
THE AUTO BUILDER
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GOODGUYS COLUMBUS 2008
We are continually challenged by what has previously been accomplished within a hobby that has captured the hearts of enthusiastic Americans; and just when it seems automotive imagination has reached its pinnacle, we are once again reminded of an endless flow of accomplishment and creativity that stretches the limits of the cars we build.

THE JUICE IS LOOSE
By now, we all certainly know that nitrous oxide is a performance enthusiast’s best friend. Nothing can wake up a sleepy motor like a quick shot of nitrous.

B-Series Bullseye: Part I
What can we say about VTEC Honda motors that hasn’t already been said thousands of times? Accolades have been bestowed upon the B-series Honda at an almost embarrassing rate—and we might add that all of its praise is well deserved. But we have already begun to turn our attention to the newer K-series motors, which by all accounts are even better motors than the B-series. They are sure to start a revolution of their own, but that is a discussion for a different day.
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HPX 2026 Puts Education in the Driver’s Seat of the Automotive Industry
A stacked education lineup built to deliver real-world insight for shops, leaders, & performance professionals.
HPX 2026 Expands Beyond the Trade Show Floor with a Deeper Education Focus
Set for June 2–4, 2026, HPX 2026 continues to solidify its role as a future-forward hub of the automotive aftermarket, pushing well beyond the traditional trade show format. This expanded education program reinforces exactly what sets HPX apart—this isn’t just a showcase of booths and product debuts, it’s a full-scale learning environment built to deliver real-world knowledge, practical strategies, and actionable insight that drives measurable growth.
A Deep Dive Into HPX 2026 Learning Experiences
The 2026 lineup features the return of the fast-paced HPX PowerTalks, the Women’s Em[POWER]ment Summit, and the debut of the new Automotive Leadership Conference, aimed at business owners, executives, and decision-makers focused on scaling smarter and operating more efficiently.
The PowerTalks deliver rapid-fire, real-world insight straight from the people actively shaping the automotive aftermarket. Topics range from identifying profit leaks in shops and preparing for industry shifts to high-level performance strategies, engine technology, and business development. Every session is built for immediate application—not theory.
A Growing Leadership and Education Ecosystem at HPX 2026
HPX continues to invest heavily in leadership development and workforce growth across the automotive industry. The Women’s Em[POWER]ment Summit returns as a dedicated space for connection, collaboration, and career development, bringing together voices from across racing, manufacturing, and the aftermarket to strengthen leadership pathways.
Alongside it, the Automotive Leadership Conference expands the conversation to business owners and executives, focusing on scaling operations, improving leadership structure, and navigating an increasingly competitive industry landscape.
What makes HPX different is how these programs connect. Leadership sessions run in parallel with PowerTalks, creating a layered learning experience that moves from strategic thinking to immediate, real-world application. The addition of the Recruiting Hub powered by Hendrick Motorsports further extends that impact, turning HPX into a pipeline for both knowledge and workforce development.
That connection carries into Cars & Capital, where business networking and performance culture intersect, giving builders, shop owners, and industry leaders a space to exchange ideas and uncover opportunity.
Together, these elements form a unified ecosystem where education, leadership, and business strategy all operate in real time.
The Thinking Behind HPX PowerTalks:
Education That Drives Results
“HPX education is built around one core goal: giving professionals information they can immediately put to work,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, co-founder of HPX. “Our 2026 lineup reflects the real challenges and opportunities facing this industry, from leadership and profitability to technology, workforce development and the future of performance.
HPX PowerTalks deliver short, high-impact sessions packed with fast-paced insight from industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. Taking place directly on the show floor, each session is built around practical strategies, real-world experience, and measurable results you can put to work immediately.
A sampling of HPX PowerTalk sessions includes:
- Driven to Win: Lessons from Elite Drivers
- Where Profits Leak in Auto Shops – and How Process Fixes Them
- Built for the Future: Preparing Your Automotive Business for What’s Next
- Marketing that Moves the Needle: Turning Attention Into Real Growth
- Rules of the Road Ahead: Kory Willis’ Story and What Regulations Mean for Your Business
- Fast-Track Your Career: How to Get Hired in Automotive
- The Road Ahead: Where the Industry is Really Headed
- Godzilla Unleashed: Ford’s Engine Build Secrets
- AI in Action: What It Can Actually Do for Your Business (and How to Do It!)
- Designing the Dream: From Concept to Finished Vehicle
Charlotte Becomes the Learning Hub for the Automotive Industry
With Charlotte, North Carolina at the center of American motorsports, HPX 2026 isn’t just another trade show—it’s where performance, racing, and aftermarket education converge into one connected experience.
Don’t Miss HPX 2026 — Plan to Be in Charlotte
HPX 2026 isn’t the kind of event you “maybe” show up to—it’s the one you plan around. If you’re serious about the automotive industry, this is where conversations happen, strategies sharpen, and real decisions take shape.
This is your chance to learn, connect, and walk away with insights you can put to work immediately when you’re back in the shop or office. HPX 2026 isn’t for spectators—it’s for people ready to be part of where the industry is headed next.
CLICK HERE to secure your spot at HPX 2026 —this is where the future of the automotive industry is being built.







