The name Ed Pink is synonymous with horsepower, and in all kinds of racing series. Clearly his name is well known in the drag racing world, and has been for decades, but did you know that he also built engines for more modern racing series like the drifting world? Yeah, a guy who’s age was higher than entire drifting teams combined, was helping them build real power for Formula Drift action. And that’s just one example. But he didn’t just build engines for lots of teams, he also taught newcomers about how to build that power. It’s this amazing ability to share his knowledge that has gotten him onto this list for the 2024 Engine Builder Hall of Fame. His name, and expertise, will live on for generations. Here’s the whole story.

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Ed Pink – Think Pink!

In the realm of high-performance engines, the name Ed Pink resonates as a master engine builder whose expertise has shaped the landscape of motorsports for over six decades. Born on May 11, 1928, in Los Angeles, California, Ed Pink’s journey from a young racing enthusiast to an iconic figure in the world of engine building is a story of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of horsepower.

Ed Pink’s fascination with speed and engines began at an early age. Growing up in Southern California, he was exposed to the burgeoning hot rod and racing culture that defined the region in the post-war era. Pink’s love for fast cars led him to actively participate in the local drag racing scene, fueling his desire to understand the intricacies of engine performance.

In the late 1940s, Pink’s thirst for knowledge led him to seek hands-on experience in the automotive world. He began working at Lou Baney’s speed shop in Burbank, California, where he honed his skills in engine building and modifications. This apprenticeship marked the beginning of Pink’s formal education in the art and science of extracting maximum power from internal combustion engines.

In 1957, Ed Pink took a significant step in his career by founding Ed Pink Racing Engines in Van Nuys, California. The timing was propitious, as the 1960s marked a period of rapid expansion in motorsports, with new categories emerging and existing ones becoming increasingly competitive. Pink’s focus on precision machining, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of power quickly set his engine-building shop apart. Ed Pink Racing Engines became a go-to destination for racers across various disciplines, including drag racing, sprint cars, midgets, and road racing. Pink’s reputation for building reliable and high-performance engines grew, making his shop a powerhouse in the racing community.

Ed Pink’s influence in NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing is significant, marking a chapter in his illustrious career as an engine builder and contributing to the evolution of the sport. Pink’s expertise and innovation in drag racing engines have left an indelible mark on the quarter-mile tracks, where precision and power are paramount.

In the realm of professional drag racing, Pink’s engines became synonymous with success, particularly in the premier categories of Top Fuel and Funny Car. These classes demand engines that can generate immense power for a short burst down the quarter-mile, and Pink’s expertise was tailor-made for such requirements. His engines powered a myriad of dragsters and funny cars to victories in NHRA events, contributing to the success of teams and drivers across different eras.

The adaptability of Pink’s engines, capable of delivering peak performance in diverse conditions and tracks, solidified his reputation as a go-to engine builder in the drag racing community.

In addition to his successes in drag racing and IndyCar, Ed Pink also made a mark in endurance racing. His engines powered sports cars to victories in iconic events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Pink’s ability to deliver reliable and powerful engines in the demanding environment of endurance racing showcased the versatility of his engineering expertise. The international racing community took notice of Pink’s achievements, and his engines found success on tracks around the world.

Throughout his career, Ed Pink not only built engines but also mentored a new generation of engineers and enthusiasts. His commitment to passing on knowledge and fostering talent ensured that his legacy would extend beyond his own achievements. Many of the individuals who worked at Ed Pink Racing Engines went on to have successful careers in the automotive and racing industries. Pink’s influence is not only seen in the engines he built but also in the ethos of precision, innovation, and dedication to excellence that he instilled in his team. The legacy of Ed Pink Racing Engines continues under the leadership of individuals who app renticed under Pink, ensuring that the tradition of building high-performance engines lives on.