John Lingenfelter
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering
Maybe it was foretold that Pennsylvanian born John Lingenfelter would become one of racing's most legendary engine builders. The gifted son of a mechanic, John began working on cars almost as soon as he could hold a wrench. A move to Indiana to work in International Harvesters engine development laboratory fueled his interest in building high-performance engines. When Lingenfelter left International in 1973 to race full time and build racing engines, an industry icon was born.
Decatur was perfect location for his fledgling enterprise. With its long stretches of open road and close proximity to race tracks, John quickly made a name for himself as one of motorsports most prolific drivers, engine builders and tuners. Highly-modified Corvettes were his business but racing was his passion. He was the first drag racer to break the six second barrier on gasoline and won 14 national events. He was critically injured in a drag race in 2020, and died a year later at age 58. However, the spirit of John and LPE lives on.
Erected 2019 by The Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 40°
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Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana and in Greater Fort Wayne. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lenhart Farmhouse (approx. 1.1 miles away); Charles A. Dugan Mansion (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Depot (approx. 1.3 miles away); Let Freedom Ring (approx. 1.3 miles away); For Which It Stands (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sow Above, So Below (approx. 1.3 miles away); Scouting A Path To The Future (approx. 1.4 miles away); The First County Jail (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 9, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
