Larry Pritchett, of Mid-South Racing Engines in Clarkrange, TN, was named 2016 Performance Engine Builder of the Year at this year’s PRI Show. This is the fifth year for the Performance Engine Builder of the Year Award to be presented, in conjunction with Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ Speed-Pro POWERFORGED Pistons and Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets brands and Engine Builder magazine. Mid-South Racing Engines is owned by Pritchett’s daughter and son-in-law Ian Landies.
Pritchett was presented the award by Engine Builder magazine publisher/editor Doug Kaufman at a press conference Friday, December 8 at the Performance Racing Industry Show (PRI) in Indianapolis.
Pritchett started his career as a drag racer, racing in Stock Eliminator, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator series. Along the way he also built winning race engines leading to 30 race wins and 32 records in NHRA competition. A feature on Pritchett and his shop, Mid-South Racing Engines, will be presented in the January 2017 issue of Engine Builder magazine.
In addition to this year’s Performance Engine Builder of the Year winner, the contest will announce winners for both Diesel and Vintage categories at a future date.
As winner, Pritchett received $1,500, a recognition wall plaque, two nights lodging during this year’s PRI Show, as well as a prize package from Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ brands Speed-Pro POWERFORGED Pistons and Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets.