In a surprise announcement that has caught the aftermarket auto parts industry off-guard, SEMA announced its  purchase of the Performance Racing Industry today. The deal is set to close at the end of March, and marks the marriage of two of the industry’s largest trade shows.

SEMA represents the industry and people who make up the aftermarket auto parts business. It has grown over the years to encompass billions of dollars worth of business, as well as establishing the mecca of automotive car shows, the annual SEMA show which takes place at the beginning of November every year in Las Vegas.

PRI was launched by Steve Lewis almost 25 years ago as an entity dedicated solely to the racing industry. It was Steve’s wish to “nest” PRI with an organization that understood the importance of its place in the racing industry, and that organization was SEMA.

For those of you worried, don’t. The planned PRI show for November 29th – December 1st, 2012, is still going forward in its Orlando location, and will continue to do so for years to come.

Under the guidance of SEMA, which has shared many board members with PRI, this merger of industry icons will no doubt benefit both the racing and aftermarket communities while preserving an important destination for hardcore racers the world over.