Sitting on jacks in their shop in Concord is the next ride for Austin Langenstein, KAR Racing’s outstanding
young driver, and son of legendary Northeast DIRTcar Champion car builder, Charlie Langenstein.
“Now that the hectic pace of the Summer Shootout is behind us”, notedCharlie, working on the modified.“Its time to get serious about getting this car ready and go modified racing.” A "self-taught" race car engineer, Charlie Langenstein has designed and built many race cars and race car components, setting the bench mark for others in the sport today. In the late `80's, Charlie guided the late Rob Moroso to the Nationwide Series Championship, followed in`90 by the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year Honors. After Moroso’s death Charlie returned to the Northeast DIRTcar Series until the mid 90’s when he came back to NASCAR with Petty Enterprises. In `97, one of Charlie’s chassis designs won at Rockingham Motor Speedway, with driver Bobby Hamilton at the wheel.
A savvy businessman and “outside-the-box thinker”, Charlie successfully developed ideas such as building
"production line" race cars for the car driving schools and "show car" markets and was instrumental in the
development of an all steel frame “monoco” Indy Car chassis for the "race car driving experience" industry,
including the first "two seat" Indy Car, an idea that has been utilized in driver training, public relations and film
making projects. Employed by Hendrick Motorsports, Charlie is an integral part of the chassis build-up and tear-down for the24 and 48 cars of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. In `08 Charlie was recognized as a primary contributor to Jimmie’s four Sprint Cup Championships, receiving the Papa Joe Hendrick Award for Excellence for his contributions. That same year Charlie received recognition for his dirt track accomplishments when the Northeast DIRTcar Association inducted him into the Northeast DIRTcar Hall of Fame.
Built on a Larry Shaw chassis, Austin’s modified is powered by a 700 HP
Chevy small block V-8 built by well know engine builder Bob Rahilly of
RAHMOC Racing Engines. With carburetion by Bill Pink, Wiles
Driveshaft and a Tiger Quick-change rear axle, Austin’s ride is a top-ofthe-
line high performance car looking to put competitors in its rear view mirror
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this car”, said Austin, grinning from
ear to ear. “This is a whole different ball game and I’m looking forward to
competing with the boys at Carolina Raceway and East Lincoln.” “This is going to be a lot of fun”, he added.
“Our plan is to have Austin turning laps in this car by the middle of
September”, said Charlie, still working on the car. “I’d like to have him
run at least 20 races this year, so we have to get the car done. I know
he’s chomping at the bit to get going and we’re moving as fast as we can.”
KAR Racing and Austin Langenstein would like to thank their sponsoring partners: Bonadio Group, Rifenburg Companies, A. E. Smith Electric, Cray Motorsports, Charlie Langenstein Speed Shop, TruckSavvy.com, J.Edwards Graphics, iTek Graphics, Brake Man, Calico Coatings, Thermal Control Products, Park East Sales and Performance Prime; for all their support.
For more information about Austin Langenstein, his team and sponsors, please visit the KAR Racing Team
website at www.karracing.net
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