Interview and photos by Darr Hawthorne

Joe Lepone was part of the East Coast drag racing scene in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, mostly competing in NHRA’s Comp Eliminator as a driver. He also worked for a variety of racers and, after a stint as a crewman on Bill Jenkins' Camaro in 1980-81, he was hired to drive for Jenkins. After leaving Jenkins, he went on to be one of the first
doorslammer racers to get work in the United
Arab Emirates. He worked for Sheikh Kahlid
Al Thani until recently when he resumed his
stateside career driving a Pro Mod.

Darr Hawthorne had a chance to speak with
Joe Lepone during the Street Car
SuperNationals at Las Vegas.