Tue, 22 Dec 2009, 09:34 AM Solid Crowds Extend PRI Trade Show's Successful Run as Racing Industry Gathers in a Show of Strength

Courtesy of Pete Evanow

ORLANDO, Fla. -- With proof in the sheer number of buyers crowding the exhibit aisles in the Orange County Convention Center doors at the 22nd Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, the motorsports industry put on a remarkable show of strength, demonstrating value of the most important three business days in motorsports. The commitment to preview and purchase the hottest new racing products and precision machining equipment displayed by 1,100 racing industry supplies remained high, with participants reaffirming the importance of the PRI Trade Show.

"It was extremely gratifying to see so many buyers here, which demonstrated that we are on the road to a stronger year in 2010," stated Steve Lewis, producer of the PRI Trade Show. "The racing companies that exhibit at the PRI Trade Show are like gigantic magnets that successfully attract buyers from all 50 states, and from around the world, who walk the aisles to view, touch and buy these innovative racing products and services, and that's really what it's all about.

"The 2010 racing season is officially off and running, and it should be a good one, based on what we all saw at the 22nd PRI Trade Show."

Karin Davidson, PRI Trade Show Manager, said total attendance was 38,000.

Some of the events occurring at the world's largest racing trade show:

* Buyers came from all 50 states, as well as 60 other countries.

* Fox TV NASCAR Commentator Jeff Hammond once again hosted a lively discussion at the Industry Roundtable with a number of expert panelists and strong attendance.

* Speed's Wind Tunnel host Dave Despain entertained a crowd of 3,000 during the Opening Day Breakfast. His lively manner and positive attitude set the tone for the following three days.

* The fourth annual PRI/CKI Stars of Karting All-Stars produced another dynamic show, highlighted by the 18 pro drivers in the Masters division who all took the challenge as seriously as they would any race within their respective race series. IZOD IndyCar driver Jan Heylen in a CRG Kart took the Pro Stars division win, with NASCAR's Scott Speed second and Formula One ace Vitantonio Luizzi third. Gary Carlton, also driving a CRG Kart, won the Karter division race.

The PRI Trade Show continues to offer companies, racing organizations and professional race teams the opportunity to make announcements. Highlights included:

* AETC Conference - With the theme this year, "Advanced Ford Modular Performance," the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference celebrated its 20th year as the premier seminar series for race engine builders.

* Motor Sport Business Forum - IM2 Events, which has held important business conferences on the racing industry worldwide, brought its event to the U.S for the first time to the PRI Trade Show. A strong audience listened to many important motorsports figures, including Lisa France Kennedy, who served as a keynote speaker.

* A packed room witnessed Bobby Rahal's Road Racing Drivers Symposium.

* Newly appointed Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles pulled the wrap off a new Viper racing model.

* Mazda continues to expand its motorsports presence and will partner with Visit Florida which becomes a sponsor of the 2010 Star Mazda Championship.

* Lucas Oil announced that the formation of a new drag boat sanctioning organization, the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series.

The PRI Trade Show has been recognized as one of the top 50 largest U.S. trade shows, according to Tradeshow Week magazine. Dates for the 23rd Annual PRI Trade Show in Orlando are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, December 9-11, 2010.

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