The dust has settled, downtown Indy has been vacated, and things in the city have returned to normal but we still have lots to show you and lots to talk about surrounding PRI 2014. From big racing news that seems to indicate a resurgence in health behind sports like drag racing and circle track racing, to innovation and development of new parts and components that either massage and existing theme or introduce something completely new into the marketplace, this was the most lively PRI show we’ve ever attended.
Chad blasted these photos on Friday and Saturday while cruising the floor. Typically at these events, we divide and conquer to try to see as much of the show and as many of the displaying companies as we can. The only downside is that we’re guaranteed to be up all night chatting like 12-year old girls at a sleep over about the cool thing that we saw, the cool person we met, or the new top secret part that someone filled us in on and then swore us to complete secrecy over. PRI 2014 was very, very different from the SEMA show in both the level of conversation we were able to have with the displaying companies to the nature of the things that are actually on the floor. There’s a complete lack of “booth professionals” at PRI. It is about the parts, pieces, and ideas, not flashing lights, posters, and all that kind of stuff that has turned SEMA into a place largely clogged with people collecting stuff.
Virtually every person we spoke to said that the questions they were getting this year were the kind that they love. Far less, “I’m building a 1969 Camaro….” and far more, “I have a business and would like to be a distributor for you…”. In the end, that’s why shows like PRI exist. Yes, these conversations could happen via e-mail or whatnot, but there’s not replacement for sitting down and getting business done face to face. There is no replacement than to show someone a new component and to have them hold it in their hands, etc. Breaking big news with the assembled industry in front of you is also a key element of the PRI 2014 experience.
We love this event for all the reasons above and a whole lot more. Check out these latest snaps from the show floor.
