Charlotte Motor Speedway has named David Ankin, star of the hit automotive series ToyMakerz, as Senior Advisor for AutoFair, bringing one of the custom automotive world’s most recognizable personalities to the event as it prepares for a milestone 2027 season.
Ankin has spent decades building one-of-a-kind machines, collaborating with leaders across the automotive industry and developing relationships throughout the custom car, collector car, performance and automotive aftermarket communities.
Now, he’ll bring that experience and network to Charlotte Motor Speedway as AutoFair enters its next chapter, helping grow the event’s reach while celebrating the builders, collectors and enthusiasts who have made it a longtime automotive tradition.
“David brings a tremendous amount of passion, creativity and experience from his career in the automotive world, and we’re excited to have him join us as we look toward the next chapter of AutoFair,” said Jessica Fickenscher, general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “As we celebrate five decades of AutoFair and launch two fun-filled weekends on property, David’s perspective and relationships will help us evolve the event while staying true to what has made it special for generations of enthusiasts.”
Built for Car People
Best known as the driving force behind ToyMakerz, Ankin has made a career out of dreaming up, fabricating and driving one-of-a-kind machines.
His work has placed him at the center of American car culture — from custom builds and performance vehicles to major automotive shows and events — while building a national network of builders, collectors, manufacturers and aftermarket brands.
As Senior Advisor for AutoFair, Ankin will work with Charlotte Motor Speedway to:
- Expand AutoFair’s reach across the national automotive community
- Recruit new builders, collectors, vehicles, vendors and industry partners
- Develop fresh attractions and experiences for fans
- Strengthen connections with the custom, classic, hot rod, muscle car and aftermarket communities
- Help shape the future of AutoFair
“AutoFair has always been my hometown show, right here in my own backyard, so having the opportunity to help shape its future is incredibly special,” Ankin said. “This event has a special place in the car world, and I’m excited to build on its incredible legacy, bring some fresh ideas to the table and help make AutoFair something car people won’t want to miss.”
50 years of Horsepower, History and Car Culture
For more than four decades, AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway has brought generations of car enthusiasts together at the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway.
The infield becomes a massive automotive gathering featuring classic cars, custom cars, hot rods, muscle cars, antiques, specialty vehicles, car clubs, hard-to-find parts, vendors and automotive memorabilia.
Mark the Calendar
AutoFair returns April 8–10, 2027, kicking off back-to-back weekends designed to bring automotive events and enthusiasts together across the Charlotte region.
The following weekend, April 15–17, marks the fifth annual Smith-Hendrick Heritage Invitational at Ten Tenths Motor Club, bringing together some of the world’s finest collector vehicles in a premier automotive showcase.
MORE INFO:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram or by becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
GET INVOLVED:
Fans can purchase tickets, register show vehicles, become vendors and learn more about AutoFair at CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com
