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Ed Pink, the iconic engine name that became synonymous with horsepower and precision in the golden age of drag racing, died April 27 at the age of 94. Revered as "The Old Master," Pink leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, disciplines, and generations in drag racing, IndyCar, and beyond.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Pink's fascination with engines began at an early age. He honed his skills in the heart of Southern California's hot rod culture and opened Ed Pink Racing Engines in the early 1960s. The shop quickly became a mecca for racers seeking cutting-edge powerplants, and Pink’s engines soon powered legends like Don "the Snake" Prudhomme, Tom "the Mongoose" McEwen, Shirley Muldowney, and countless other stars to victory on dragstrips around the country.

Pink's meticulous attention to detail and pioneering approach to engine development made his work stand apart. Whether building fuel-burning Hemis for NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car teams, or crafting high-revving small-blocks for USAC and road racing series, Ed Pink Racing Engines set a standard that competitors admired and often tried to match.

He helped shape the careers of many young mechanics and engineers, instilling in them the values of integrity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Pink, who was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2012, sold his iconic business in 2013 but remained onboard as a consultant and guiding light. His passion never waned, and neither did the respect he commanded in garages, pits, and starting lines across the country.
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