Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show

Performance Racing Industry Trade Show Show Room Floor

The skies were gray, and with the potential threat of snow in the forecast, we couldn't wait to jump on the next bird out of New Jersey en route to sunny Orlando, Florida, for the 20th Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show. Upon landing, the temperature was a very comfortable 80 degrees. When you claim the Northeast as home, this was not a bad place to be in early December.

Unlike the SEMA Show held in Las Vegas, the PRI power fest is solely comprised of exhibitors showing off the newest in racing, speed parts, and technology. More than 1,450 companies exhibited in 2007, covering more than 4,200 booths. Exhibitors came from both far and near, representing 47 different countries. Over one million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center's floor was held hostage for this prestigious event. The event grows annually, as does the racing industry in the USA and other parts of the world.

Performance Racing Industry Trade Show Guest Speaker Carl Edwards

For a big guy, Carl Edwards looks like a small fish in a rather large pond as he addresses the 3,000-plus attendees at the PRI opening breakfast.

For a big guy, Carl Edwards looks like a small fish in a rather large pond as he addresses

Every year PRI holds a Grand Opening Breakfast hosted by a famous figure within the industry. This year's host was slated to be none other than Darrell Waltrip (known as DW to some). Due to his new commitments with Fox, Darrell was unable to attend; however, he appeared on the big screen to introduce NASCAR star Carl Edwards, driver of the Rousch-Fenway Office Depot Ford (yes, I used that four-letter word). Edwards, fresh off his '07 NASCAR Busch Series Championship, entertained the 3,000-plus in attendance by explaining his hard-fought rise within the racing ranks.

Next year is shaping up to be another record-breaker. The PRI Trade Show is not open to the public, only to industry professionals, so if you qualify, start making your reservations now. Show dates will be December 11-13, 2008.

See you there!

Web Producer Patrick Hill snagged this photo as Racingjunk.com brought a few of Santa's helpers along to PRI. This may have drawn away potential customers from surrounding booths. Is that effective marketing or just pure unfair? It was fine by us.
Web Producer Patrick Hill snagged this photo as Racingjunk.com brought a few of Santa's he
Professional Products introduced its new Powerjection I EFI System. This system incorporates a throttle body with the characteristics of a carburetor. Hidden injectors are installed within what would normally be the fuel bowls. The kit comes complete with a self-tuning Engine Management System (computer). That's right, no tuning necessary!
Professional Products introduced its new Powerjection I EFI System. This system incorporat

Katech Performance showed off its new Street Attack 500-cid LS engine complete with a Dart block and LS7 induction. Katech boasts perfect manners, perfect idle, fierce performance, and 600 lb-ft of torque. This particular engine is available in both wet- and dry-sump versions.
Katech Performance showed off its new Street Attack 500-cid LS engine complete with a Dart
Demon Carburetion's Barry Grant was on hand to conduct a seminar into the basic operations and inner workings of a carburetor. Hot topics also included the benefits of his new Badman inline carburetor, E85 carburetion, atomization, reversion, and venturi shapes. After one hour we walked away with a wealth of information as well as a better understanding of how a carburetor works.
Demon Carburetion's Barry Grant was on hand to conduct a seminar into the basic operations
TRZ Motorsports from nearby Kissimmee, Fla., had a truckload of new components on hand. TRZ has entered the Chevy market offering custom subframe modifications, tubular upper and lower control arm kits, and coilover conversions, to name a few.
TRZ Motorsports from nearby Kissimmee, Fla., had a truckload of new components on hand. TR

TCI Automotive (a member of the Comp Performance group) had its new paddle shifter on display at PRI. Manufactured to be used in conjunction with TCI's Transmission Control Unit, shift commands are sent wirelessly via a CAN signal (no pesky wiring). This unit fits all five- and six-bolt aftermarket steering wheels.
TCI Automotive (a member of the Comp Performance group) had its new paddle shifter on disp
McLeod (a B&M Company), usually known for its hard-core racing clutches, has entered the street market with its Street Pro and Super Street Pro clutch kits. All kits include a pressure plate, friction disc, throwout bearing, and pilot tool for ease of installation. Basic modifications sometimes require a clutch upgrade, and McLeod is ready for duty.
McLeod (a B&M Company), usually known for its hard-core racing clutches, has entered the s
Jesel, one of the leading innovators in valvetrain components, proudly displayed its new Steel Shaft rockers. These rockers are lighter, stronger, and stiffer than their aluminum counterparts, resulting in less deflection. The new J2S is shown here on this LS-based engine.
Jesel, one of the leading innovators in valvetrain components, proudly displayed its new S

ACCEL DFI has come out with an affordable, easy-to-use standalone engine management system. The Thruster EFI has been tagged the only true aftermarket V/E-based EFI system in its class. This unit is adaptable to 11 different ignition configurations, both narrow and wide-band O2 sensors, and offers built-in self-diagnostics for the novice tuner.
ACCEL DFI has come out with an affordable, easy-to-use standalone engine management system
Quick Time Performance allows you to unleash the power of any vehicle with its Quick Time Electric Cutout. The QTEC can be run open, closed, or anywhere in between to maximize performance. Boyd Coddington installs these standard on his American Hot Rods.
Quick Time Performance allows you to unleash the power of any vehicle with its Quick Time
Having trouble changing the valvesprings in your LS-powered F-body due to clearance issues with the cowl? Crane Cams has this new valvespring compressor tool to have you up and running in a jiffy. It's compact and easy to use.
Having trouble changing the valvesprings in your LS-powered F-body due to clearance issues

Tired of breaking blower belts? ATI Performance Products has created a remedy to this problem with its Super Pulley. The Super Pulley contains a clutch to release the pulley each time the blower spins faster than engine rpm, reducing wear on the supercharger by not allowing the gear to mesh in the opposite direction while spinning down.
Tired of breaking blower belts? ATI Performance Products has created a remedy to this prob
QA1 Motorsports, well known for its high-performance suspension components, had a full display of dampening options for your early or late-model Chevrolet. Availabilities include both single and double adjustable shocks as well as a smorgasbord of coilover conversions to fit your needs.
QA1 Motorsports, well known for its high-performance suspension components, had a full dis