The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show is coming back to Indianapolis this December. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning motorsports professional, this guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip. From exact dates and venue details to ticket prices and what to expect on the show floor, read on before you pack your bags.
What Is the PRI Trade Show?
The PRI Trade Show is the world’s largest gathering of motorsports professionals. It connects manufacturers, race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, and industry leaders from across the globe. Every December, the show brings cutting-edge racing technology and performance products together under one roof. It is a business-first event, meaning it focuses on deals, partnerships, and product discovery ahead of the new racing season.
The show is not open to the general public. It is a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals. However, that list is broad. It covers everyone from grassroots racers to top-level motorsports executives.
PRI Trade Show 2026 Dates and Hours
The 2026 edition runs for three full days. Below is a clear breakdown of the schedule.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Thursday | December 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | December 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | December 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Note that Saturday closes one hour earlier than the other two days. Plan your schedule accordingly, especially if you have late meetings or want to visit specific booths on the final day.
Venue and Location
The show takes place at two connected facilities in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indiana Convention Center
100 S. Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
The event also extends into Lucas Oil Stadium, which sits adjacent to the convention center. Together, these two venues provide a massive and well-connected space for exhibitors and attendees alike.
Indianapolis is a natural home for this event. The city has deep roots in American motorsports culture, most famously through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Therefore, hosting the racing industry’s biggest annual gathering here makes perfect sense. Additionally, downtown Indy offers plenty of hotels, restaurants, and transport options within easy walking distance of the venue.
A new hotel option is also available for 2026. The Signia hotel, which opened recently, features an enclosed walkway directly to the Indiana Convention Center. This makes it a convenient choice for those who want to minimize travel time between accommodation and the show floor.
Who Can Attend?
The PRI Trade Show is a trade-only event. It is open to qualified motorsports industry professionals. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Race team members and crew
- Engine builders and fabricators
- Parts manufacturers and distributors
- Motorsports retailers and shop owners
- Track operators and event organizers
- Motorsports media representatives
New for 2026, qualified professionals can register to attend without needing an active PRI membership. This is a significant change from previous years. If you already hold a 2026 PRI membership, you will be automatically registered to attend the show.
Tickets and Registration Pricing
Registration follows a tiered pricing structure in 2026. The earlier you register, the more you save. Here is the full breakdown.
| Registration Window | Price |
| Through October 2, 2026 | $45 |
| October 3 – December 9, 2026 | $55 |
| At the show (December 10–12) | $65 |
Registering early also has a practical benefit. Attendees who sign up before October receive their credentials in advance, which saves time at the door. You can walk straight in and get to business instead of waiting in registration lines.
To register, visit PRI2026.com/Attend. You can also book hotel accommodations through the same portal.
Exhibitors and What Is on the Show Floor
The scale of this year’s show is impressive. More than 920 exhibiting companies have already committed to over 360,000 net square feet of exhibit space. That number may continue to grow as the December dates approach.
The show covers every major segment of racing. You will find products and companies representing:
- Stock car racing
- Drag racing
- Sports car and prototype racing
- Sprint car and midget racing
- Formula and open-wheel racing
- Dirt late model and modified racing
- Karting and sport compact
- Vintage racing
Additionally, the show floor features Machinery Row, a dedicated area for manufacturing equipment and machining solutions. This is particularly useful for engine builders and fabricators looking to invest in new shop technology.
Simulation tools, trailers, and business software solutions also have a strong presence. Therefore, the PRI Trade Show is not just about parts. It is a full-spectrum business event for the entire motorsports industry.
The 2026 show floorplan is already live on prishow.com, so attendees can plan their booth visits in advance.
Key Features and Events at the 2026 Show
Beyond the exhibit floor, the show offers several structured experiences worth noting.
Technical Symposium
A technical symposium will run during show days. It provides a forum for sharing engineering knowledge, exploring emerging technologies, and highlighting the breakthroughs shaping the future of racing. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers and team technicians to expand their expertise.
Media Center
Several respected trade and consumer media outlets attend the show each day. Exhibitors can bring press releases and media kits to display in the Media Center. If you are an exhibitor looking for editorial coverage, this is a key touchpoint.
Networking Opportunities
The show brings together professionals from all 50 states and more than 35 countries. This global reach makes it one of the most productive networking events in the motorsports calendar. Many attendees report that the hallway conversations and dinner meetings are just as valuable as the show floor itself.
Hotels and Travel Tips
Hotel reservations for the PRI Show are booked exclusively through Visit Indy Housing. Be aware that third-party travel agencies may advertise block accommodations, but PRI is not affiliated with those companies.
Reservation cancellations and guest room updates must be submitted by October 16, 2026. A $50 cancellation fee applies to any reservation cancelled after that date. Hotels also enforce a 72-hour cancellation policy before arrival.
For air travel, Indianapolis International Airport is approximately 20 minutes from downtown. Several airlines offer direct routes from major US cities. If you are driving, the Indiana Convention Center has nearby parking options, and a marshaling yard is available for exhibitors bringing large vehicles or trailers.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Attending for the first time? These practical suggestions will help you make the most of your three days.
- Download or print the floorplan before you arrive. With over 920 exhibitors, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
- Schedule meetings in advance. Many exhibitors and buyers use the show to hold pre-arranged business meetings. Reach out to your key contacts before December.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The combined floor space of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium is vast. You will walk a lot.
- Arrive early each day. The first hour after opening is often the quietest time to visit popular booths.
- Use the media center if you are looking for editorial coverage or want to pick up the latest trade press.
- Register before October 2 to lock in the lowest ticket price.
For Exhibitors: What You Need to Know
If you are exhibiting at the 2026 show, your main planning resource is the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM), available at prishow.com. It covers show policies, move-in and move-out schedules, shipping information, parking, and how to order services from official PRI vendors.
Exhibitors who have not yet submitted the Exhibit Space Rental Application (ESRA) should do so immediately. The ESRA is the official request for booth space and becomes a legally binding agreement once confirmed. It can be submitted at exhibitor.performanceracing.com.
Move-in for exhibitors begins on Thursday at 7:00 AM, unless cleared for an earlier time by PRI Show Management. Booth breakdown cannot begin before Saturday at 4:00 PM. Any exhibitor who starts packing up before the show officially closes will face a penalty from show management.
Why the PRI Trade Show Matters
The PRI Trade Show is more than an annual gathering. It is where the business of racing gets done. Manufacturers launch new products. Teams source parts for the coming season. Retailers build relationships with suppliers. Engine builders discover the latest machining solutions.
PRI managing director Doug Bresnahan said the show is where manufacturers, race teams, distributors, and industry leaders gather to strengthen partnerships and discover innovations. That mission has stayed consistent for decades, even as the show has grown in scale.
The forecast attendance for 2026 stands at approximately 65,600 people. That makes it not just a motorsports event but one of the significant trade gatherings in the United States each December.
Conclusion
The 2026 PRI Trade Show runs December 10 to 12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is open to qualified motorsports industry professionals only, with no PRI membership required for the first time in 2026. Registration prices start at $45 for early sign-ups and rise to $65 at the door. More than 920 companies have already secured exhibit space across more than 360,000 square feet of floor space. The show covers every form of racing, from karting to professional motorsports, and also features a technical symposium, a media center, and unmatched networking opportunities. Whether you are attending as a buyer, an exhibitor, or a media professional, planning ahead is the key to a successful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PRI Trade Show open to the public?
No. The show is a trade-only event. Only qualified motorsports industry professionals can attend. This includes racers, engine builders, retailers, manufacturers, and media professionals, among others.
Do I need a PRI membership to attend in 2026?
No. New for 2026, qualified professionals can register directly for the show without a PRI membership. However, existing 2026 PRI members are automatically registered.
What is the cheapest way to get a ticket?
Register before October 2, 2026. The early-bird price is $45. After that date, the price rises to $55, and on-site registration costs $65.
Where exactly is the PRI Show held?
The show takes place at the Indiana Convention Center, located at 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225. It also extends into the adjacent Lucas Oil Stadium.
Can I start breaking down my booth early on Saturday?
No. Exhibitors are not allowed to break down their booth before 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 12. Starting early results in a penalty from show management.
