Check out all these events, during show floor hours at the High Performance Expo. Check out these experiences open all day during your time at the Charlotte Convention Center and see the cars (and meet the builders) up close.

SHOW FLOOR HOURS

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 | 1PM – 7PM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 | 1PM – 6:30PM
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 | 10AM – 3PM

SHOP CAR CHALLENGE

LOCATED IN THE 1700 AISLE

Get ready for the most authentic, high‑energy celebration of custom car culture on the East Coast. The HPX Shop Car Challenge is where real builders, real customer cars, and real performance take center stage.

This isn’t a concept-car parade or a behind‑the‑scenes teaser. The HPX Shop Car Challenge spotlights the finest real customer builds coming out of today’s top shops. Each selected shop brings one stellar recent project—the kind of vehicle that turns heads on the street and stands up to serious scrutiny under the lights.

Challenge vehicles will be featured prominently on the HPX show floor, giving attendees an up‑close look at craftsmanship, innovation, and East Coast style. HPX organizers will showcase each build’s true capabilities, shining a light on the skill, story, and shop behind every car.

Who Decides the Winners? Two prestigious honors are up for grabs:

Top Builder Award – Voted exclusively by the competing builders themselves
People’s Choice Award – Chosen by HPX attendees

This is your chance to stand check out the industry’s elite, show off your shop’s signature style, and compete in a challenge that celebrates authenticity, skill, and passion for the craft.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS ENGINE BUILDER CHALLENGE

LOCATED IN BOOTH #719

Get ready for one of the most dynamic, hands-on experiences at HPX—the Hendrick Motorsports Engine Builder Challenge.

On Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3, you will feel the intensity as top technicians and rising talent go head-to-head in a timed engine build challenge, showcasing precision, speed, and expert craftsmanship under pressure. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a front-row seat to the skill and discipline that power championship-level performance.

On Thursday, June 4, attendees will gain insider knowledge on advanced techniques, cutting-edge components, and the meticulous attention to detail required to build high-performance engines at the highest level of motorsports.

Whether you’re an industry professional, enthusiast, or future technician, this is your chance to see what separates good from great—up close and in real time.

HPX RECRUITING HUB

LOCATED IN BOOTH #811

The HPX Recruiting Hub, sponsored by Hendrick Motorsports, is your gateway to breaking into the high-performance and motorsports industry. Want to work in a performance shop? Engineer breakthrough parts? Manage a race program—or launch a brand of your own? At HPX, you’re not just exploring possibilities — you’re discovering how far this industry can take you.

Inside the Recruiting Hub, you’ll connect with leading schools offering motorsports and performance programs, meet experienced industry professionals, and get honest, practical advice from people who have built their careers in this business.

Bring your resume and take advantage of one-on-one resume reviews with experts who know exactly what employers are looking for. Then step in front of the camera for a professional headshot to help launch your personal brand and make a strong first impression. You’ll leave with real connections, real guidance, and a clearer path toward your future in the industry.

Students and job seekers can enjoy several exclusive opportunities inside the Recruiting Hub, including:

Expert Resume Reviews – Get professional feedback to strengthen your resume
Professional Headshots – Upgrade your LinkedIn and job applications
Meet Motorsports Schools & Industry Pros – Build connections that matter
Pizza Party Networking Event (Tuesday Afternoon) – Relax, meet peers, and connect with industry insiders

Bring your resume. Bring your ambition. Your future in the industry starts here.

PODCAST ROW

LOCATED IN BOOTH #437

Where the industry’s conversations come to life.

The High Performance Expo is bringing the voices of the industry directly to the show floor with Podcast Row—a dedicated space where leading automotive and motorsports podcasters can record live episodes throughout the event.

Podcast Row gives attendees a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the high-performance aftermarket. From builders and racers to innovators and business leaders, industry personalities will sit down for real-time discussions while fans and professionals watch the tapings live.

CAR CLUB COLLECTIVE

LOCATED IN THE 300 AISLE

Get ready, HPX 2026 is bringing the heartbeat of car culture straight to the show floor with the Car Club Collective. For the first time at HPX, ten standout car clubs will be selected to showcase a signature vehicle that represents the passion, personality, and pride of their community.

From classics to modern muscle, off‑road rigs to JDM icons, lowriders to luxury builds and of course, exotics, the top cars will highlight an exciting mix of categories that capture the full spectrum of enthusiast culture. Each chosen club will have one star vehicle prominently displayed at HPX 2026.

Car club members are invited to attend HPX, celebrate their community, and connect with builders, brands, and fellow enthusiasts from across the country.

The Car Club Collective is more than a display—it’s a celebration of the people who live and breathe this lifestyle. It’s about the friendships, the late‑night wrenching, the pride in every detail, and the shared love that drives car culture forward.

PERFORMANCEPLUS COMPETITION

TAKING PLACE IN HPX THEATER 1: BOOTH #637 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 | 4:00PM-5:00PM

The PerformancePLUS Competition is one of HPX’s most exciting live experiences, giving attendees a front-row seat to the newest performance products and technologies entering the market. Taking place in the HPX Theater, this fast-paced, high-energy showcase brings innovation to life through live, head-to-head product presentations—right on the show floor.

In just one hour, eight selected exhibitors will deliver three-minute product pitches, followed by two-minute live Q&A with judges and the audience—giving you a rapid-fire look at what’s new, what’s different, and what actually delivers value.

Be among the first to see breakthrough products introduced within the past year
Compare products side-by-side in a live, competitive format
Ask real questions and hear real answers during audience Q&A
Spot trends, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of performance

Whether you’re a buyer, builder, installer, engineer, retailer, or enthusiast, the PerformancePLUS Competition offers a fast, engaging way to discover what’s next—and decide what belongs in your shop, your builds, or your business. Grab a seat, bring your questions, and watch innovation compete live.

2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SPEAKERS

MADDI GORDON

DYSTANY SPURLOCK

ALBA COLON

CHRIS HARRIS

TOM PETERS

GREG FORNELLI

TAIJAUNE ROBINSON

LEAH WILSON

TONY WHATLEY

BEN SCHEIRNER

EVENTS HAPPENING ON
THE SHOW FLOOR

SHOW FLOOR HOURS