John Lingenfelter

Pennsylvania-born John Lingenfelter, the gifted son of a mechanic, began working on cars almost as soon as he could hold a wrench. After moving to Indiana to work in International Harvester’s engine development laboratory, he deepened his interest in building high-performance engines. When he left International in 1973 to race full time and build racing engines, his career as a leading engine builder took shape. Decatur proved an ideal base for his young enterprise, with open roads and nearby race tracks helping him quickly earn a reputation as one of motorsports’ most prolific drivers, engine builders, and tuners. Highly modified Corvettes were his business, but racing was his passion. He became the first drag racer to break the six-second barrier on gasoline and won 14 national events. Critically injured in a drag race in 2020, he died a year later at age 58, but the spirit of John and LPE lives on.

Decatur, Indiana · United States