By Jim Foose / Speedway Action Magazine
For six decades, the Car Parts Warehouse I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama has been the heartbeat of Cleveland’s automotive culture. It is the spring ritual where horsepower enthusiasts emerge from winter hibernation to celebrate everything from classic hot rods to high-powered dragsters. However, as the show prepares for its milestone 60th anniversary from March 27–29, 2026, the conversation on the show floor is dominated by one topic: the future of the I-X Center itself.
The I-X Center’s Industrial Shift: A Sudden U-Turn?
For months, rumors swirling around the local car community seemed rooted in hard facts regarding the fate of the massive 2.2 million-square-foot facility. In mid-2025, the City of Cleveland approved a long-term, 49-year lease extension with Industrial Commercial Properties (ICP) that signaled a definitive shift away from hosting large-scale public exhibitions. The strategic plan was to repurpose up to 1.5 million square feet of the building for a Fortune 100 tenant, effectively ending the I-X Center’s era as a premier event space.
However, recent reports indicate that this redevelopment plan is now in serious limbo. Industry sources have revealed that the anticipated commercial tenant—heavily rumored to be a major electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer—has walked away from the deal due to shifting demands in the U.S. market.
Adding to the uncertainty, the final lease extension documents between the city and the ICP affiliate were reportedly never officially signed. Instead of a finalized transition into an industrial plant or data center, the I-X Center’s future is suddenly wide open again. For the organizers of the Piston Powered Auto-Rama, this offers a glimmer of hope that the days of hosting massive automotive gatherings aren’t in the rearview mirror just yet.
A Vital Engine for Local Motorsports
The potential loss of the I-X Center as a venue would be a catastrophic blow to the local motorsports ecosystem. The show is far more than just a static display of shiny metal; it is a vibrant marketplace and a crucial pre-season launchpad for regional racing.
For local racetracks, the Piston Powered Show is an unparalleled promotional opportunity. It serves as a massive congregation point for their core demographic—the “hot rod culture” and dedicated gearheads. In past years, attendance has soared past the 50,000 mark, providing tracks with direct access to thousands of potential ticket buyers right before the racing season kicks off. The show floor is a prime location for distributing schedules, selling season passes, and generating hype for upcoming summer events. Without this centralized hub, local tracks would lose their most effective preseason megaphone.
A Center Stage for Race Teams
Similarly, for local and regional race teams, the event acts as the unofficial season opener. The show provides a prestigious stage to unveil new cars, showcase fresh paint schemes, and publicly debut new sponsorship partners.
This visibility is invaluable for teams seeking to build a fan base and deliver value to their sponsors outside of the track. The event has also historically hosted competitions like the “Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge,” fostering the next generation of automotive talent. The charitable component is equally significant, with events like the Krazy Paint Charity Panel Jam raising substantial funds for local causes. Losing the venue would strip teams of their best opportunity to connect with fans before the engines fire up in April.
Conclusion: A Checkered Flag or Just a Yellow Caution?
As the Piston Powered Auto-Rama gears up for its celebration this March, it does so at a fascinating crossroads. The upcoming show promises to be a spectacular tribute to its 60-year legacy. While it was initially feared to be a bittersweet farewell to the venue that has defined it for decades, the recent collapse of the industrial tenant deal changes the landscape entirely.
Show organizers are famously resilient, but finding another indoor facility in Northeast Ohio capable of housing over a million square feet of vehicles would be a formidable challenge. The sudden limbo in the I-X Center’s repurposing plans means this beloved Cleveland tradition might just get a new lease on life in its historic home. The future after 2026 remains an open question, but for the thousands of fans, track promoters, and gearheads who rely on the show to kick off their season, the tank isn’t empty yet.
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