Registration is now open for the 2026 PRI Show, the premier trade event for the global motorsports industry. Taking place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the PRI Show brings together the companies, professionals, and decision-makers driving the future of racing. Register for the 2026 PRI Show here.

Qualified motorsports industry professionals can now register for the PRI Show without a PRI membership. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals. New for 2026, attendee registration follows a tiered pricing structure, starting at $45 through October 2, increasing to $55 through December 9, and $65 during the Show.

More than 920 exhibiting companies have already secured more than 360,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, creating a show floor packed with the latest racing technology, performance products, manufacturing equipment, simulation tools, trailers and business solutions. From grassroots racing to professional motorsports, the PRI Show remains the industry's most important marketplace for discovering new products, building relationships, and conducting business ahead of the racing season.

"The PRI Show is where the business of motorsports comes together," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "Every December, manufacturers, race teams, distributors, engine builders, fabricators, track operators, and industry leaders gather in one place to strengthen partnerships, discover new innovations, and create opportunities that move racing forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Indianapolis."

The PRI Show continues to serve as a driving force behind an industry that generates more than $69.2 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and produces more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to the PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. By bringing together every segment of the racing industry under one roof, the Show helps fuel innovation, investment, and long-term business growth.

New for 2026, the PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will debut during the Show, bringing together race engineers, manufacturers, technical leaders, and university engineering programs for a full day of education and collaboration focused on advancing motorsports technology and performance.

The 2026 PRI Show will feature a wide range of experiences and activations, from networking opportunities such as the Grand Opening Breakfast and PRI Full Throttle Social to education programming, specialty exhibit areas, and product discovery destinations including T.O.P.S. HQ, the Trailer and Motorcoach Exhibits, PRI Paddock, Machinery Row, NextGen Connect, and more.

"The PRI Show continues to evolve alongside the racing industry," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "Whether attendees are sourcing products, learning from industry experts, exploring new technologies, or connecting with business partners, the 2026 Show is designed to deliver meaningful value at every stage of their business."

Each year, the PRI Show welcomes attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, media, sanctioning bodies, and track operators. Early registration allows attendees to receive their credentials in advance beginning in October, helping them save time and get straight to business when they arrive in Indianapolis.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2026 PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

For additional information or questions regarding registration, please contact PRI Show Manager Nicole Harless, at nicoleh@performanceracing.com. 

The SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Media Trade Conference on February 2-4, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. Manufacturer registration is open now to PRI business members, as well as MPMC and Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who can lock in discounted pricing through September 8 at mediatradeconference.com. 

For 30 years, the MPMC Media Trade Conference has been a powerful venue for motorsports parts manufacturers to build high-quality relationships with the media. Known for its “speed-dating” format, the event enables manufacturers to engage in more than 40 half-hour meetings with journalists, podcasters and content creators throughout the three days, with the goal of establishing valuable partnerships and getting their company news and products in front of the right audience.

"The Media Trade Conference is a high-performance engine for visibility and connection in the motorsports aftermarket," said MPMC Chair Brian Bohlander. "In just three days, companies have the opportunity to engage directly with the voices that shape the industry, turning conversations into coverage and relationships into long-term momentum."

Unlike other events that focus on buyers and sellers, the Media Trade Conference focuses on helping manufacturers find valuable media partnerships without the distractions of a busy trade show floor. It’s where brands drive their narrative, share product demonstrations and discover new communication channels they may not have considered previously.

"Your network is your net worth, and the Media Trade Conference is a great way to meet different people that can help you grow your business," added Bohlander. "That's why this program has been successful for the past 30 years; it puts people in a room together to talk about what they do best and are passionate about––and magic happens."   

The Media Trade Conference will also feature daily networking opportunities to help attendees maximize making connections outside of meetings. Additionally, all attendees are invited to an evening reception featuring an awards ceremony recognizing the 2027 MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner.

MPMC, TORA and PRI business members can save money by registering before the September 8 early-bird pricing deadline. Media registration will open in October.

To learn more and to register, visit mediatradeconference.com. 

Driving Force Action, a SuperPAC for the automotive aftermarket industry and enthusiasts, has relaunched for the 2026 midterm elections.

Driving Force Action, a project of the SEMA and PRI, brings a verifiable track record of national success in mobilizing voters around issues and candidates who will help our nation’s automotive industry and heritage thrive.  

The SuperPAC will work to mobilize the nation's 70 million automotive enthusiasts in support of candidates who will work to preserve our shared automotive heritage. Driving Force Action also will engage on behalf of voters who seek to: 

• Strengthen American automotive manufacturing and domestic supply chains.
• Expand opportunities in the skilled trades. 
• Protect local motorsports facilities and off-road access. 
• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses' ability to thrive. 

"This midterm election will be one of the most pivotal in our nation's history, and it is critical that automotive enthusiasts understand what is at stake," said Lauren Wilbor, Driving Force Action's national spokesperson. "Driving Force Action will identify battleground candidates who cherish our individual freedoms, recognize the immense economic value of the aftermarket industry and understand the importance of our nation's automotive heritage. Our issues are ones that will help our nation flourish: helping American small businesses thrive, strengthening domestic manufacturing and enabling people to live their best lives through their cars and trucks."

View Driving Force Action's relaunch video below or on YouTube. 

Since its establishment, Driving Force Action has built an impressive resume of success in races where automotive issues are at the forefront of voters' concerns, beginning in Virginia's state elections in 2023, then in the 2024 presidential election, where vehicle choice was on the ballot as a national issue. Driving Force Action's work laid the foundation for 2025's successful, bipartisan effort in Congress to stop national EV mandates and preserve vehicle choice through the passage of a Congressional Review Act resolution. 

ABOUT DRIVING FORCE ACTION 

Driving Force Action is an independent expenditure-only political committee and a nationwide alliance of gearheads, car enthusiasts, and small automotive businesses united to defend Americans’ freedom to drive. The organization advocates for policies and candidates who support automotive freedom, consumer choice, and the preservation of car culture across the United States. Driving Force Action makes independent expenditures to support or oppose federal candidates and operates independently of any candidate, campaign or political party. To learn more, visit drivingforceaction.org. 

Driving Force Action does not coordinate its activities with candidates or political committees. 

Paid for by Driving Force Action (drivingforceaction.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. 

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) has purchased one NTT INDYCAR SERIES charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), the series and teams announced.

The transaction is subject to INDYCAR approval. With the possession of a charter, DRR will return full time to NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition beginning in 2027 with a one-car entry.

It is the first sale of a charter since INDYCAR established the new system in 2024.

"The first transfer of an INDYCAR charter is an important milestone for the INDYCAR charter system and demonstrates that the system is working as intended," said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment president and CEO. "The charter system provides teams with a valuable asset encouraging their continued investment in the long-term growth of the sport while also providing new ownership groups with a clear pathway into the series. It's another step in strengthening the long-term foundation of INDYCAR."

DRR's return to full-time competition comes shortly after the passing of the team's founder and owner, Dennis Reinbold, who died June 13 at 65. The last season of full time INDYCAR competition for DRR was in 2012.

"I want to thank Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan, David Letterman and Jay Frye for the way they approached this from our very first conversation," said Derek Reinbold, DRR CEO. "They treated this as a partnership between two organizations that want to see each other succeed, and this announcement today reflects that.

"The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is in the strongest position it has been in for decades, and that is a direct result of Roger Penske's stewardship and leadership. The growth of this series, on the track and off, made this the right moment for our team to return to full-time racing. My dad built Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and poured his life into it, and our family has been part of the Speedway for four generations. Competing for a full season again is the truest way we can honor his legacy, and we intend to make him proud."

RLL was granted three of the 25 charters that the INDYCAR SERIES distributed to full season teams in late 2024. The charter system was created to generate immediate value for NTT INDYCAR SERIES team owners and their entries and is expected to grow over time as the sport continues its upward trajectory.

"I have always had tremendous respect for Dennis Reinbold, both as a fellow team owner and as a fellow automobile dealer," RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. "His dedication to INDYCAR and the legacy he built over many years earned the respect of everyone in the paddock. As we evaluated the long-term direction of our organization, we made the strategic decision to return our full-time program to two cars beginning in 2027. We believe this positions our team to be able to maximize our level of competition while allowing us to focus our resources as we prepare for the introduction of the new car.

"Dennis had expressed interest in acquiring a charter from the time the charter program was established, and we had several discussions with him before his passing. We're pleased we were able to complete this transaction, and we can't think of a more deserving organization to receive the charter. It reflects Dennis's longstanding commitment to the sport and helps ensure that legacy continues."

DRR, based in Carmel, Indiana, competed in its 27th Indy 500 in May. The team will announce the full program details at a later date, including driver and partners for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Image Courtesy of Penske Entertainment | John Grainda

Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL) has become the first manufacturer to homologate to the new FIA Standard 8875-2025 for advanced safety fuel tanks with its 922-C fuel bladder material made with Kevlar EXO.

"This achievement reflects ATL's longstanding commitment to innovation and the development of advanced composite materials that not only meet stringent safety and reliability requirements but also provide broad compatibility with today's sustainable fuels," the company said in a statement.

Developed as a collaboration between ATL's United States and United Kingdom design and manufacturing facilities, the 922-C material is the result of extensive research and development by ATL's in-house engineering and quality teams.

The new FIA standard—the first major update in more than 25 years—continues to define minimum performance requirements for fuel bladder materials, including tensile and puncture strength, while introducing design and functional requirements for safety fuel tank apertures and connections. These changes address a critical area highlighted by Romain Grosjean's crash at Bahrain International Circuit in 2020. The close collaboration between the FIA and ATL in the months following the incident led to valuable findings that helped shape the new standard.

"We firmly believe that continued investment in research and development with key partners is essential to staying ahead and delivering the next generation of safety technologies," said ATL CEO Giles Dawson.

ATL has already expanded its production planning to accommodate the anticipated increase in demand resulting from FIA Standard 8875-2025.

For more information, visit atlinside.com.

A new drag racing venue is coming to Pontiac, Michigan, as M1 Concourse has announced plans to add an on-site, one-eighth-mile drag strip.

To be known as the M1 Drag Strip, the track is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in time for M1 Concourse's Burnout event on August 22, 2026, according to organizers.

According to M1 Concourse owner Paul Zlotoff, strong interest in drag racing helped drive the decision to add the new facility. The project was designed with involvement from David Gutierrez and Kurt Johnson of Total Venue Concepts and has led to a partnership between M1 Concourse and Gutierrez Brothers Racing.

M1 Concourse, located roughly 30 minutes north of Detroit, currently features a 1.5-mile road course, autocross course, off-road course and private motorsports club. The complex has also announced future plans for an entertainment center, electric karting facility and additional amenities.

While renderings of the drag strip have been released, several details have yet to be announced, including sanctioning status, competition classes, event formats, operating schedule, safety specifications and whether the venue will host organized racing programs. M1 Concourse recently noted on social media that the strip is expected to include approximately 1,200 feet of shutdown area, plus an additional 200 feet of grass runoff.

Additional details on the M1 Drag Strip are expected in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit m1concourse.com.

Image courtesy of M1 Concourse, Facebook

The New England Auto Racers (NEAR) Hall of Fame has announced the members of its Class of 2026, the 28th group to be inducted into the group's Hall of Fame.

Set to be inducted into the NEAR Hall of Fame later this year in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the wide-ranging group of inductees are: Mike Christopher, competitor; Jerry Dostie, competitor; John Holland, competitor, car owner and racing business owner; Kevin Lepage, competitor; Phil Moran, crew chief; Stan "Sly" Szaban, crew chief; Maynard Troyer, competitor and chassis builder; and Dick Williams, promoter and track operator.

Complete bios for each inductee will be available later this year, the organization said.

The NEAR Hall of Fame held its first induction ceremony in 1998. The 28th annual NEAR Hall of Fame induction dinner will be held for the Class of 2026 on November 1 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Still to be announced are recipients of NEAR's annual special awards, including the Mitchell-Ratta Media Award, the Ron Bouchard Award and more.

For more information, visit newenglandautoracers.com.

Ford Racing's return to the top class of endurance racing took another major step forward last week as the company's FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar program achieved a key development milestone. 

With the 5.4L Coyote-based V8 engine successfully fired for the first time inside the completed hybrid-powered chassis, the program has moved from development and simulation into its next phase ahead of on-track testing.

In a recent Ford Racing blog post, Dan Sayers, the WEC Hypercar program manager for Ford Racing, reflected on the significance of the moment and what comes next as the automaker prepares for its highly anticipated return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Read the post or visit fordracing.com for more information.

Registration for the 2026 SCCA RallyCross National Championship in Camp Verde, Arizona, officially opens on July 22.

Scheduled for October 15-18 at the Camp Verde Equestrian Center, the venue will feature varying surface types, offering a variety of challenges not available at all venues, the organization said.

Registration for the event opens on July 22 for Tier 1, which includes RallyCross national champions, 2025 RallyCross Nationals event chiefs and 2026 divisional challenge event winners.

Tier 2 registration opens on July 29 for 2021-2025 RallyCross Nationals champions, as well as SCCA Women on Track scholarship winners. The Tier 3 registration window, which includes all other competitors, opens on August 12.

Registration for the event is first-come, first-served, according to the SCCA. Entries will be capped at 120, or 30 entrants per class.

For more information, visit scca.com.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released revised replacement tire regulations that delay implementation and provide new flexibility for several specialty tire categories. 

The revisions are meaningful and address several technical and specialty-product concerns raised by PRI, SEMA and its coalition partners. However, many of the coalition's broader concerns remain unresolved, meaning our work continues on this issue. 

The proposal would move the first phase of the standards by one year to 2029 and the second phase by two years to 2033. It would also exempt competition tires, qualifying all-season winter tires, tires with rim diameters of 13 inches or less and large off-road tires measuring at least 34.5 in. in overall diameter with a speed rating of Q or lower.  

Run-flat tires would receive more flexible standards, and the CEC revised testing procedures for light-truck and commercial tires. The updated language also broadens the long-life and ultra-long-life tire categories and establishes clearer testing tolerances and enforcement procedures. 

The proposed regulation stems from a 2003 law directing the CEC to develop a program intended to make replacement tires, on average, as energy efficient as tires installed on new vehicles. The CEC says the standards will reduce rolling resistance, lower fuel and electricity use, and cut emissions while maintaining wet-grip performance. 

Remaining Concerns 

PRI continues to see significant issues with the proposal, even after the favorable revisions. The CEC has not provided a new economic analysis or market data supporting its claim that compliant tires will cost consumers only slightly more. As written, the mandate will raise tire prices and reduce the number of affordable options available to California drivers. Rather than allowing consumers to balance cost, efficiency, traction and tread life based on their own needs, the proposal would restrict that choice by mandating performance standards. 

PRI and its coalition partners will continue working with the CEC to build on the positive changes while seeking stronger protections for consumers, small businesses, and access to affordable tire choices. The revised language triggers a new public comment period, with comments due by 10:00 a.m. PDT on August 3, 2026. 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact PRI Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | LeManna