The automotive aftermarket industry gathered in force as the High Performance Expo (HPX) 2026 transformed Charlotte, North Carolina, into one of the nation’s premier destinations for performance enthusiasts, manufacturers, builders, racers, and industry professionals. Hosted at the Charlotte Convention Center, HPX 2026 once again showcased why it has become one of the fastest-growing automotive performance events in the country.
Bringing together leading manufacturers, race teams, retailers, aftermarket innovators, content creators, and automotive enthusiasts from across the United States, HPX continues to deliver a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, education, networking, business development, and enthusiast engagement under one roof.
As the automotive aftermarket continues to evolve, HPX remains dedicated to creating an environment where innovation and passion intersect. Educational sessions, industry-leading exhibitors, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences provide attendees with a firsthand look at the future of automotive performance and aftermarket technology.
Fans of automotive events and custom vehicle culture can also explore more automotive event coverage from across the country right here on Gauge Magazine.
Car Club Collective Debuts at HPX 2026
One of the most exciting additions to HPX 2026 was the introduction of the all-new Car Club Collective. This new activation was created to celebrate the vibrant and diverse automotive culture that thrives throughout North and South Carolina while highlighting the enthusiasts, builders, collectors, and community leaders who help keep car culture alive year-round.
The Carolinas have long been recognized as a center for motorsports and automotive innovation, but the region’s thriving grassroots automotive community is equally important to the industry’s continued growth. From classic muscle cars and custom trucks to imports, modern performance vehicles, and unique one-off builds, the Car Club Collective brought together enthusiasts representing every corner of the automotive world.
A Showcase of Automotive Diversity
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A defining feature of the inaugural Car Club Collective was the incredible variety of vehicles on display throughout the showcase. Attendees were treated to an impressive mix of domestic, import, and exotic automobiles that demonstrated the broad spectrum of automotive enthusiasm found across the region.
The display featured iconic American performance vehicles, meticulously restored classics, highly customized Japanese imports, European luxury and performance models, and rare exotic supercars. The collection illustrated how automotive passion transcends brands, generations, and vehicle categories, creating a space where enthusiasts of all backgrounds could appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity, and stories behind each build.
Gauge Magazine readers who enjoy unique custom builds can also browse our collection of featured vehicles showcasing standout projects from builders nationwide.
Tamsen Beroth Helps Bring the Vision to Life
A driving force behind the success of the inaugural Car Club Collective was Tamsen Beroth, CEO of Speedology Lifestyle Solutions and a member of the HPX Advisory Council.
Beroth played an instrumental role in organizing and showcasing ten outstanding vehicles that became part of the Car Club Collective display. The exhibit quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about attractions during Day One of HPX 2026, drawing crowds eager to experience the unique collection of vehicles and meet the owners behind them.
In addition to the featured Car Club Collective vehicles, Beroth also helped incorporate four additional specialty vehicles displayed throughout the HPX show floor. These included:
- A 1973 Volkswagen Rabbit race car
- A custom widebody 1986 BMW 3 Series
- A 1,400-horsepower twin-turbo diesel 1941 truck
- A custom twin-turbo 2018 Lamborghini Huracan
Known throughout both the motorsports and automotive industries for her extensive connections and industry relationships, Beroth consistently brings together vehicles that become crowd favorites and memorable highlights at major automotive events.
Enthusiasts and Industry Professionals Embrace the Concept
The response to the Car Club Collective has been overwhelmingly positive. Throughout HPX 2026, enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered around the display to admire the vehicles, meet their owners, and learn about the stories behind the builds.
The activation reinforced the idea that while technology, engineering, and innovation are essential components of the automotive aftermarket, the people and communities behind the vehicles are equally important to the industry’s future.
“Telling the stories behind the vehicles and the people who build them is what keeps automotive culture thriving,” said Beroth. “The Car Club Collective creates an opportunity to showcase the passion, creativity, and dedication found throughout the Carolinas’ automotive community.”
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) continues to support innovation, education, and growth throughout the automotive aftermarket industry, helping connect enthusiasts, manufacturers, and builders worldwide.
Looking Ahead to HPX 2027
Following the success of its inaugural year, the Car Club Collective has already generated excitement about future expansion opportunities. Organizers are actively exploring ways to grow the activation for HPX 2027 with plans to feature additional car clubs, more vehicles, and expanded opportunities for enthusiasts to connect with industry leaders and fellow automotive enthusiasts.
As HPX continues to grow, the event’s commitment to celebrating both industry innovation and enthusiast culture ensures every segment of the automotive community has a seat at the table. The Car Club Collective serves as more than a vehicle display—it is a celebration of the people, passion, and communities that make automotive culture such an enduring force throughout the Carolinas and beyond.
For attendees, exhibitors, and enthusiasts alike, HPX 2026 represented far more than a traditional trade show. It served as a gathering place for innovators, builders, racers, business leaders, and passionate enthusiasts who are helping shape the future of automotive performance while honoring the culture that inspired it.
With planning already underway for HPX 2027, the future looks bright for both the event and the Car Club Collective. Enthusiasts can expect even more opportunities to celebrate the vehicles, builders, clubs, and personalities that continue to drive the automotive lifestyle forward.
Those interested in learning more about HPX can visit the official event website and follow its social media channels for exhibitor announcements, educational programming, event updates, and future activations.
High Performance Expo (HPX)
Website: www.thehpx.com Instagram: @highperformanceexpo Facebook: High Performance Expo LinkedIn: High Performance Expo
Follow Speedology Lifestyle Solutions
Stay connected with Speedology Lifestyle Solutions for updates on automotive lifestyle initiatives, community engagement programs, industry events, and future Car Club Collective announcements.
Website: www.speedologylifestylesolutions.com Facebook: Speedology Lifestyle Solutions Instagram: @speedologyllc
Attendees are also encouraged to connect with participating exhibitors, vendors, car clubs, and industry partners featured throughout HPX 2026 to discover new products, services, innovations, and opportunities within the ever-evolving automotive aftermarket industry.
Photos by: Chris Gosda : Photos by CG
