■ Recognized as the premier drag racing facility in the country and host to the Stampede of Speed and NHRA Texas Fall Nationals the Texas Motorplex will be hosting two weekends of grassroots bracket racing in 2023 . The multi-use motorsports facility will open its gates to local and regional racers February 25-26 and July 28-30 for competition in multiple classes for all ages . A Texas Motorplex track champion will be crowned as well as individual class winners .

“ We know that grassroots bracket racing is one of the most exciting and challenging levels of our sport and Texas Motorplex is focused on encouraging racers at all levels to participate ,” said DeMarcus Rogers , Texas Motorplex Director of Operations . “ These two weekends will be a springboard for more grassroots bracket racing events and we are excited to bring racers from all ages from all over to the track .”

The bracket points classes will run 1 / 8 mile and will include Super Pro , No Electronics ( footbrake only ) and Sportsman ( 7.50 or slower , footbrake only ). Super Pro entry fee will be $ 75 with the winner taking

$ 2,000 , No Electronics entry fee will be $ 60 with the winner taking $ 1,000 and the Sportsman entry fee will be $ 35 with the winner taking $ 300 . Each class will also offer buybacks after the first round .

There will be several junior classes for points and trophies including Junior Modified , Junior Sportsman , Junior Street and Junior Consolation . The Texas Motorplex will host a race banquet at the end of year to celebrate each points champion , class champions will receive a 2024 Gold Card and free entry into Gleghorn Race Series in 2024 as well as other great prizes .

“ In addition to the bracket and junior classes we are looking at additional races each day with more details to be announced ,” added Rogers .

Gates will open at 8 a . m . each day with times trials beginning at 10 a . m . on Saturday and 9 a . m . on Sunday . Spectator or crew admission is $ 15 per day with kids 12 and under free with paying adult . There will be a Racers for Christ non-denominational church service on February 26 and July 30 at 8 a . m . For more information visit www . texasmotorplex . com .

■ For the first time since the Performance Racing Industry ( PRI ) Trade Show debuted in 1987 , the motorsports industry ’ s annual business expo took place as an exclusive event just for individuals who are part of the newly formed PRI Membership . With all attendees being active PRI members , the crowd represented dedicated professionals focused on protecting and growing the motorsports industry .

In addition to packed halls and aisles bursting with the latest products , the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis hosted educational seminars , open and private meetings , networking events , advocacy activities , VIP appearances , and autograph signings throughout all three days ( December 8 – 10 ) of the Show .

“ The 2022 PRI Show was filled with excitement , energy , and passion ,” said Jim Liaw , PRI General Manager . “ The Show served as the ideal venue for PRI members to gather and advocate for the future of motorsports . The state of the industry is one of great strength !”

Exhibitor participation was up 10 percent , with more than 1,000 companies looking to connect with the tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in attendance . Industry icon Tony Stewart joined

Speed Sport News ’ Ralph Sheheen as guest presenter of the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast . Other key features of the Show included the Content Creation Zone ; EV Performance Zone ; the Track Operators , Promoters , and Sanctioning Bodies ( TOPS ) Lounge ; and the Street Outlaws stage .

“ The PRI Show is about helping businesses and professionals in the motorsports industry grow and succeed ,” said Liaw . “ In addition to new products and technology , the Show addresses timely topics and issues . Through the many features , attractions , and activities at the Show , members were able to access resources that are most important and valuable to them .”

Introduced in 2022 , the 12-month PRI Membership includes : Complimentary entrance to the PRI Trade Show for qualified attendees ; subscriptions to PRI publications filled with the latest news and information for the racing industry ; and perks and discounts for motorsports-related parts , services , apparel , logistics , education / training , travel , insurance , and more .

To learn more about PRI Membership , or about the 2023 PRI Trade Show taking place December 7-9 , 2023 , in Indianapolis , visit PerformanceRacing . com .

80 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 180