Pete Robinson’s Career Achievements

Pete Robinson was a deep-thinking drag racer in an era where the sport was composed mainly of hobbyist participants with no knowledge of the dynamics and science involved. Pete’s achievements included improvements that made his cars quicker, faster, and safer. Pete successfully applied an eclectic interest in anything mechanical and his engineering education to the sport of drag racing. He also made many of his components and his innovative ideas available to anyone interested. These include:

  • Reducing static car weight to an absolute minimum, to create quicker acceleration.
  • Early use of computer technology for both engine and chassis improvements
  • Aerodynamically engineered, front axle airfoils that created downforce with minimum drag
  • Successful adaptation and development of the 289 Ford small-block V-8 to a supercharged, winning Top Gas engine
  • Successful adaptation of the 427 SOHC Ford to a supercharged, winning nitromethane/alcohol Top Fuel engine
  • Successful and mutually beneficial interfacing with Ford engineers in developing both engines for racing
  • Precision gear drive system to replace the factory timing chain and correct cam timing errors in the 427 SOHC Ford
  • Lightweight, titanium alloy, billet driveshaft and rear axles
  • Offset front axle, to increase starting line roll-out and reduce red-light fouls
  • Single disc and caliper, hydraulic rear axle braking system
  • Electronically powered, front and rear axle mounted device to compare front and rear wheel rotational speeds and adjust rear wheel slippage. (Now hailed as an early traction-control system)
  • Rotating rear wheel, inertia-motivated starting system, usually referred to as Pete’s “jumping jacks”
  • Pneumatically powered remote starting system, to eliminate push-starts
  • Driver cockpit arm restraints to prevent arms from moving outside the roll cage in a crash
  • Aeronautically designed, undercar “ground effects” air dam system to increase traction and stability at extreme speeds

Personal Career Recognition & Awards

  • International Drag Racing Hall of Fame
  • NHRA Southeast Division Hall of Fame
  • No. 22, NHRA “Top 50 NHRA Drivers of All Time”
  • Georgia Drag Racing Hall of Fame
  • Georgia Motorsports Hall of Fame