NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA and TOPS (Track Operators, Promoters, and Sanctioning Body) are working together to host a two-day panel that takes place Thursday and Friday, featuring racetrack officials and race promoters at this year’s PRI Show in Indianapolis.

This year’s TOPS discussion panel will feature several notable members of the NHRA network of track operators and promoters, as well as other key figures, to discuss a variety of topics currently facing track operators and event promoters.

PRI attendees are welcome to attend any of the five discussion panels on Thursday and Friday, where the panels will discuss track prep, revenue, insurance, efficiency and pre-event promotion and marketing.

On Thursday, the discussion of track prep will take place from 10-11 a.m. with Bryan Teed of PJ, Kurt Johnson of TVC, Larry Crispe of Bandimere Speedway, and Sam Peterson of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, focusing on best practices for maintaining a racing surface.

That will be followed by a discussion on off-track revenue at 1-2 p.m., as Chuck Sundstrom of Firebird Motorsports Park, Tim Huddleston of Famoso Dragstrip, Scott New of Firebird Raceway, and Justin Keith of the Boost & BBQ Series will discuss the importance of off-track revenue and revenue streams that supplement the racing income.

On Friday at 10-11 a.m., Tina Kendall and Joseph Laskowski of Gallagher Insurance and NHRA’s Alen Cisija will discuss insurance and best practices for tracks, showcasing a pair of case studies. A discussion on track efficiency with Rockingham Dragway’s Dan VanHorn, Jeff Foster from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Brad Cannon of World Wide Technology Raceway, and NHRA Division Director Mark Dawson will take place from 1-2 p.m., focusing on getting cars down the track quickly to limit expenses.

Kevin Ness of Mission Raceway Park, Drag Illustrated Founder Wes Buck, Sick Week’s Tom Bailey, and Jon O’Neal will take part in a discussion on pre-event promotion from 3:30-4:30 p.m., breaking down the importance of graphics, social media, event coverage, and advertising dollars to maximize an event.

The TOPS panels will be located in Room A (242) beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday. For more information, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow.