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Dr. Jamie Meyer Returns – HPX Year Two Is Bigger, Smarter, and Built for the Future

Dr. Jamie Meyer is back to preview year two of the High Performance Expo (HPX), returning June 2–4 at the Charlotte Convention Center—and if year one proved anything, it’s that this isn’t just another trade show. HPX was built with a purpose: to unite the fragmented worlds of racing, aftermarket, OEM, dealer, off-road, and overlanding into one place—right where the industry already lives.

And that mission is working.

Last year’s inaugural event exceeded expectations, delivering real business connections, meaningful networking, and access to industry leaders in a way that felt intentional—not overwhelming. Unlike massive convention-center marathons, HPX is designed to be walkable, approachable, and personal. Whether you’re a shop owner, builder, content creator, or hardcore enthusiast, you can actually see everything, meet the people behind the brands, and walk away with relationships—not just brochures.

From PhD to Performance – The Mind Behind HPX

Jamie’s story is as compelling as the show itself. With a PhD in anatomy and cell biology and years spent in medical research, his path into the automotive world wasn’t conventional—but it was inevitable. Nights writing car articles and weekends announcing drag races eventually turned into a full career shift, leading to key roles at GM Performance Parts, launching programs like LSX and the COPO Camaro, and later serving as the first president of PRI.

That unique blend of analytical thinking and raw passion is exactly what defines HPX—it’s not just a show, it’s a calculated move to evolve the industry.

HPX 2026 – What’s New, What’s Bigger, What Matters

Year two builds on that foundation with more focus, more relevance, and more opportunity:

Leadership & Industry Insight

• Hendrick Motorsports returns in a major way with powerhouse voices like Alba Colón, Jeff Andrews, and Scott Lampe delivering sessions on leadership, competition, and the economic outlook.
• A dedicated Women’s Empowerment Program continues to elevate voices shaping the future of the industry.

AI Takes Center Stage

• One of the biggest additions this year is a full-scale focus on artificial intelligence in the automotive space.
• The keynote—moderated by Justin Cesler brings together real-world applications of AI, including OEM integration, app development, and a major presence from Amazon’s AI leadership Ben Schreiner.
• This isn’t theory—it’s practical insight into how AI is already reshaping marketing, manufacturing, and business growth.

The Shop Car Challenge (New)

• A curated, invitation-only showcase of top-tier builders from across multiple segments—domestic, JDM, off-road, race, and more.
• Shops compete with customer builds, judged by both peers and the audience.
• It’s part competition, part inspiration—and a rare chance to see the best craftsmanship in one place.

Car Show Collective

• A gathering of top East Coast car clubs, bringing real enthusiast culture directly onto the show floor.

Recruiting & Career Opportunities

• One of the most overlooked but powerful aspects of HPX: the ability to land a job.
• With OEMs, race teams, and major manufacturers actively recruiting, this is a legitimate gateway into the industry.

 

Beyond the Show – Automotive Performance Week

HPX isn’t just a 3-day event—it anchors an entire week.

With Street Car Takeover joining forces, Charlotte transforms into “Automotive Performance Week”, officially recognized by the city.

• HPX runs June 2–4
• Then shifts into live action with Street Car Takeover events June 5–6 at zMAX Dragway
• Thousands of cars, tens of thousands of spectators, and a full culture experience that blends business and adrenaline

This is where industry meets street, and where deals, ideas, and horsepower all collide.

Why This Matters (Especially for You)

HPX is technically a B2B show—but in this industry, that line is blurred.

If you’re:

• A shop owner trying to grow
• A builder looking for exposure
• A racer chasing opportunity
• Or even a serious enthusiast wanting access to the people and parts behind the scenes

This is your environment.

You can:

• Touch the latest products
• Talk directly to engineers and decision-makers
• Build relationships that actually move the needle
• And see where the industry is heading next

As Jamie put it, this show exists to “lift the entire automotive aftermarket industry”—and that includes you.

Don’t Miss the Bigger Conversation Automotive Advantage

If you want to go deeper into the business side of this industry, be sure to check out Dr. Jamie Meyer’s podcast, Automotive Advantage.

It’s essentially the same conversations that happen after a trade show day—real talk with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators sharing how they’re navigating change, building businesses, and finding opportunity in a rapidly evolving space.

If HPX is where you meet the people…
Automotive Advantage is where you learn how they think.

Get Registered

HPX 2026 runs June 2–4 in Charlotte, NC at the Charlotte Convention Center.

👉 Register and learn more: TheHPX.com

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This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot – your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!