Mike Bradley
December 16th, 2006, 06:44 AM
I stand amazed as I walk the one million square foot, that's right 1,000,000-sf in one room, Orlando Convention Center hosting the 2006 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show.
What never ceases to amaze me is the size and depth of the motorsports industry. Projected attendance figures for P.R.I. is 42,000 buyers with 1,400 companies displaying. I truly believe there's that many here today as I look out over the crowd from above. As I walk the floor meeting with manufactures I'm struck by the diversification of the industry. Not only is every form of racing you can imagine represented but many in attendance are from other countries as well. This reinforces my view that the performance market is truly worldwide.
One area of welcome representation in the industry is from the states and local governments. North Carolina, the state I call home, had an entire section dedicated to the motorsport industry. You had county by county participation, universities focusing on motorsports, media outlets and many others. I smile to myself and say, finally it's sinking in to the economic development community what a large market place the performance industry holds. The counties and regions that embrace the motorsport industry are reaping the rewards. This industry is still expanding with great opportunities for job creation and tax revenue put into the local and state economies.
I see many people associated with the Carolina motorsports scene. I talked with Doug McManus and William "Hook" Plyler from Lancaster Motor Speedway. They're here working on programs to help make their events even better for the racers and fans. They have a great vision for LMS and I look forward to working with them on some joint ventures in 2007. I chatted with Mike Barret, Midland Engine Machine in Midland, N.C., while walking the show. This show gives the attendees an opportunity to see what all the companies are debuting for the upcoming season and network to help their particular program whether they're a racer, track owner, parts supplier anyone associated with the industry.
Having attended both the S.E.M.A. Show, http://www.sema.org, last month in Las Vegas, NV and now the Performance Racing Industry Show, http://www.performanceracing.com/, I come away with a renewed feeling that the motorsport industry is alive and well.
Reporting from Orlando.
Mike Bradley
What never ceases to amaze me is the size and depth of the motorsports industry. Projected attendance figures for P.R.I. is 42,000 buyers with 1,400 companies displaying. I truly believe there's that many here today as I look out over the crowd from above. As I walk the floor meeting with manufactures I'm struck by the diversification of the industry. Not only is every form of racing you can imagine represented but many in attendance are from other countries as well. This reinforces my view that the performance market is truly worldwide.
One area of welcome representation in the industry is from the states and local governments. North Carolina, the state I call home, had an entire section dedicated to the motorsport industry. You had county by county participation, universities focusing on motorsports, media outlets and many others. I smile to myself and say, finally it's sinking in to the economic development community what a large market place the performance industry holds. The counties and regions that embrace the motorsport industry are reaping the rewards. This industry is still expanding with great opportunities for job creation and tax revenue put into the local and state economies.
I see many people associated with the Carolina motorsports scene. I talked with Doug McManus and William "Hook" Plyler from Lancaster Motor Speedway. They're here working on programs to help make their events even better for the racers and fans. They have a great vision for LMS and I look forward to working with them on some joint ventures in 2007. I chatted with Mike Barret, Midland Engine Machine in Midland, N.C., while walking the show. This show gives the attendees an opportunity to see what all the companies are debuting for the upcoming season and network to help their particular program whether they're a racer, track owner, parts supplier anyone associated with the industry.
Having attended both the S.E.M.A. Show, http://www.sema.org, last month in Las Vegas, NV and now the Performance Racing Industry Show, http://www.performanceracing.com/, I come away with a renewed feeling that the motorsport industry is alive and well.
Reporting from Orlando.
Mike Bradley