Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has deployed a host of new tools and resources in recent months—a relaunched website, an ambassador program, and a webinar series—and plans to further boost its advocacy efforts in order to help race tracks and racing businesses work through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Among the resources now available at performanceracing.com are legislative advocacy and representation information, updated information on guidelines and federal aid, a running list of tracks that have so far reopened, and more. Users can also reach out via the PRI Track Promoter Helpline for assistance in safely hosting race events while adhering to local and state guidelines.

The ambassador program leverages industry veterans Gene Bergstrom, Tom Deery, and Frank Hawley, as well as PRI staff, to assist track operators across the country in reopening and event operation. It was launched under the leadership of PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer in conjunction with a new webinar series geared toward track operators, sanctioning bodies, racers, and car and engine builders who can benefit from PRI’s efforts and resources. 

Meyer, speaking with host Rob Kibbe on a recent episode of the “MuscleCar Place” podcast, noted: “You know, these [tracks] are not big organizations—they are usually a family-owned affair with some loyal employees. Some of them have kept going through creative work with their local government entities, but a lot of them need help and a little bit of guidance, and that’s where PRI comes in, from an advocacy standpoint.”

Building on opportunities to extend PRI’s expertise and assistance, Meyer touched on down-the-road plans for a PRI membership program: “We’ll start on the businesses, but at some point in the next couple of years we’ll have an individual membership for PRI,” he said. “[T]he focus will be on protecting and growing the industry. We’re going to help all corners of the racing industry.”  

Among other topics, Meyer also shared with Kibbe’s audience his thoughts on industry growth areas, in particular the vast potential in electric vehicle racing.   

“Without exaggeration, billions and billions of dollars are being spent on EVs in the city of Detroit alone right now,” Meyer said. “We are going to be racing EVs; we already are to a point. Will they be full-blown, international series? It depends on the racers. I’m a firm believer in the intelligence and creativity of the grassroots racer. If it’s fun and they want to do it, PRI will be happy to work with them and get the right sanctioning bodies together.”     

For the full "MuscleCar Place" podcast episode featuring PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer, click here.