Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has long wanted to increase its presence in the center of the country, in particular the Indianapolis area where its annual trade show is conducted. With well over a hundred industry professionals on hand for both the ribbon-cutting and celebration afterwards, PRI’s Membership Headquarters grand opening on Main Street in Speedway, IN was the culmination of years in planning.
Dr. Jamie Meyer, president of PRI, was joined by NHRA three-time Top Fuel champion and team owner Antron Brown (along with his race car), building tenant Bryan Herta, whose IMSA TCR Michelin Pro Challenge cars were on display, an INDYCAR helmet display, a silent auction, historic and current racecars, other driver appearances and private tours of the newly renovated building that includes Herta’s race shop and Bell Helmets’ workshop.
In addition to Brown’s dragster, 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force’s Chevrolet Camaro SS race car was on hand, Graham Rahal’s 1990 March Porsche Indy car and a variety of new and historic sprint and midget cars were displayed. Among those in attendance were three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford, U.S. rep Greg Pence, Speedway council president Vince Noblet and ACCUS-FIA president George Silbermann.
The renovated building is dedicated to PRI offices upstairs, while the Bell and Herta operations are currently on the ground floor. There are conference rooms available to PRI members and the downstairs area does include a gathering spot for members to hold informal and formal meetings, as well as spots to unwind after a day at the track or the PRI trade show each December.
“We’re excited to provide the racing industry with a place to call home,” said Meyer. “For years, the industry has gathered at the PRI Trade Show to conduct business and celebrate all things motorsports. For the first time, the racing industry has a dedicated place where they can connect all year long.”
Brown, who spent much of the evening doing just that – connecting with old and new friends in the racing business – understands the necessity for this outlet. “PRI plays such a critical role in the motorsports industry,” he said, “and the opening of the Membership Headquarters is both significant and historic. Being able to connect in a centralized location will strengthen our advocacy efforts. I look forward to visiting the PRI Membership Headquarters whenever I am in town.”
PRI began its membership drive in 2021, to give businesses and individuals a way to support the racing industry while gaining exclusive benefits. PRI members will be able to visit these headquarters during this year’s December 8-10 Trade Show, conveniently located about 15 minutes (by car) from the show’s convention center location.
Leave a Reply