The sound of impact tools echoed across the show floor as crowds gathered around one of the most exciting attractions at HPX 2026—the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown. Equal parts competition, education, and live theater, the event gave attendees a rare opportunity to watch championship-caliber engine builders assemble complete Chevrolet V8 engines under intense time pressure.
HPX 2026 in Charlotte established its identity on the show floor rather than through announcements or spectacle. At the center of that approach was the inaugural HPX Shop Car Challenge, presented by Killer Performance, which brought together five curated shop builds representing some of the most current and capable work in the performance aftermarket. Positioned as a focused, invite-only feature within the High Performance Expo, the display highlighted craftsmanship, execution, and shop identity through the cars themselves rather than presentation alone.
If HPX 2026 proved anything, it’s that the performance aftermarket isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. Held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the High Performance Expo has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s premier gathering places for manufacturers, builders, racers, retailers, and enthusiasts looking to see what’s next in automotive performance. More than just a trade show, HPX serves as a launchpad for new technology, product debuts, and the ideas shaping the future of the aftermarket.
In a world obsessed with the latest engines and newest technology, ARP (Automotive Racing Products) just proved something important—progress doesn’t only move forward. It also means going back and applying everything we’ve learned since.
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers $12,500 in prize money, and during the show, the Al Slonaker Memorial Trophy is proudly displayed at the ARP Booth, symbolizing ARP’s commitment to hot rod craftsmanship, innovation, and community.
