Bill Jenkins obit

'Grumpy' Jenkins dies at age 81

 

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Drag racing legend Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins has died at the age of 81.

Jenkins earned fame by helping revolutionize the Pro Stock class through innovations in engines, suspensions and other parts. He also was a successful driver, winning 13 NHRA national event victories and numerous other races under various sanctions.

In 2001, Jenkins was voted No. 8 among NHRA's greatest racers by a poll of drag-racing experts and is a member of the Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

"Everyone at NHRA is saddened by the passing of Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins, not only a pioneer in the sport, but also an iconic figure in NHRA Pro Stock racing," NHRA president Tom Compton said. "He was there from the beginning, playing an integral role in the formation of Pro Stock and remained involved in NHRA for decades. His presence and trademark gruff exterior and cigar will be missed but never forgotten at the starting line at NHRA Full Throttle events."

Jenkins garnered the nickname "Grumpy" for his no-nonsense attitude.

Jenkins earned a mechanical engineering degree from Cornell, using that knowledge and his personal skill to transform the Pro Stock class. Known as the "Father of Pro Stock," Jenkins' engines won five NHRA Pro Stock championships in a row.

Jenkins' mechanical innovations include the drag racing's first kickout oil pans, Pro Stock strut-style front suspension, dry sump oiling system, electric water pump fan, gas port pistons and slick-shift manual transmissions.

Jenkins grew up in Malvern, Pennsylvania. He began racing in the late 1950s, with his driving his famed "Grumpy's Toy" Chevrolet to Pro Stock Success in the mid-to-late '60s.

"Today the Chevy Racing family lost one of its racing legends, Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins," said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports for General Motors. "For more than half a century, Bill was a guiding light and inspiration for grassroots drag racers across America. As a driver, master engine builder, and championship-winning team owner, he was an irresistible force in Pro Stock for decades. Bill's engineering legacy is embodied in many of Chevrolet's high-performance and racing components. Chevy Racing extends its condolences to Bill's family and legions of his fans."