A career spanning over 60 years in the engine building industry led noted builder Ed Pink to the stage at the recent SEMA show to accept the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.
Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges presented the award. “The SEMA Show is the most logical and best home for the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said. “As a pioneer in the industry, Mr. Petersen was an inspiration and mentor for many.”
Pink’s career has had him building racing engines for everyone from Don “The Snake” Prudhomme to Parnelli Jones. At age 14, Pink got his start racing hot rods on the dry lakes in Southern California prior to an apprenticeship at Lou Baney’s Hot Rod Heaven.
He also spent time learning directly from another of the performance aftermarket’s geniuses in Vic Edelbrock Sr., and today has Ed Pink’s Garage – a shop that offers enthusiasts an opportunity to work directly with Ed on special projects that require his masterful touch.
Pink’s nickname, the “Old Master”, is well-earned through his determination to succeed in the motorsports industry – he’s been successful at every venue of motorsports from Top Fuel to Indy and even IMSA with air-cooled Porsche engines.
Ed Pink is the 13th winner of the prestigious Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award, and joins heady company in the process. Previous recipients are Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Andy Granatelli, The Ford Family, Vic Edelbrock, Jack Roush, Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, Jack Chisenhall, Bill “Speedy” Smith, Alex Xydias, Wally Parks and Dave McClelland.