UNOH Shows Up in a Big Way at PRI

Posted on Friday, February 14, 2025

Written by contributing columnist Jacob Hixenbaugh

The Performance Racing Industries Show is held annually in Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. UNOH was well represented at the PRI show with students, instructors, and alumni both as visitors and employees at the exhibitor booths. The show boasts a wide variety of offerings in the racing world including hard parts, performance accessories, safety equipment, machining, fabrication, haulers and simulator racing. 

The Show kicked off on Thursday December 12, 2024. The first day of PRI was filled with excitement as enthusiasts from all over the world flooded the floor of the Convention Center eager to see new car builds, products, and build connections in the industry. Visitors were wowed with more than 1,000 exhibitor booths to visit, racing seminars, and guest appearances throughout the day.

The second day of PRI began with the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. Students from UNOH were graced with the chance to get breakfast, and enjoy the opportunity to strike up conversations with industry leaders to learn about the innerworkings of racing companies, employment, and what it takes to be successful. During the breakfast, students were addressed by leaders from PRI and SEMA who gave insight on the industry and encouraged the next generation to pursue their dreams within racing and high-performance motorsports. Following breakfast, the show floor opened back up for the second and third days filled with activities and interactions.

UNOH students could visit the Jones Racing Products booth to see the new engine for the UNOH Race Team stock car that was built with Jones Racing Products and featured in an Engine Power episode this fall. While visiting the booth they were given the opportunity to enter to win a scholarship presented by Jones Racing Products. Scholarships were awarded each of the 3 days that the show was open.

While at the show, alumni and current students commented on what attending the PRI show meant to them and the opportunities that it has provided them.  One memorable account was that of Ryan Holland, a current UNOH student prepping for graduation.  Ryan connected with Jerry Yang, from the Jerry Yang Racing's Formula Drift Team during the 2023 PRI Show. Soon after, Ryan began to work Formula Drift events for the team. This year Ryan was at PRI representing the team at the BorgWarner exhibitor booth. Ryan is one of a multitude of alumni represented at the show with fascinating success stories.

UNOH is thankful for our partners that helped make this show a success for our students and alumni, and a special thanks to the Performance Racing Industries Student Program, and Jones Racing Products for their investment in our University and our students at the 2024 PRI Show.

Category: Applied Technologies, Business, Health, and Occupational Professions

Keywords: PRI, College of Applied Technologies, Motorsports Marketing