If you live and breathe motorsports, December cannot come fast enough. Three days. Over 1,000 exhibitors. Tens of thousands of racing professionals gathered under one roof. The Performance Racing Industry Show is the single biggest event in the global motorsports business calendar, and in 2026 it is back with everything that makes it legendary. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from the dates and venue to the show schedule, what to expect on the floor, and how to make the most of your time in Indianapolis.
Dates, Venue and Essential Details
The 2026 PRI Show runs from Thursday, December 10, through Saturday, December 12, 2026. The event is held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
These are the three biggest business days in motorsports, when the worldwide racing industry gathers in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. The Indiana Convention Center is one of the most capable venues in the United States. It connects directly to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, giving the show a footprint large enough to house its enormous scale.
The Performance Racing Industry Show is the world’s largest gathering of motorsports professionals, bringing together over 1,100 exhibiting companies and 40,000 attendees from all 50 states and 70 countries. Those numbers alone speak to why this event is in a category of its own.
Who Can Attend and How to Register
This is not a public consumer show. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified motorsports professionals. That means you need to demonstrate your involvement in the industry to gain access.
At the PRI Show, you will discover everything you need to maximize your time on the show floor, connect and network with industry leaders, and explore the latest products, technologies, and trends shaping the motorsports marketplace. Through the PRI Show planning tools, you can browse exhibitors, view events and education sessions, and build a personalized schedule tailored to your interests and business goals.
Registration opens in summer 2026 through the official website at performanceracing.com. Attendees are encouraged to register early, as this helps with planning and ensures you receive all pre-show communications about schedules, new exhibitors, and special events. Questions about registration can be directed to Nicole Harless at 949-373-9230 or tradeshow@performanceracing.com.
Show Hours and Daily Schedule
The PRI Show ends on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. The daily opening times vary across the three days, so planning your schedule around them is important.
Based on the event’s established format, the general show floor hours run as follows:
- Thursday, December 10: Show floor opens at 9:00 a.m.
- Friday, December 11: Show floor opens at 8:00 a.m.
- Saturday, December 12: Show floor opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m.
The full show planning website will include details on events such as conferences, seminars, PRI Education, and more, with complete information coming in October 2026. Therefore, it is worth checking the official website regularly as the event approaches, since the full schedule and session listings will be released in stages throughout the year.
Additionally, a Business Center is located in the Green Hall near the Media Center, and all shipment types are available there, including FedEx and UPS. This is especially useful for exhibitors shipping materials to and from the show.
What to Expect on the Exhibition Floor
The exhibition floor is the beating heart of the entire event. It covers the full expanse of the Indiana Convention Center and extends into Lucas Oil Stadium, creating one of the most impressive trade show environments in the world.
Thousands of attendees fill every corner of the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the connector, creating an unmatched environment for collaboration and innovation. Exhibitors range from global manufacturers with elaborate multi-booth setups to small specialist parts makers launching their newest products for the first time.
The categories on display are wide-ranging. The main topics include drag racing, short track, stock car, road racing, off-road, vintage cars, endurance racing, karting, truck and tractor pulling, performance marine, drifting, and SIM racing. Whether your focus is on engines, chassis, safety equipment, data systems, or fuel technology, you will find the world’s leading suppliers in each of those areas all in one place.
One of the most popular destinations on the floor is the Featured Products Showcase. The Featured Products Showcase is where buyers and media discover the latest motorsports products. It is strategically located at the ICC Capitol Connector, near the Yellow Hall, Georgia Street entrance, and Capitol Cube hanging car. A panel of top racing industry professionals, including track operators, sanctioning body representatives, social media influencers, and media, will select the Featured Products Showcase winners.
Additionally, you can visit the best in race shop machining equipment at the show — a must-see for any racing professional planning to make a machinery purchase. You can also visit the Lucas Oil Stadium field, connected to the Indiana Convention Center, to view state-of-the-art racing trailers.
Education Sessions and Seminars
One of the most underrated aspects of the event is its education program. The PRI Show features more than 50 educational seminars, breakout sessions, and panel discussions covering technical innovations, marketing strategies, business management, and more.
These sessions are designed for every level of experience. Whether you are a grassroots racer trying to go faster, a retail business owner looking to grow sales, or an engineer staying ahead of the latest technical developments, there is programming built around your needs.
PRI President Michael Good has described education as the cornerstone of progress in motorsports, stating that the organization is committed to equipping the community with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. The educational offerings reflect the mission to elevate the entire motorsports ecosystem — from grassroots racers to seasoned professionals — by fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.
One of the standout educational events is the AERA Engine Professional Industry Conference, known as EPIC. EPIC returns to the Indiana Convention Center at Meeting Rooms 231 through 233. The program includes breakfast, lunch, and four technical seminars. It takes place the day before the main show opens, making it a perfect warm-up for the three days ahead.
Show attendees also have the opportunity to participate in education sessions focused on PRI’s efforts to protect racetracks and grow the sport, including updates on federal legislation such as the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act and state-level initiatives that safeguard tracks from nuisance complaints. These sessions are particularly valuable for track operators and sanctioning body representatives.
The T.O.P.S. HQ Area
A key part of the 2026 event will be the expanded T.O.P.S. HQ area. T.O.P.S. HQ serves as the central hub for track promoters, operators, and sanctioning bodies. Designed to foster collaboration and strengthen industry relationships, it provides a dedicated space for networking, conducting business, and participating in targeted seminars aimed at improving track operations and event promotion.
In 2025, this area hosted 42 targeted seminars alone. It has become one of the most commercially productive zones in the entire show, bringing together exactly the right people for focused, high-value conversations.
Networking Opportunities
For many attendees, the connections made at this event are more valuable than anything on the exhibition floor. The show brings together manufacturers, retailers, race teams, track operators, sanctioning bodies, promoters, and media all under one roof for three days.
This convergence of industry leaders and innovators underscores PRI’s role as the global hub for motorsports, strengthening relationships with sanctioning bodies, expanding educational programs, and driving initiatives that connect the next generation of professionals to the sport.
Structured networking takes place throughout the week, from formal roundtables and after-hours events to informal conversations in the aisles of the show floor. The biggest thing you can get out of this event is interaction with so many experts in one place. Get a good look at products. Ask questions. Make connections. You do not know what you can discover by taking in all that an exhibitor offers.
Additionally, the official PRI Show app and the My Show Planner tool help attendees identify which exhibitors to visit and which sessions to attend before they even arrive in Indianapolis.
Getting There and Getting Around
Indianapolis is one of the most accessible mid-size cities in the United States. Indianapolis International Airport serves the city with direct flights from dozens of domestic and international destinations. The Indiana Convention Center sits in the heart of downtown, making it easy to reach from virtually any hotel in the city center.
Complimentary shuttle service is available between Indianapolis Airport hotels and the Indiana Convention Center. All convention center shuttles pick up curbside at the Maryland Street entrance to the ICC. Shuttle turnarounds run approximately every 30 minutes during peak times.
For ADA shuttle services, attendees can call 317-525-7600 in advance to arrange accessible transportation.
Where to Stay in Indianapolis
The world’s largest gathering of racing professionals will roar back to downtown Indianapolis from December 10 to 12, and housing for the 2026 PRI Show is open. Downtown rooms fill quickly, so it is important to book accommodations as soon as possible through Visit Indy, the official housing provider for the PRI Show. Booking through the official PRI hotel block will unlock exclusive discounted rates and offer a seamless, stress-free booking experience with guaranteed savings, prime hotel locations, and added perks.
You can reach the Visit Indy Housing team at prihousing@visitindy.com or by calling 317-262-8191, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.
Several hotel options stand out for different types of attendees. Hotel Indy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, features 90 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites combining bold design, contemporary amenities, and spacious accommodations. Rooms offer inviting living areas, modern bathrooms, and views of the Indianapolis skyline, along with exceptional on-site dining including a rooftop bar and lounge.
For those planning a longer stay, Homewood Suites is an ideal option, with spacious studio and one-bedroom suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and complimentary hot breakfast.
Reservation cancellations and guest room updates are due by October 16, 2026. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged for each reservation cancelled in its entirety after this date. Plan accordingly and do not leave your hotel booking too late.
Indianapolis: A City Built for Racing
No visit to this event is complete without appreciating the city that hosts it. Indianapolis has a unique and deep connection to motorsports that goes back more than a century. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the legendary Indianapolis 500, is located just a few miles from the convention center and stands as one of the most iconic racing venues on the planet.
Beyond the Speedway, downtown Indianapolis has a lot to offer visitors. From the artistic flair of Massachusetts Avenue to the excitement of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, you are just moments away from the action. Indianapolis has been recognized as one of the most underrated food cities in America, giving you plenty of culinary options to discover during your stay.
The city’s compact downtown also makes it easy to explore on foot. Georgia Street, which connects directly to the convention center, is lined with restaurants and bars that become informal gathering spots for attendees throughout the week. Evenings at the show are often as productive as the days themselves.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
If this is your first time attending, a little preparation goes a long way. The show floor is enormous, and trying to see everything in three days without a plan can be overwhelming. Use the PRI Show Planner tool on the official website to map out your priorities before you arrive.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet for hours each day. Bring business cards in large quantities, as face-to-face networking is one of the core activities of the week. Arrive early each morning to beat the crowds at the most popular booths.
Education is expensive in most settings, but PRI offers free or low-cost seminars. Check the My Show Planner for details. Seminars take up a bit of time, but they can absolutely be worth it.
Finally, do not underestimate the value of the aisles themselves. Some of the best conversations happen between planned meetings, when you stop at a booth you had not planned to visit and discover something unexpected.
Conclusion
The 2026 PRI Show is set to be three unforgettable days for everyone in the motorsports industry. Running from December 10 to 12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the event will bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors and 40,000 qualified professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries. The show floor covers every motorsports discipline, from drag racing and karting to endurance racing and marine performance. The education program delivers over 50 sessions, seminars, and panel discussions at little to no cost. The T.O.P.S. HQ area provides a dedicated space for track operators and sanctioning bodies.
And the city of Indianapolis, with its rich motorsports heritage, delivers a setting that no other city in America can match. Whether you are there to find new products, close deals, learn from the best, or simply be part of the greatest gathering in racing, this is the event that delivers on all fronts. Register early, book your hotel through the official Visit Indy block, and get ready for the biggest three days in motorsports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PRI Show open to the general public?
No. The event is a trade-only show. Only qualified motorsports industry professionals are permitted to attend. This includes manufacturers, retailers, race teams, track operators, sanctioning bodies, media, and other verified industry participants. You will need to demonstrate your industry involvement during the registration process.
How do I register for the 2026 event?
Registration is available through the official website at performanceracing.com. The process typically opens in summer ahead of the December show. For questions about eligibility or the registration process, contact Nicole Harless at 949-373-9230 or tradeshow@performanceracing.com.
What are the show floor hours for December 10 to 12?
The show opens on Thursday, December 10, with the AERA EPIC conference taking place as a pre-show event. The main exhibition floor runs Thursday through Saturday, with the show closing at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Full daily hours will be published on the official website in October 2026.
Where should I stay during the show?
Book your hotel as early as possible through Visit Indy, the official housing provider, at prihousing@visitindy.com or 317-262-8191. The official hotel block offers exclusive discounted rates at downtown hotels near the Indiana Convention Center. Note that the cancellation deadline is October 16, 2026.
What types of products and categories are featured at the show?
The show covers a wide range of motorsports disciplines and product categories.
Featured disciplines include drag racing, short track, stock car, road racing, off-road, and endurance racing.
It also includes karting, performance marine, drifting, and SIM racing. Products on display range from engines, chassis components, safety equipment, and electronics to fuels, tires, and tools. Visitors can also explore machining equipment, racing trailers, and hundreds of other motorsports-related product categories.
