Performance manufacturers, racers, and retailers descend on sunny Florida for serious business, and plenty of fun.

If we thought there were any troubling doubts about the state of the racing and performance industry, they were wiped away when the 21st annual PRI trade show opened up on Thursday. As Popular Hot Rodding descended on the huge trade show floor at the Orlando convention center, we quickly discovered that our favorite manufacturers haven’t let off the gas in bringing new, innovative products to market. We found all kinds of great toys that we plan on playing with in the coming year, plus we also announced the rules for the 2009 Jegs Engine Masters Challenge.

The big news this year was in the LS camp. It seemed like everybody had something new. COMP Cams showed a brand new LS aluminum block, World Products had their Motown LS block too, and GM Performance Parts hammered the message home with LS7 swap kits for the 2010 Camaro.

As always, the Source Interlink Media booth was a favorite, with free copies of Popular Hot Rodding, and Engine Masters. If you’ve never been to the PRI show, it’s a trip you should plan on making (if you are an industry professional!). Heck, bring the entire family along—Disney World is right next door.