2024 PRI Week Begins With Setup, Special Events

The ICMS' Annual Congress--held each year alongside the PRI Show--offers a carefully crafted curriculum guided by expert presenters, who share their knowledge and results of their latest scientific studies. Day one included a presentation on concussions and head injuries from Javier Cárdenas, a professor at West Virginia University and senior advisor for the NFL's concussion protocol program, demonstrating how their work is transferable to motorsports. Afternoon sessions took a closer look at grassroots racing safety.

Day two--which begins bright and early at 8:00 a.m. EST in Meeting Room 243--will start with a slate of rally-focused presentations, then move on to another growing area of the motorsports world: EVs.

"We're really excited because there's so much education that needs to be done in those areas," said Tom Weisenbach, executive director of ICMS. "There's not enough knowledge out there, not enough awareness and education. We're trying to educate and collaborate and continue to push and promote safety the best we can."

The PRI Show provides an ideal venue to push those ideals and spread awareness for the cutting-edge of safety research for racers, tracks and spectators, thanks to the racing industry's annual descent on Indianapolis, and has helped lead to a successful start to the 2024 ICMS Annual Congress.

"The advance promotion from PRI has helped more people become aware of our event and I think that shows in our registration numbers. We're up over 35% from last year," Weisenbach said. "It's great for the ICMS to be able to be a part of this whole week in Indy with PRI. It's where the industry needs to be and it's where they are at."

Meanwhile, the National Speedway Directory's Race Track Business Conference (RTBC) featured eight sessions geared toward track professionals ranging from marketing to karting and everything in between. Now, in its 13th year, the RTBC is a one-day program that allows attendees to collaborate across all forms of racing and be inspired and equipped with practical ideas for elevating the industry. 

"With the support of PRI, its staff and resources, the RTBC is a must-attend event from all various forms of track," said Tim Frost, publisher of National Speedway Directory. "From a networking standpoint, RTBC provides a dialogue with insights on topical issues affecting the entire business of racing. And it's grown from year to year; we're very happy with the support of all our attendees and our sponsors, many that have been with us for many, many years." 

In addition, the Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) put on a new-for-PRI program with discussions and educational sessions on Tuesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 11: the Women With Drive Summit IV Driven by Mobil 1. 

As part of the program, WIMNA founders Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta took the opportunity to shine a light on the organization's forward-looking plans to focus on its mission A.C.E., or accelerating, connecting and enabling women and allies in the industry. 

"[We're all about] advancing, connecting and enabling the industry. Over the last few years, that's what we've been advancing women in motorsports [with our WIMNA network and events]. And, of course, we know a lot of connections are being made. Nothing makes me happier than to hear of a young lady saying she got a job or an internship or that somebody's doing business together. We hear that a lot. And then we're also enabling people to do what they do best," said Cindy Sisson, executive director of the WIMNA and co-chair of Women with Drive.

Featuring brands like HMS Motorsports, PitFit Training, SCCA Women on Track, Snvirox and SoundGear, and Williams ESports, the Women With Drive Summit Driven by Mobil 1 brought together some of the most successful and influential people in motorsports to discuss current opportunities to help grow the industry. In its fourth year, the event may just remain a staple of the PRI Show for years to come. 

"Our first event in Nashville had 110 attendees... This year, I put it into the universe that I wanted 600. We exceeded that goal, and that's what I'm most proud of," Sisson said. "Being here with PRI, taking advantage of all the hotels, and most importantly, the amazing staff of PRI--of almost all women--has really made this event successful," Sisson said. 

At the conclusion of Tuesday, WIMNA recognized several individuals for their dedication, hard work and creativity, including PRI's own Erika Stafford, senior show specialist, who helped coordinate the Women With Drive Summit's presence in Indy.

"This event came together so nicely. It was amazing that we could make this happen during PRI Show Week, and WIMNA was one of the most organized groups to work with. For me, I was just doing my job, and they made it very enjoyable," Stafford said. "I'm grateful there's an organization like this for my daughter to eventually help her network, create relationships in the community and possibly land her future job in motorsports." 

Also recognized was Camaelia Barnes, the mind behind a new coloring book featuring women in motorsports and geared toward youth in the industry. (For more details and to download the coloring book, visit here). Plus, Bell Helmets' Lindsey Henning--who led the development and the team creating the Taylor Swift Eras Tour-inspired helmet program and giveaway that has gained popularity across the industry and beyond--was also honored.

The AERA Engine Builders Association's Engine Professional Industry Conference (EPIC) presented by Motor State Distributing, returned for its second year at the PRI Show with four sessions exploring cutting-edge engine technology with hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions. 

Seminars covered a range of key topics for engine builders, including identifying engine mechanical failures using electronic methods without any disassembly, finding performance gains in surface shape and texture, piston FAQs and reducing warranty risks with reference to repeatability.

In between sessions, EPIC attendees had the opportunity to rub shoulders with their colleagues and visit with vendors supporting the conference, like Motor State Distributing, Fytron Software, King Engine Bearings, LN Engineering and El Bandido Tequila.

"It's a great way to network with other engine builders, get some ideas from them and gain some technical knowledge," said Steve Fox, vice president of operations at AERA.