12/12/2023
Diesel Motorsports
PRI Show 2023 - DIESEL Motorsports - What Did We See?
Performance Race Industry Show 2023 is in the books so how did Diesel Motorsports do at this event and what did I see for results?
As far as attendance it was up and pretty much back to normal levels for Thursday and Friday pre-covid. Saturday was lighter most likely from people going out on Friday evening but still not bad.
As far as the quality of the people coming by the booth it was quite encouraging and very positive for our sport. A lot more diesel businesses and manufacturers were present this year. When we started coming in 2009 DIESEL Motorsports was the only representation in the show and was for many years.
Glad to see so many different motorsports and performance groups gather at the show to discuss business. including the startup of the EPIC engine building series by AERA magazine (Mahle, Total Seal Rings, etc) the day before PRI. I attended it and saw many old faces from the past attending the seminars which lasted all day. Very good information including question sessions for the experts, more diesel engine builders should attend this.
I was especially happy to hear new SEMA/PRI president announce separation from all government agencies at the PRI breakfast! We do not need to let the fox in the henhouse! I have been telling them that for over 10 years! Performance and motorsports is Americana and part of our industry, plus a multi-billion dollar business many of us depend on for a living.
You could tell by the business being done in the building how big our industry has become in sooo many different factions of motorsports.
DIESEL Motorsports had many new tracks and venues stop by and wanted to arrange for new shows, plus many new companies wanting to do business with us. 2024 will be our 17th year in operation making us the oldest sanctioning body for diesel pickups and motorsports.
Finally people are coming back to shows not afraid of the virus or other fears the media has used to keep people bottled up. The downtown area was hopping all three nights and people getting to visit with each other about our industry.
I talked to many new faces and old in the industry over the two days about upcoming years and business in those years. Yes, it is work, but work we enjoy standing on your feet for over 12 hours and talking with people.
Many award banquets are held during the show which we attended as many as we could but time is always an issue. Even our own sponsor ARP won the top SEMA MPMC award for the year, way to go Chris Raschke!
Looking forward to the 2024 PRI Show!
