A & C Racing Engines History

A & C Racing Engines (A & C Auto Machine, LLC) which is owned and operated by Allen Rodgers and Craig Kline opened its doors on December 1, 1997 in Hagerstown, Maryland.  Both Allen and Craig began their Engine building careers at Berger’s Machine Shop more than 20 years ago.  In 1987 Allen moved on to work at Kriner’s Racing Engines in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania building World of Outlaw Sprint Car Engines.  Craig went to Carquest in 1989 doing outside auto part sales in the four state region.  Together they formed A & C Auto Machine in the former Engine Dynamics building on Virginia Avenue.  With the need for additional space due to the growth of the business the Shop was moved to its current location in May 2005.  In a continued effort to support the needs of our customers a Superflow 901 Engine Dyno was added during the winter of 2007 making A & C Racing Engines one of the most complete in house facilities in the four state area.

Allen Rodgers started attending races at Hagerstown Speedway as a toddler with his parents then began selling programs in the stands at the age of 8.  In 1979 at the age of 13 he joined the Pit Crew for Joe Padula who housed his car at the Rodgers Family garage.  He later joined long time family friend, Jeff Friese when Friese began his racing career in 1985 as the Team Engine Builder and Mechanic of the number 22 Pure Stock and A & C continues to build the Engines for Jeff Friese today.  Allen himself raced 4 cycle modified and 4 cycle open Go Carts from 1989 until 1995 winning over 50 races during his career.

Craig Kline began racing Quarter Midgets in 1982 at the Hagerstown Quarter Midget Club.  Four years later after winning many races and four Championships he moved on to the big track at Hagerstown Speedway driving the number 8K in the Road Runner Division.  Craig’s first race at the tender age of 15 was most memorable as his car flipped multiple times down the backstretch at Winchester Speedway.  Even with this exciting start Craig went on to win many races before his semi-retirement from driving.  Craig continues to occasionally drive Super Late Models, Late Model Sportsman and Derby cars today.