About Us

Kennedy Performance is a family machine shop owned and operated by Chad Kennedy.
We specialize in hand-built high-performance street and racing engines.
Located in the heart of Central Kentucky, just minutes away from I-64 and I-75.

Our Story

Chad began working in the performance and racing industry at a local speed and custom shop in 1995 where he gained experience building engines, modifying and customizing show cars, street cars, drag race cars, drag and offshore boats, pulling trucks, etc.

In November 1999, he went to work for world-famous Mopar engine builder and Sprint car chassis builder Gary Stanton at Stanton Racing Inc. At Stanton Racing, Chad gained experience in machining and building engines from bare block to cylinder heads for the following motorsports: World of Outlaws winged sprint cars, USAC sprint cars, Midgets, Silver Crown sprint cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, NHRA Pro-Stock, NHRA Turbocharged Pro Outlaw Sport Compact Front Wheel Drive. In addition, he aided in research and development on some of Mopar’s Crate engine packages. Some of the race car drivers include: Mark Kinser, Steve Francis, Tony Stewart, Jay Drake, Danny Lasoski, J.J. Yeley, Tom Hesert, Shaun Carlson, Dave Steele, Josh Wise, Samuel Hubinette, Levi Jones, Dale Blaney, and Jackie Boggs.

In July 2007, Chad opened Kennedy Performance to follow his lifelong dream of providing custom engines to those striving for the utmost quality, built with pride and elevated attention to detail. We impart the best service to each and every customer, no matter the scope. KP supplies engines for every application. High-performance street, drag racing, circle track and road-coarse racing, inboard marine, off-road, and engine restorations for collector cars and other classic automobiles. Kennedy Performance provides everything from the basic machine work all the way up to fully assembled engine packages with dyno testing available.

Chad Kennedy is an ASE Certified Master Engine Machinist and Master Automobile Technician.
Kennedy Performance is a member of AERA (Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association).