Meet the staff

Doug Patton: Co-Owner / Head Machinist / Engine Builder

Doug worked at Barnett Performance for 14 years before joining the Pro Line Racing team. At Barnett, Doug was the manager and one of the machinists at their machine shop. He also drove and maintained Barnett's IHRA Pro Stock car, and drove a big inch nitrous injected Pro Mod for a few years. Overall, Doug has 20+ years experience in the industry and is a key member of the Pro Line Racing team.

Eric Dillard: Co-Owner / Business Manager / Machinist

Eric spends most of his time managing the business side of the shop. When he is not busy in the office, you will find Eric out in the shop overseeing operations.

Eric currently drives Todd Berry's twin turbo mustang in ORSCA's Limited Street class. When he's not driving, you can still find Eric at the racetrack providing support to our customers.

Matt Petka: General Manager

Matt helps Eric manage the business side of things. Before becoming a manager, Matt introduced and implemented our network architecture here at Pro Line Racing and took care of all of our IT work. He also handles phone calls, estimates, purchasing, invoices, etc. and completes almost all of the turbo and engine management estimates.

Matt has his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science Information Systems and is also the person who designed and maintained our original website. Matt was also the one in charge of the creation of our current website because of his creativity, knowledge and experience.

Tim Lynch: Machinist / Engine Builder

Tim is responsible for the assembly of 75% of the motors that are built here at Pro Line Racing. Tim is also skilled in nearly every aspect of the machine work that goes on at the shop.

Tim is well-known throughout the drag racing world for his accomplishments in his personal Outlaw 10.5 car. He races in ORSCA and other various Outlaw 10.5 events. Tim and Steve were the first team to win the Orlando race back to back during 2004 and 2005. They have set many national records and continue to raise the bar higher and higer each year.

Steve Petty: Tuner / Engine Consultant

Steve works on site at Pro Line Racing as a sales, race and engine consultant. Steve brings many years of engine and racing experience to our team. He is also well known for his tuning and dyno expertise and is available for all of your engine setup questions and needs.

Steve, along with Tim Lynch, has set numerous records with their Outlaw 10.5 car. Steve is the key element in the tuning and setup of their record setting twin turbo combination. He is well known across the racing world for his knowledge with turbo engines and coming up with the ultimate combination for record setting performances.

Chris Jones: Machinist / Engine Builder

Chris came to Pro Line Racing with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He graduated from the School of Automotive Machinists and has worked for multiple high end race shops.

Chris is skilled in nearly every aspect it takes to build an engine. He can do everything from block and cylinder head machine work to final engine assembly.

Andrew Lara: Shop Associate

Andrew disassembles nearly all of the engines that arrive here at Pro Line Racing. He cleans all of the parts and helps with the prep work required prior to assembly. Andrew also helps keep the shop organized and takes care of all of our truck freight shipping.

Andrew can also be found at the racetrack helping assist Eric with Todd Berry's ORSCA Limited Street mustang.

Kerry Gheesling: Sales Associate

Kerry stays in the office and handles phone calls, estimates, purchasing, invoices, etc. Kerry came to Pro Line Racing with a strong performance parts background with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He worked at Barnett Performance for over 10 years as one of their top sales associates and joined the Pro Line Racing team to make it even better. Kerry is also responsible for keeping all of our customers up to date while their engines are being built.

David Blount: Accounts Payable

David is responsible for all of the accounting duties here at Pro Line Racing. He helps out with various office tasks and jobs around the shop.

David, and his wife Linda, also help assist Eric at the track during race season.

Bud Hodge: Web Designer

Bud has been a key part in making this website what it is today. He helped integrate all of the content that was on our old website to our current one. Bud is skilled in web design, graphic design, and also helps with IT support here at Pro Line Racing. Bud is also responsible for keeping our website up to date.