A Tough Act to Follow
October 12, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
SUBTLE STANDOUT
From the low-key approach applied to this ’55 Chevy, it’s obvious that Jack and Gail Jenkins’ reasons for building it were based around applied craftsmanship, when you take into account the subtle style it displays. While the bodywork and paint are flawless, there’s little sign of the modifications beneath it, or the effort that went into them.
BALLISTIC B-SERIES
The next level we refer to is the kind of sick power found only on the racetrack. Make no mistake, stuffing a 475hp turbo motor in the engine bay of any Civic will make for one wild ride, but we’re talking about crazy turbo power now. If 475 hp isn’t enough to get the party started, how about 500 hp? Still not enough—what about 550? Now things are starting to get serious, don’t you think? But we think we can do even better than 550 hp. Thinking that 600 hp had a nice ring to it, we decided to see what it took to produce over 600 hp from a turbo B-series.
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
