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DragCoverage.com Online Magazine:
"Not Your Everyday
Local Bracket Racer"
Article
by TJ Pruitt
 TJ
Pruitt - Hello
Racers and Race Fans. I would like to ask you one question - What
is your definition of the average local bracket racer? Well if
you asked ten people at your local track, they would probably
quote the exact same answer – A racer that competes locally
at tracks near home and occasionally traveling to compete in big
dollar events away from home. In the competitive sport of bracket
racing, some find it very important to travel across the country,
competing in Big Dollar Bracket Races. After searching locally,
DragCoverage.com was able to find this racing Icon that is considered
a local bracket racer and a nation wide competitor.
Meet L.J. Cassingham, Multi-Time Bracket Race Winner That Travels
Across The Country, Competing in Big Dollar Races.
Home Town: Decatur, Alabama
Age: 34
 How
did you get into the sport of Drag Racing?
Cassingham: My Father, originally from New York,
Drag Raced all through my childhood years. I practically lived,
breathed, and dreamed about race cars. It wasn’t until age
13 when I drove my first race car. It was my father’s 1969
Camaro – Clutch Car, believe it or not. During that time,
class racing was very popular. Bracket racing wasn’t good
and going yet. The camaro ran 7.70s 1/8th mile in a class similar
to stock eliminator. I was blessed with a win in this car, the
third race out. We competed at tracks in North Alabama; mainly
Baileyton, Moulton Dragstrip, and other local tracks.
What
Was Your First Race Car?
Cassingham: For my 16th Birthday, my father built me a 1969 Back-halfed
Camaro for the Super-Pro class. This car had a “chicken”
timer delay box – You older guys know what I’m talking
about. I ran this car up until age 18 and was pretty decent. After
my 18 birthday, we purchased a Zeeker Transam, Round Tube Chassis
Car. It Ran about 5.60s, which was really fast, considering that
very few cars were in the 5’s at that time.
So,
What Happened After That?
Cassingham: At that time, I was getting serious
with bracket racing. I ran the Transam up to age 20. My father
owned an Outlaw Promod 1940 Willy’s that we ran at most
of the promod events in the south.
The car was titled “The Outlaw” if some of you viewers
remember seeing the car.
I was fortunate to take over the driving duties of aiming the
promod. I helped him run this promod for about 3 years, age 20-23,
forgetting about the bracket racing scene. At age 23, I returned
to the bracket racing scene with a serious attitude. I
have always enjoyed bending tubes and became a welder by trade.
At age 24, I built my 1964 Chevy II Nova and started building
race cars often. This eventually led to the opening of Impeccable
Race Cars - Chassis Fabrication, Header Building, Wiring, etc.
With the Chevy II, I ran local events and the B&M Series.
Who
Inspires You In Today's Drag Racing’s Community?
Cassingham:
It
has to be between Ken Sullivan & Jason Lynch.
What
or Who Makes Your Racing Career Possible?
Cassingham:
•
It has to be Jeff Wilkerson (Wilkerson Racing Engines) & CBI
(owned by Jeff Wilkerson). Also, Misty & Josh at CBI have
the sense of urgency it takes and are always helpful. Wilkerson
is never too busy to give a helping hand. His motors are outstanding,
deadly consistent, and reliable. He’s a wonderful person
to deal with.
• George Rupert Alcohol Carburetors are awesome. George
is always willing to help on the phone or at the track.
• Charles and Patsy at Fout's Tractor Company, Ashville,
Al, have been there and have supplied an awesome car and the equipment
it takes to be competitive.
• Ronnie Maggart's Hoosier Tires
• Kenny Ford @ PTC
• Ronnie Carr and Carr & Son Radiators have been there
forever, helping with anything.
• Artie Fulcher's Racers in Christ.
• Without help & support of Wife Leeann & daughter
Morgan drag racing wouldn't be possible or as enjoying.
• Kenny Ford and his willingness to try extreme new things
for converters.
Favorite Things to Do When Your Not Racing:
Cassingham: Watch
Sunday Morning NHRA Today with his 1 year old daughter (1 Year
old Sept 15.) She would rather watch drag racing than Cartoons.
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite Band: Theory of a Dead Man
Worst Day at the Race Track: Day I Wrecked My
Chevy II
Goal at the Race Track: To Be There for Anyone
that needs help
Favorite Food: Italian
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