Legendary engine builder Ed Pink and sprint car industry pioneer Shirley Kear Valentine have been named as the 2026 Performance Racing Industry Hall of Fame inductees, recognising their lasting contributions to motorsport.

The PRI Hall of Fame honours individuals whose careers, leadership and innovation have made a lasting impact on the racing industry. An industry committee selects inductees based on their achievements, years of involvement and integrity.

Pink and Kear Valentine will be formally inducted during the Grand Opening Breakfast at the 2026 PRI Show on Thursday, 10 December, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

“Ed Pink and Shirley Kear Valentine (below) represent two essential parts of the racing industry: technical innovation and an enduring commitment to helping racers compete and succeed,” said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan.

“We’re proud to recognize the impact they have on racing and the people who make it possible.”

Ed Pink: a lifetime of engine-building excellence

Pink founded Ed Pink Racing Engines in 1958 and became one of motorsport’s most respected engine builders.

His career began in land-speed racing before expanding into drag racing and oval-track competition. His work included collaborating with Ford on its 427 SOHC drag racing engine programme.

Engines built by Pink powered competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, IMSA, Indy car and USAC competition, recording more than 100 wins and over 10 national championships across various categories.

Pink died on 27 April 2025, aged 94.

“Ed would have been incredibly proud to receive this recognition from PRI and the racing industry he dedicated his life to,” said Sylvia Pink.

“He was passionate about building great engines and helping racers succeed, and I’m proud to accept this honor on behalf of Ed and our family.”

Shirley Kear Valentine: supporting generations of sprint car racers

Kear Valentine co-founded Kear’s Speed Shop in 1969 with her husband, Chuck.

The business grew into a nationally recognised supplier to the sprint car racing community. Kear Valentine and her family travelled to racetracks across the United States to support racers and teams, building relationships throughout the sport.

Her contributions earned her induction into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2016, when she became the fourth woman and first supplier to receive the honour.

“I’m honored to be included in the PRI Hall of Fame,” said Kear Valentine.

“Racing has been such an important part of my life, and I’m proud of what we built at Kear’s Speed Shop and the relationships we’ve built along the way. To be recognized by the industry I’ve been part of for so many years means a great deal to me.”

Recognising the people behind the industry

The PRI Hall of Fame was introduced in 2024. Its inaugural inductees were PRI founder Steve Lewis and legendary camshaft manufacturer Ed “Isky” Iskenderian.

The 2025 class included Paul “Scooter” Brothers, John Kilroy and Chris Raschke.

2026 PRI Show

The 2026 PRI Show takes place from 10–12 December at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The event brings together motorsport professionals from around the world, with more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, new products and technologies, education sessions and networking opportunities.

PRI membership is no longer required to attend.

For registration and further information, visit [PRI2026.com/Attend](https://PRI2026.com/Attend).

*Source and original photographs: Performance Racing Industry.*