by David Hakim; Photos by Barry Bergeron
Jason Line is a household name in many drag racing fans’ homes. The former NHRA Pro Stock world champion raced to more victories than most can count and, in recent years, has been grabbing gears in Buckey Hess’s “Fish Stick” SS/AH 1968 HEMI Barracuda.
But there are two more Line siblings who have been tearing up drag strips across the Midwest in 1969 Mustangs, both powered by Ford’s venerable 428 Cobra Jet. Brothers Jason, Lance and Ben followed their family’s drag racing footsteps; both parents campaigned door slammers in 1960.
Their father owned an automotive repair facility in Wright, Minnesota, and the family business doubled as a classroom. Grease, gasoline and a strong work ethic were instilled early in Jason, Lance and Ben.
While Jason Line’s racing journey evolved from Sportsman ranks to Pro Stock dominance, his brothers stayed rooted in Stock Eliminator.
Jason joined KB Racing, debuted in Pro Stock in 2003 and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2004.
While Jason was playing with 500-cubic-inch powerplants and chasing Pro Stock world championships, brothers Lance and Ben were hyper-focused on making their 428 Cobra Jet Mustang Stockers fast and consistent.
“Stock Eliminator has always appealed to me because it’s the perfect mix of fast cars and pure fun,” said Ben Line, the youngest of the Line brothers.
“The competition is tough, the racing is honest, and every win feels earned. It’s not just about horsepower; it’s about consistency, strategy and loving the challenge of making your car go.”
“There’s no use of electronics in Stock Eliminator, which makes it even more challenging,” he said.
Ben has raced a 428 Mustang exclusively in Stock Eliminator.
The car came from Lyn Johnson, a family friend who offered Ben the opportunity to drive his 1969 Mustang in May of 1992.
“That kind of trust doesn’t happen often in racing,” Ben said.
“Every time I pull into the lanes, I’m racing not just for myself, but to honor Lyn and the history behind this Mustang.”
For Ben, the car isn’t just a weapon—it’s a calling.
“The 428 Mustang represents everything I love about Stock Eliminator and drag racing in general,” he said.
“It’s raw muscle—big cubic inches, heavy steel—and a personality you can’t fake.”
“The Ford 428 Cobra Jet isn’t the easiest combination and definitely not the lightest, but that’s part of the appeal.”
“It forces you to be precise, patient and consistent.”
“When it runs well, you know you’ve earned it without a computer,” Ben said.
“There are no shortcuts with an old-school Stocker.”
“That’s why the 428 Mustang fits me so well.”
“It’s a reminder that racing doesn’t have to be overly complicated to be exciting.”
“At the end of the day, it’s about fast cars, hard work and having fun, exactly what Stock Eliminator has always been about.”
“Where creativity, tuning and driver skill mattered more than technology.”
Years of hard work have paid off.
Ben’s best pass is a 9.980-second elapsed time at 131.32 mph, recorded at Rock Falls Raceway in August of 2025.
“That run was one of those moments where everything came together—the car, the track and the driver,” Ben said.
“It’s fun when things just click.”
Because of the 428 Cobra Jet’s short production life cycle, sourcing key components isn’t easy.
“A lot of the important parts aren’t sitting on shelves anymore,” said Lance Line.
“When we finally track down good pieces and get everything working, you know you’ve built something special.”
“Cylinder heads, intake manifolds and carburetors are always on the hunt list.”
“It takes patience and networking.”
Running a 1969 Mustang with a 428 has advantages and challenges, especially compared with modern powerplants.
“One of the biggest advantages is torque,” Lance said.
“It delivers power in a very predictable way, which is huge in Stock Eliminator.”
“Consistency matters as much as speed.”
“But the Lines like to go fast, so we’re in the right vehicles.”
“The Mustangs have a long racing history and remain extremely competitive.”
“There’s something rewarding about making older iron run fast.”
“It comes down to tuning knowledge, mechanical skill and the driver.”
Lance established a successful engine-building business years ago.
He uses his quick 1969 Mustang Mach 1 as a rolling business card for the company.
“We’re a full-service shop with a dyno and customers from coast to coast, plus Canada and Sweden,” Lance said.
“Fortunately, today there’s some aftermarket support for the Ford 428 Cobra Jet.”
The brothers have also collected rare OEM parts over the years.
All three of their 428 Mustangs have run in the nine-second zone in B weight and 10s in C weight.
“Ben and I have raced 428 Cobra Jet Mustangs for almost three decades,” Lance said.
“We love these cars.”
“I don’t know if there’s an advantage over the new stuff, but this is what we love to race.”
“Ben makes all the headers, Jason does the carburetors, and we handle the machine work at my shop.”
“Jason and I talk daily and exchange ideas on making horsepower, regardless of engine type.”
The 1969 Mustangs raced by Lance and Ben Line are unique, cool and fast.
Maybe it’s the quivering Shaker scoop perched atop that mighty 428, always looking ready to strike.
Either way, Lance and Ben Line have earned their nickname—the Cobra Jet Snake Charmers.
