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Legendary engine builder Ed Pink has passed away (source: HOT ROD), at the ripe age of 94 years old. The man made such an indelible impression on the engine-building community that he was inducted into the Engine Builder Hall of Fame in its first year. He was also inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018. Two years ago we did a story on the last engine he ever built, which is worth a revisit for more information on Ed Pink.
A Brief History
Ed Pink, often referred to as “The Old Master,” is one of the most legendary figures in American motorsports, particularly known for his contributions to high-performance engine building. Born in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, Pink became fascinated with cars and racing at a young age, growing up during the golden era of hot rodding in Southern California.
He started his career in the 1950s, initially working with drag racers who were pushing the limits of speed. In 1961, Pink founded Ed Pink Racing Engines in Van Nuys, California, quickly earning a reputation for producing engines that were not only fast but also reliable — a rare and valuable combination at the time.
Through the 1960s and 1970s, his engines powered some of the biggest names in drag racing, including Don Prudhomme, Tom McEwen, and Shirley Muldowney. His reputation expanded beyond drag racing into IndyCar, USAC, midget racing, and even sports car racing. Ed Pink Racing Engines became synonymous with victory at tracks across America, with multiple championships and major wins credited to his craftsmanship.
In the early 2000s, Pink transitioned out of daily operations but remained involved in the industry. His legacy continued through Ed Pink’s Garage, a business focused on restoring and maintaining vintage race and high-performance engines.
Throughout his career, Ed Pink became a symbol of American innovation and excellence in racing, respected by drivers, engineers, and competitors alike. His engines were works of art, built with a blend of technical mastery and deep passion for racing. He will be missed.
Ed Pink Career Timeline
1931 – Born in Los Angeles, California.
Early 1950s – Began working on hot rods and early drag race engines.
1961 – Founded Ed Pink Racing Engines in Van Nuys, California.
1960s-1970s – Engines powered top NHRA stars like Don Prudhomme, Tom McEwen, and Shirley Muldowney.
1970s-1980s – Expanded into USAC, IndyCar, and midget racing; continued success across multiple motorsport disciplines.
1990s – Remained a dominant force in racing engines even as technology and competition evolved.
2000s – Sold Ed Pink Racing Engines; later helped establish Ed Pink’s Garage, focusing on restoration and vintage racing engines.
2012 – Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Notable Achievements
- Built engines for multiple NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car champions.
- His engines won major events like the NHRA U.S. Nationals, the biggest drag racing event in the world.
- Key engine supplier for IndyCar teams during the 1970s and early 1980s.
- Known for pioneering durability and innovation in high-horsepower engine design.
- Helped advance the professionalization of drag racing by offering reliable, customer-focused high-performance engines.
- Honored with multiple industry awards and hall of fame inductions.
