RIP Ed Pink

[unclebilly]

https://www.hotrod.com/news/ed-pink-passes-away-1931-2025

Ed Pink, known to many as the "Old Master" and renowned in the engine building community and speed parts business, has passed away at 94-years-old, according to several sources in the drag racing community*. Born in Los Angeles in 1931, he was exposed to hot rodding in his teenage years and he often credited HOT ROD Magazine as a major influence during those times, in addition to making a fateful trip to El Mirage that solidified his passion for the sport and hobby. Ed had legendary mentors like Vic Edelbrock Sr., Bobby Meeks, Fran Hernandez, Don Towle, Frank Barron, Eddie Meyer, and Chickie Harishma, learning from the titans of our industry.

The native-Californian was a veteran of the Korean War and following a stint in the general repair business, Ed worked at various engineering and race shops learning the engine business. By 1961, he went into engine building full-time and "TV Tommy" Ivo became an early customer. Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) quickly became known for their work with the 426 Hemi in Top Fuel, as well as cylinder head and ignition work. Ed collected quite a number of accomplishments over the years, including developing the Buick V-6 program for Indy racing, enhancing the Cosworth Racing efforts, and stacking up IndyCar wins with many different drivers. By the 1990s, he became the premier builder for the United States Auto Club (USAC) Midget series with eight championships and over 100 national event wins with notable drivers such as Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, and J.J. Yeley being powered by EPRE. Ed was said to have built over 5,000 engines before selling his business in 2008. He never remained retired, working 20 hours or more a week in the shop. He has many accolades through numerous racing organizations and was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018.

[herr_oberst]

That's a shame, RIP, Mr Pink. You lived a long, powerful life and you were very well regarded by your peers. There's good docs on Ed Pink on YouTube if anyone wants to take a look.

Incidentally, as a bit of a bookend to Ed Pink's long career, Don Garlits presented the 1000th "Wally" award in Top Fuel today to Shawn Langdon.

The first "Wally" was given to Garlits in 1963.

[Danimal16]

RIP Ed Pink.

[look 171]

RIP.

I worked in a cabinet shop back in college just about 10 min walking distance from his shop in N Hollywood. I had heard of him but never been to his place but would hear his engines scream at times all hours of the day.

[HobieMarty]

Thank you for all those power-wonderful engines!!! Rest In Peace, Ed Pink.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[wilnj]

And to underscore the fact that he wasn’t a one trick pony, only building drag engines, he also developed the NA engine for Singer.