A & C Racing Engines History

A & C Racing Engines (A & C Auto Machine, LLC) which is owned and operated by Allen Rodgers opened its doors on December 1, 1997.  Allen Rodgers and Craig Kline began Engine building careers at Berger’s Machine Shop more than 20 years ago.  In 1987 Allen went to work for Kriner’s Racing Engines which specializes in building World of Outlaw Sprint Car Engines in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  Craig moved to Carquest in 1989 working in outside sales throughout the four state region.

Together they formed A & C Auto Machine, LLC in the former Engine Dynamics building on Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown, Maryland.  With the need for additional space due to growth they moved the business to its current location in May of 2005.  With a continued effort to support the needs of the customer, 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.  In April of 2008, after over ten years of dedication and hard work, Craig Kline moved on to pursue other career opportunities outside of the racing industry.

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.  A & C Racing Engines continues to build 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.