Pete Jackson, who started Jackson Fuel Injectors Inc. and later Pete Jackson Gear Drives, passed away May 19 of complications from heart surgery with Pauline, his wife of 60 years, at his side.

Jackson was an active participant, designer, and inventor in drag racing and dry-lakes competition. Jackson’s career in racing started with his brother, Charles Jackson, going to races at Lions, San Fernando, and Orange County dragstrips and the Bonneville Salt Flats and El Mirage dry lake.

Pete Jackson, who started Jackson Fuel Injectors Inc. and later Pete Jackson Gear Drives, passed away May 19 of complications from heart surgery with Pauline, his wife of 60 years, at his side.

Jackson was an active participant, designer, and inventor in drag racing and dry-lakes competition. Jackson’s career in racing started with his brother, Charles Jackson, going to races at Lions, San Fernando, and Orange County dragstrips and the Bonneville Salt Flats and El Mirage dry lake.

Following his time in the U.S. Air Force (1950-51), he attended college before going to work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). In 1959, Jackson designed the recirculating fuel metering valve (barrel valve), and a year later, he designed the original three-port “bug catcher” injector hat. In 1970, Jackson designed the dual idler gear drive, and in 1996, he invented the pilot-operated slide valve, all of which are still in use today.

In addtion to his wife, Pauline, Jackson is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Steve Dalton; daughter Nancy Anderson; and three grandchildren, Mathew and Julianne Dalton and Collin Anderson. Donations in Jackson’s name can be made to the American Heart Foundation, Drag Racing Association of Women, or Veterans Administration. 

 

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