Fred Carrillo was born in 1926 in Hollywood, California. He grew up in a modest single parent home with three siblings. While in high school, he was often found street racing because organized drag strips were not yet in existence. When World War II started and his hot rodding efforts were put on hold. During the War, Fred was stationed in Kansas as a radar operator for the Army Air Corps. While in the service, Fred garnered a wealth of technical training. This exposure aligned with Fred’s natural affinity for mathematics was to serve him well in his future. His first employment upon his return was as a mechanic rebuilding Ford Flathead engines for Sears Roebuck & Co.

After regular work hours, Fred would concentrate on the design and construction of his land speed automobiles in an effort to challenge speed records across the dry lakes and most particularly, Bonneville Salt Flats. Fred raced successfully until 1953 when a failure in one of his magnesium wheels, at nearly 300 mph, destroyed his streamliner and forced the amputation of his left leg below the knee.

Down, but not out, Fred went back to school to study mechanical engineering and metallurgy. During that time Fred got his first opportunity to work for a major corporation. Fred began working for Aerojet General in their 20/20 program -20 hours of study and 20 hours of working for the company per week, for full 40 hour pay.

Though, Fred worked as an engineer for the next several years in his spare time he designed and built a small 2 cylinder engine. He quit his job and tried to sell these engines, but he went broke. Desperate to feed his family of four children, he asked his racing buddies what they needed. They all said they needed a good steel rod!

Fred had a lot of experience building motorcycle connecting rods employing different materials, but it was never a consideration for his livelihood. Fred started Carrillo Industries in 1963 and went right to the top, offering his rods to Dan Gurney, Bruce McLaren and three-time Formula One champion Jack Brabham. Fred contributes most of his success to his racing buddies, who took the rods all over the world to promote them. Fred ran Carrillo Industries successfully for many years until 2001 when he decided it was time to retire.

Fred Carrillo remains a consultant for Carrillo Industries and visits the facility on occasion. He now resides in Monarch Beach, CA with his wife Elizabeth.