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The Performance Racing Industry show has always been the big, end of the year place to be for those in all aspects of the race and performance space.
Unlike SEMA, which focuses on the glitter of the aftermarket, PRI has always felt like the place where grassroots racers come to deal in the nitty gritty. In the past few years, it's also become a place for those on the pro and manufacturing sides to announce recognition and changes, partnerships and deals and new developments.
This year was a great example of that with the Unser breakfast kicking off the event, Dragzine's annual 30 Under 30 ceremony, an official announcement of the Edelbrock/Musi partnership (and the honking big crate engine), the Straightline Strategy Group creating a family of racers (including McLeod's Paul Lee who is returning to Funny Car racing after a massive heart attack a few years back), and other car swaps, livery exchanges and brand new products showcased in their own wing.
It was also a year to honor the unsung heroes of the race and performance world: the Engine Builders. Engine Builder magazine honored three Engine Builders of the Year: Borowski Race Engines Inc. as Engine Builder of the Year; Don's Auto Parts & Machine Shop as Vintage Engine Builder of the Year; and Fleece Performance & Freedom Racing Engines as Diesel Engine Builder of the Year.
In addition, JE Pistons honored eight builders in their Master of Motors 2018 competition, with four industry legends scouring the show for engines that demonstrated artistry, uniqueness, and craftsmanship. Judges Brian Lohnes of BangShift; Jeff Smith, Former HOT ROD Magazine Editor and Car Craft Senior Technical editor; Mike Kojima of MotoIQ, and David Freiburger of HOT ROD Magazine, Roadkill, and Engine Masters fame combined their knowledge and expertise to select the following winners: Engine-uity (overall winner): Dan Jesel, Custom Billet Land Speed Engine Best Appearing: Kyle Tucker, Chevrolet Small-Block Engine Boosted: Collin Wilshire, Mitsubishi Compound Turbo 4G63 Engine Nitrous: Dave Schroeder, 872ci Big-Block Chevy Engine NA: Rick Vreeland, Harley Nitro V-Twin Engine Circle Track: Haisley Machine Honda Midget Engine Drag Race: Mike Moran, 5,300HP Twin-Turbo Billet Custom Hemi Engine Import: Martin Tagliavini, Toyota 1FZ Turbo
In the celebration of the driver and the builder, there was still plenty of room to recognize the small parts manufacturer, the machinists, the specialists, the customizers, and the classics and as a successful PRI wrapped with record numbers of exhibitors and attendees, education and marketing seminars, and an indoor trailer display, the industry itself holds its breath in the face of tariffs and a changing landscape, shifting opportunities for racers, new rules, track closings and class changes and hopes the growth of the past few years can continue.
The Engine Builder honorees accept their awards.
JE Pistons Masters of Motors Winners 2018.
Paul Lee (L) and Clay Millican (R) at the SSA press conference.
One of the lucky $100 winners of the RacingJunk T-shirt giveaway. That's why you've gotta put it on (the t-shirt). We give away $600 throughout the weekend to folks wearing the shirts.
Pat and Lizzy Musi sign autographs at the Edelbrock booth following the announcement of the Edelbrock/Musi engine collaboration.
Jason Dietsch of Jason Diestch Trailer Sales enjoyed this year's indoor trailer showcase.
