The Nationals Top Eliminator trophy was presented by NHRA President and founder, the late Wally Parks. Crewman Julius Hughes (left) and Bill Word observe. Very little cash went to the TE winner, but a tall trophy, tool sets and other merchandise awards were presented. Pete’s new company, Pete’s Engineering, built the 6-71 blower drive, aluminum Chevy rear axle center-section and cycle front wheels. American magnesium five-spoke wheels with M&H whitewall slicks were favored on the rear. Note the drug store shower cap covering the Hilborn injector.

Pete Robinson and Bill Word’s racing partnership lasted until the end of the 1964 season when Word’s growing business interests led him to retire from drag racing. Now half a century later, he fondly remembers those brief years of drag racing glory. Bill Word continues to live in Atlanta. His William Word Antiques is a benchmark in its field and is now managed by his children, the third generation of owners.

Word and Robinson remained friends until Pete lost his life in a grinding crash at the 1971 NHRA Winternationals. Pete died trying to qualify his SOHC 427 Ford-powered Top Fuel car. Pete wasn’t supposed to be driving, having hired a driver so he could focus more on tuning the car. But he grew impatient when the car remained unqualified, and at the last minute decided to drive it himself in an effort to get a spot in the field.

An innovator to the end, Pete’s last lap came while running a unique ground-effects air dam located beneath the engine. Some insist it was this aero device that caused his crash. Others (including this author), are convinced that a rear-axle related driveline failure was to blame. Now 43 years later, the truth remains unknown.

In two ironic twists of fate, Pete’s last run was a 6.77, easily enough to earn him a spot in the Top Fuel field. In an even more ironic twist, Don Garlits would turn the drag racing world upside-down by winning Top Fuel with a previously derided, rear-engine dragster. Garlits’ domination of that ’71 Winternationals spelled the end for the front-motor, slingshot design.

Many years later, Garlits would acknowledge Pete’s innovative brilliance, noting that had he lived, Pete Robinson would have gone on to become a highly successful crew chief or owner of a major Top Fuel or Funny Car team. He really was that good.

All who knew him or ran against him acknowledge that Pete Robinson was a uniquely talented individual, and that he will be forever remembered for his desire to reach beyond existing technology to conquer new worlds in the acceleration sport.

Next: Pete Robinson’s Brief Yet Remarkable Career Continues, 1962-1971