Remembering A Giant: Ed Iskenderian (1921–2026)

Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, pioneering hot rodder, visionary engineer, and founder of Isky Racing Cams, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Los Angeles at the age of 104. Widely known as the “Camfather,” Iskenderian was one of the most influential figures in the history of American performance engineering, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape motorsports and automotive culture.

At 104-years old, Iskenderian was one of the last great hot rodders who was there for the birth of the movement. After his family relocated to Los Angeles, he raced at Muroc Dry Lake before World War II interrupted civilian life. During the war, Iskenderian served in the United States Army Air Forces, flying supply missions in the Pacific.

In 1946, Iskenderian founded Isky Racing Cams in a small Culver City shop. What began with a single homemade cam‑grinding machine quickly grew into one of the most respected names in high‑performance engineering. He was among the first to apply advanced metallurgy, hard‑facing techniques, and eventually computer technology to cam design. Among his many innovations are the first camshafts designed for hydraulic lifters, high-performance roller lifters, and the influential Vasco Jet 1000 valve springs.

Iskenderian’s partnership with drag‑racing icon Don Garlits helped establish the modern model of corporate sponsorship in motorsports. He also introduced contingency awards, which became a cornerstone of grassroots racing, as a way to give back to the racing community.

In 1963, Iskenderian joined forces with other industry leaders to form SEMA and even served as its first president. Over the decades, Iskenderian received numerous honors, including being named one of Chevrolet’s “Legends of Performance” and his 2025 induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Even after his 100th birthday in 2021, he remained an active and beloved figure in the industry.

“There’s the old saying that the pioneers get the arrows and the settlers get the land,” Paul “Scooter” Brothers, founder of Competition Cams says of Iskenderian. “Ed definitely was definitely the pioneer and all of us benefited from him plowing the grounds. He was a guy who wasn’t afraid to do anything. He was just an incredibly intelligent man. I don’t know how much schooling he had. I don’t have any idea about that, but he was one of the smartest people I ever met.”

For years, Isky Racing Cams and Comp Cams were friendly competitors at the highest levels of racing, and we’re all better for it. But Brothers says the competition never got in the way of Iskenderian’s enjoyment of people and his love of making horsepower.

“It was fun because even though we competed pretty hard. You know, we fought pretty fiercely. But he was always fun, and we had some great conversations. Just very welcoming to sit down with, any time, and discuss whatever problems or issues you might have had. And Ed would always help any way he could.”

Ed Iskenderian’s life embodied the spirit of American ingenuity. He transformed the science of camshaft design, helped define the culture of hot‑rodding, and was a friend to many. He will be missed.