PRI Names Doug Bresnahan as Managing Director

Veteran motorsports executive to oversee operations of premier racing industry trade show

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A dynamic, abstract image of a race car in motion, with vibrant streaks of color and a sense of speed and energy conveyed through the blurred, panning camera technique.The PRI Show, the premier global gathering for the motorsports industry, revs up for another record-breaking year under new leadership.Indianapolis Today

PRI has named Doug Bresnahan as its new managing director, effective immediately. Bresnahan, who previously served as chief commercial officer at Andretti Global, brings nearly two decades of commercial leadership experience from professional motorsports to the organization that runs the annual PRI Show, one of the industry's most essential events.

Why it matters

The PRI Show is a critical gathering for the global motorsports industry, drawing attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, and media. Bresnahan's extensive background in securing sponsorships and building partnerships at the highest levels of racing will be crucial as PRI looks to build on the record-breaking success of the 2025 show.

The details

As managing director, Bresnahan will oversee PRI's daily operations, including the annual PRI Show and profit-and-loss accountability. He will report directly to SEMA and PRI CEO Mike Spagnola and be based in Indianapolis. Bresnahan spent the last 18 years with Andretti Global, securing significant sponsorship and partnership revenue while expanding the team's commercial portfolio beyond IndyCar into other racing series.

  • Bresnahan's appointment as PRI managing director is effective immediately.
  • The 2026 PRI Show is scheduled for December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.

The players

Doug Bresnahan

The new managing director of PRI, bringing nearly two decades of commercial leadership experience from professional motorsports, including his most recent role as chief commercial officer at Andretti Global.

Mike Spagnola

The CEO of SEMA and PRI, who said Bresnahan's combination of commercial expertise and genuine industry depth made him the ideal choice to lead the organization forward.

PRI

The organization that runs the annual PRI Show, one of the most essential events for the global motorsports industry.

Andretti Global

The professional motorsports organization where Bresnahan previously served as chief commercial officer, securing sponsorships and expanding the team's commercial portfolio.

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What they’re saying

“The PRI Show is the premier global gathering for the motorsports industry, and I am honored to help build on its legacy. From grassroots racing to global professional series, this industry has given me an extraordinary career, and I look forward to bringing every dimension of that experience to PRI's members, exhibitors, and partners.”

— Doug Bresnahan, Managing Director, PRI

“Doug brings a rare combination of commercial firepower and genuine industry depth. He has operated at every level of this business, from grassroots insurance to sanctioning bodies to the top tier of professional racing, and he understands every stakeholder PRI serves. Coming off a record-breaking 2025 Show, we are thrilled to have him leading this organization forward.”

— Mike Spagnola, CEO, SEMA and PRI

What’s next

Exhibit booth sales for the 2026 PRI Show are now open, with attendee registration set to open in July. The 2026 show is scheduled for December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.

The takeaway

Bresnahan's appointment as PRI's new managing director signals the organization's commitment to building on the recent success of the PRI Show and leveraging his extensive motorsports industry experience to drive continued growth and innovation for this critical annual event.