Our SEMA 2025 Hot List
November 18, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
GLORIA
A wave of surreal sweetness swept over Tim Pasillas as he got off the phone. Auto Connection had just informed him that his car was waiting for him at the shop. “It’s actually here,” he thought to himself as he rushed down to the importer’s warehouse to pick up his long-awaited prize.
SNOW JOB
It seems that one of the most prevalent reasons a rodder chooses a certain vehicle to build frequently relates back to a childhood memory of a similar car. Often a single encounter will do it; other times it’s the older guy down the street with that cool car, or the fellow high-school student with the muscle car you couldn’t afford at the time. If it was not the family car, maybe an uncle had the one you dreamed about.
Brizio Street Rods Shines at GNRS 2025
The Grand National Roadster Show 2025 was an all-out horsepower spectacle, packed with jaw-dropping rides and elite craftsmanship. But one booth that truly stole the show? Brizio Street Rods. These guys don’t just build cars—they create rolling masterpieces that blend power, style, and history into one breathtaking package.
Spotlighter
HPX Emerges as a Must-Watch Tradeshow for the Performance Industry
An all-new expo experience focused on performance parts, racing tech, and industry talent
There’s a new name making waves in the high-performance and motorsports world: HPX. The High Performance Expo, presented by the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), brings fresh energy and forward-thinking focus to the industry. Held at the Charlotte Convention Center, HPX delivers a dynamic experience for automotive professionals, racers, fabricators, and performance enthusiasts alike. Built as a bridge between business and passion, HPX sets out to connect the key players in performance engineering, aftermarket innovation, and motorsports culture—and it’s already making a strong impression.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen & HPX
A Tradeshow Designed for Today’s Industry
Occupying 73,000 square feet of space across Halls B & C, HPX features a wide range of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge components, tools, and technologies. From high-output engines and lightweight chassis designs to advanced electronics and fabrication gear, the expo highlights what’s driving the industry forward—both on and off the track.
Charlotte serves as the perfect backdrop. With its rich motorsports history and proximity to major racing operations, the city helps HPX blend innovation with heritage in a setting that feels both relevant and inspiring.
Showcasing the Best in Performance
A centerpiece of the event is the PerformancePLUS Competition, where top-tier builds and breakthrough technologies take center stage. Builders and brands show off what’s possible when engineering precision meets creativity, with each entry pushing the envelope in its own unique way.
The NCMA Tribute in Motorsports Award Ceremony honors key contributors who shape the industry’s legacy. This moment of reflection underscores the event’s respect for the past—even as it pushes toward the future.
Knowledge Sharing That Hits the Mark
HPX keeps attendees engaged with a full slate of PowerTalks and General Sessions. These aren’t generic lectures—they’re real conversations led by thought leaders across the performance and motorsports landscape. Topics range from business strategy and supply chain trends to electrification, materials science, and the evolving world of competitive racing.
The Women’s Em[POWER]ment Summit stands out as a particularly impactful initiative, creating space for mentorship, leadership, and collaboration. It highlights the growing role of women in motorsports and the importance of inclusion across all levels of the industry.
A Launchpad for the Next Generation
HPX invests in the future with its Recruiting Hub, where companies meet emerging talent and young professionals explore new career paths. Whether you’re an engineer, technician, marketer, or fabricator, the hub offers a gateway into an industry that thrives on skilled, passionate people.
Meanwhile, the Podcast Studio keeps the energy flowing with live recordings, interviews, and on-the-spot commentary that amplifies the voices of the expo. Social channels light up with highlights from the floor, helping build community around the event in real time.
Why HPX Matters
HPX isn’t just another stop on the event calendar—it’s a growing force that brings together the people, products, and ideas that shape high-performance automotive culture. From deal-making and product launches to inspiring conversations and career connections, it creates meaningful opportunities across the board.
With a strong foundation, a smart location, and a clearly defined purpose, HPX is carving out its place as a standout industry gathering. For anyone serious about performance, innovation, and the future of motorsports, this is one event worth keeping on your radar.
ARTICLE SOURCES
