By SEMA News Editors
Mario Andretti to Kick Off 2025 PRI Show
Motorsports icon Mario Andretti will be the featured guest at the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show Grand Opening Breakfast, a time-honored tradition that officially kicks off the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals. The breakfast takes place Thursday, December 11, at the Indiana Convention Center.
The PRI Show is the ultimate marketplace for motorsports innovation, featuring more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe. From manufacturers and builders to track operators and race teams, the Show is a hub for dealmaking, discovery and community.
Andretti will join motorsports broadcaster Ralph Sheheen for a candid Q&A session that promises to inspire and energize the industry. Andretti's attendance is made possible by The MagnaFlow Group.
"The Grand Opening Breakfast is more than a welcome; it's our launchpad," said PRI President Michael Good. "Mario is not only one of the most iconic and accomplished drivers in motorsports history, but he also embodies the passion, innovation and competitive spirit that our industry thrives on. His story will inspire everyone in the room as we kick off the PRI Show."
Andretti's career is a masterclass in excellence, versatility and longevity. From winning the Formula 1 World Championship in 1978 and the IndyCar National Championship four times, to capturing victories at the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of LeMans, his name is etched into the history of nearly every major motorsports discipline. Beyond the track, he has translated his competitive spirit into thriving business ventures that continue to engage fans and fuel the racing community.
"I've spent my life chasing speed and pushing boundaries," said Andretti. "The PRI Show is where the future of racing is shaped, and I'm honored to help officially kick it off surrounded by the very heartbeat of the industry."
Racing fuels economic growth in communities nationwide, as highlighted by the recent "PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study." This groundbreaking report shows that the motorsports industry generates more than $69.2 billion annually for the U.S. economy, sustains more than 318,000 jobs, and accounts for $22.1 billion in wages and benefits.
The PRI Show is a catalyst for that continued growth, bringing together innovators, businesses and industry leaders from across the motorsports landscape to drive collaboration, showcase breakthrough technologies and reinforce the economic vitality of the sport.
"Mario Andretti's journey mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit we see across the PRI Show floor, from startups to legacy brands," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "His perspective connects with our community in a way that's deeply personal and professionally meaningful."
"With MagnaFlow's heritage in race exhaust and now Camburg's expertise in race suspension, The MagnaFlow Group is proud to have Mario represent us at PRI and speak to the racing community," said Richard Waitas, spokesperson for The MagnaFlow Group. "His legacy of performance and precision mirrors our commitment to empowering racers and builders at every level."
Doors to the Grand Opening Breakfast open at 6:30 a.m. EST, and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. EST. The breakfast is free to all PRI attendees, but guests are advised to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the globe, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media and more. Early registration ensures attendees receive their credentials in advance—starting in October—saving time and avoiding lines at the Show.
To register, book hotel accommodations and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.
Best In The Desert, Unlimited Off-Road Racing Form the American Off-Road Racing Championship
Best In The Desert (BITD) and Unlimited Off-Road Racing (UNLTD) announced today the formation of a new national points series: the American Off-Road Racing Championship, launching in 2026.
The announcement merges the two desert racing organizations, streamlining competition and delivering greater value to racers and sponsors in the off-road industry, according to series officials.
Additionally, the two organizations will close out the 2025 season together with a combined championship finale at the Laughlin Desert Classic, October 15–19, in Laughlin, Nevada. By consolidating both races, the organizations eliminate scheduling conflicts, reduce logistical strain on teams and concentrate sponsor exposure--delivering a stronger and more efficient close to the season, officials from both series said.
The 2026 American Off-Road Racing Championship will feature events drawn from both the BITD and UNLTD calendars. The season will kick off with The Parker 400 in January, with additional dates and locations to be announced in the coming weeks.
The two organizations are actively co-developing a standardized competition framework that includes the following:
- Master Schedule: A unified calendar to eliminate date conflicts, streamline logistics and maximize racer participation.
- Unified Rulebook: A single rulebook, class structure and numbering system to ensure consistency and transparency across all events.
- Standardized Tech Inspection: Unified procedures across all events to simplify prep and reduce friction at race sites.
- Consistent Points System: A shared championship structure that rewards performance across the full season.
For more information, visit unlimitedoffroadracing.com and bitd.com.
O'Reilly Auto Parts Named Title Sponsor of NASCAR's Secondary Series
O'Reilly Auto Parts, the automotive replacement parts retailer headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has been named the title sponsor of NASCAR's secondary series, currently known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as part of a multi-year agreement.
The multi-dimensional sponsorship also includes promotional opportunities and brand integrations in partnership with The CW Network, the exclusive broadcast home of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will officially debut on January 1, 2026, and marks the fourth entitlement sponsorship in the series' history. The company has previously supported the sanctioning body through race sponsorships across multiple series.
For more information, visit nascar.com.
