI Trade Show runs from Thursday, December 10 through Saturday, December 12. Show hours begin at 9:00 AM each day. On the final day, Saturday, the show closes at 4:00 PM sharp. Any exhibitor who begins breaking down their booth before 4:00 PM will face a penalty from show management.
The venue is the Indiana Convention Center combined with the iconic Lucas Oil Stadium in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The two connected facilities offer a massive footprint. In 2026, exhibitors have already secured more than 360,000 net square feet of exhibit space. That gives you a sense of just how large this show truly is.
Additionally, Indianapolis itself is a racing city at its core. Its infrastructure, hotels, and transport links make it one of the best trade show cities in North America. The city contributes tens of millions of dollars in local economic impact during show week alone.
Ticket Prices and Registration
Registration for the 2026 show follows a tiered pricing structure. The earlier you register, the less you pay. This is a new format introduced for 2026. Importantly, a PRI membership is no longer required to attend. Any qualified motorsports industry professional can now register directly.
| Registration Period | Badge Price |
| July 21 – October 2, 2026 | $45 |
| October 3 – December 9, 2026 | $55 |
| December 10–12, 2026 (On-site) | $65 |
To register, visit the official page at performanceracing.com/trade-show/attend. Registering early means you receive your badge before the show. This helps you skip the registration lines and walk straight onto the floor on opening day.
Hotel reservations opened in June for both exhibitors and attendees. Booking early is strongly recommended, as rooms near the convention center fill up quickly during show week.
Exhibitors: Who Is Showing Up in 2026?
The 2026 show is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Following priority booth selection, more than 920 companies have already committed exhibit space. The final count is expected to exceed 1,000 exhibitors across more than 3,400 booths.
These are not just domestic brands. Companies from all over the world exhibit at this show. Professionals from 35-plus countries attend to source products, forge new partnerships, and explore the latest technology.
PRI managing director Doug Bresnahan has noted that the strength of the booth selection process reflects the overall health and direction of the racing industry. The show floor is organized across every major segment of motorsports. Below is a snapshot of the product categories you can expect to find:
| Category | Examples |
| Engine Components | Cylinder heads, camshafts, pistons, cranks |
| Chassis and Fabrication | Roll cages, tube bending, welding tools |
| Tires and Wheels | Racing slicks, drag radials, beadlock wheels |
| Electronics and Data | Data loggers, ECUs, ignition systems |
| Safety Equipment | Helmets, harnesses, fire suppression |
| Drivetrain | Transmissions, differentials, driveshafts |
| Simulation and Testing | Dynos, simulators, testing rigs |
| Trailers and Haulers | Race trailers, custom builds |
| Business and Marketing | Software, insurance, media services |
The 2026 Schedule and Featured Events
Beyond the show floor, the 2026 event offers a rich program of events and experiences. These run throughout all three days. Therefore, it is wise to plan your schedule in advance.
Grand Opening Breakfast
The event kicks off with the Grand Opening Breakfast on the first morning. This is a popular gathering that brings together industry leaders, speakers, and professionals to officially open the show. It sets the tone for the three days ahead.
Motorsports Engineering Symposium
New for 2026, the Motorsports Engineering Symposium is one of the most exciting additions to the show. It brings together engineers, designers, and technical leaders from across the racing industry. The program focuses on advancing performance, innovation, and applied engineering in motorsports. Sessions cover emerging technologies and breakthroughs shaping the future of racing.
T.O.P.S. HQ (Tracks, Operators, Promotions and Sanctions)
T.O.P.S. HQ has grown significantly in recent years. It serves as the dedicated headquarters, meeting space, and networking hub for track and sanction officials, management, and staff. If you work in track operations or promotions, this is your central base at the show.
Full Throttle Social
The Full Throttle Social is one of the most popular evening events of the show. It gives attendees a chance to mix, connect, and unwind after a long day on the floor. Networking in this kind of relaxed setting often leads to some of the best business conversations of the week.
T.O.P.S. — BS & Brews Happy Hour
This casual happy hour is another fan favorite. It offers a fun atmosphere for track operators and related professionals to talk shop over drinks. Additionally, it gives newer attendees a chance to meet established industry voices in an informal environment.
NextGen Student Breakfast
The NextGen Student Breakfast is designed for the next generation of motorsports professionals. It connects students and early-career individuals with industry mentors and leaders. This event reflects the show’s long-term commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.
What Products Can You Expect to See?
The show floor is a showcase of everything the racing world has to offer. More than 1,000 exhibitors will present their latest products and innovations in 2026. This gives attendees direct access to brands that are actively investing in new technologies and competitive advantage.
You will find everything from cutting-edge electronics and engine internals to high-performance tires and full trailer builds. Simulation technology has grown significantly in recent years. Expect to see advanced dynos, simulators, and testing equipment that were not widely available even a few years ago.
Additionally, many brands use the show to launch new products for the coming season. Therefore, the show floor often features debut items that you simply cannot find anywhere else. This makes the event the best opportunity to stay ahead of the competition heading into the new year.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Attending for the first time can feel overwhelming. The show spans an enormous venue with thousands of booths. However, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most from your visit:
- Register early to save money and receive your badge before arriving.
- Review the floor plan at prishow.com/floorplan before you travel. It is already live for 2026.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a great deal over three days.
- Book your hotel as soon as possible. Indianapolis fills up fast during show week.
- Schedule meetings with key exhibitors in advance. Many brands book appointments before the show even opens.
- Attend at least one networking event. Some of the best industry connections happen outside the main floor.
- Bring business cards. The show attracts decision-makers from across the entire industry.
- If you plan to ship products or purchases back home, check the advance warehouse shipping options, which can save significant time during move-out.
Getting to the Venue
The Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium sit in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The area is well-served by major highways and Indianapolis International Airport, which is approximately 15 miles from the venue. Several hotels connect directly to the convention center via skywalks, making it easy to move between your room and the show floor without going outdoors.
For those driving, parking is available in several nearby garages. However, arriving early each day helps you avoid congestion, especially on opening day.
Why This Event Matters for the Industry
Motorsports is a serious industry. Research cited by PRI shows it generates over $69 billion in economic activity in the United States, supporting more than 318,000 full-time jobs. The show sits at the center of all that activity.
For buyers, it is the best place to source new products and evaluate suppliers face to face. For manufacturers, it is the single biggest opportunity to put their innovations in front of the most purchase-ready audience in the industry. And for everyone else — media, track operators, engineers, fabricators — it is the annual gathering that keeps the entire industry connected and moving forward.
PRI Show director Karin Davidson has described the show floor as a space designed to maximize meaningful connections and drive real business outcomes for exhibitors and attendees alike. That description holds true year after year.
Conclusion
The PRI Trade Show 2026 takes place December 10–12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. The show brings together more than 1,000 exhibitors and 40,000 professionals from across the world. Ticket prices start at $45 for early registration and rise to $65 on-site. Key highlights include the brand-new Motorsports Engineering Symposium, T.O.P.S. HQ, the Grand Opening Breakfast, and several popular networking events throughout the week. Whether you are there to source products, launch a new brand, or build lasting relationships, this is the one event in motorsports that no industry professional should miss. Register early, plan ahead, and make the most of three days that can shape your entire business year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the PRI Trade Show 2026?
The show takes place from December 10 to December 12, 2026. It opens at 9:00 AM each day and closes at 4:00 PM on the final day, Saturday, December 12.
Where is the 2026 PRI Trade Show held?
The show is held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
How much does a ticket cost for the PRI Trade Show 2026?
Tickets follow a tiered pricing structure. Early registration from July 21 to October 2 costs $45. From October 3 to December 9, the price is $55. On-site registration during the show costs $65.
Is the PRI Trade Show open to the public?
It is a trade-only event open to qualified motorsports industry professionals. However, a PRI membership is no longer required to register for 2026, which is a new change this year.
What kinds of products are featured at the PRI Trade Show?
The show covers every segment of the racing industry, including engine components, chassis and fabrication tools, tires and wheels, safety gear, electronics, drivetrain parts, simulation and testing equipment, race trailers, and business services.
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Thomas Walker is an accomplished writer with expertise in the basics of car accessories. With a keen eye for detail, Thomas has established himself as an authority on the subject, with a passion for all things automotive. Based in Jasper, Thomas is dedicated to providing readers with the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to their car accessories.
