Jon Kaase earned a degree in mechanical engineering, created race engines that won a dozen Pro Stock championships, succeeded in winning the Engine Masters Challenge eight times, and has presided over the company that bears his name for almost 39 years.

A dentist’s son, Kaase, 67, started competing in drag racing while still at high school in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia at the beginning of 1977 to work for Dyno Don Nicholson and by year end celebrated the move by claiming the NHRA Pro Stock title.

In November 1979 in Norcross, Georgia, he formed his own company, Jon Kaase Racing Engines. Later in 1998 he designed a purpose-built shop and moved his business to Winder, Georgia, from where the company operates today.