• A selection of Supertech, CSF, and Turn 14 Distribution’s VIP guests gathered at 1933 Lounge for our annual “Nightcap” party.
• 1933 Lounge sits above the St. Elmo Steakhouse, a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902.
• Attending guests were treated to premium bar drinks, a unique venue, and great company throughout the three-hour event.
• A special capsule collaboration sent each attendee home with a memorable Pit+Paddock (powered by Turn 14 Distribution) x Supertech machined stainless steel party favor from The Valve Pen.

How long does it take for an event to become an institution? Conferences like SEMA and PRI have become pillars of the aftermarket throughout their 57 and 36-year respective tenures, providing a sanctuary to satiate our automotive passions and the business that surrounds it. Indeed, both SEMA and PRI have made that transition from event to institution, but for very different reasons. While the former has earned a reputation for delivering a show-worthy wow factor, the latter has focused on racing and performance—function over form.

But PRI isn’t the only institution in Indianapolis. Since its founding 122 years ago, St. Elmo Steakhouse has become a landmark dining destination in the Hoosier state’s intimate downtown. Finding a way to pair these two Indy institutions was a priority for Pit+Paddock. After visiting St. Elmo, we discovered the solution was right above us: the 1933 Lounge.

A HIDDEN GEM

1933 Lounge may not have the history of its first-floor tenant—or even SEMA and PRI, for that matter—but the well-appointed, speakeasy-style space proves that age alone doesn’t define an institution. The name isn’t a coincidence either; 1933 was the year that prohibition ended, and the space was littered with black and white photos from yesteryear of patrons enjoying the renewed free flow of spirits.

Over the years, 1933 Lounge has quickly become a must-visit venue in its own right, building its reputation on sturdy classic cocktails and a wickedly good shrimp cocktail. Twice before, Pit+Paddock has taken over the libation lounge for an invite-only event we’ve suitably named “Nightcap.”

Since the beginning, Nightcap’s goal has been similar to Turn 14 Distribution’s Industry Night—host select PRI attendees, influencers, vendors, and customers from the aftermarket sprawl—albeit in a much smaller capacity. It’s also just been a really nice way to take a load off after a couple of days at the show.

USUAL SUSPECTS

Supertech has been a pivotal part of Nightcap from the start. We thought creating a small Pit+Paddock (powered by Turn 14 Distribution) x Supertech keepsake for each Nightcap patron would be the best way to pay homage to its support. These incredibly cool machined stainless steel valve pens give a nod to Supertech’s well-regarded racing components and are a perfect addition to anyone’s workspace.

Fittingly enough, we formed another industry institution pairing this time around: CSF, a trailblazer in the performance cooling space, joined Supertech for our 2024 send-off.

KEEP IT FLOWING

Throughout the night, delicious top-shelf cocktails were meticulously prepared from behind the Brunswick-constructed 1800s-era bar as Supertech, CSF, and Turn 14 Distribution customers mixed and mingled throughout the intimate space.

As ever, the event was all about the people we congregated. Old friends reunited for one last time in 2024, while new friends forged relationships bound to last decades. Indeed, the aftermarket industry is a small space in the grand scheme. It makes working inside of it feel like family, and once you’ve crossed that threshold—no matter what branded black polo you wear to the myriad of shows throughout the year—you stay family.

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