RIP Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins
#6
RIP. Back in the early 70's we would get as close as possible to his cars whenever he was at Martin US 131 Dragway hoping to pick up on any classified secret. He relentlessly explored the gray areas of NHRA rules and
had a fun time doing it. Made owning a Vega cool... with an sbc of course.
Old story was when he was competing in a class that only allowed stock factory heads he would buy up all the sbc heads in his area. Then flow test them all and keep the best ones and send all the others back.
had a fun time doing it. Made owning a Vega cool... with an sbc of course.
Old story was when he was competing in a class that only allowed stock factory heads he would buy up all the sbc heads in his area. Then flow test them all and keep the best ones and send all the others back.
#7
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Great Man - Great Legacy!
I hope in my time on this planet that I can learn and retain maybe just 10% of the great engine mechanical knowledge this man developed and used in his career. I met him personaly a few times in the 60's and 70' and I can say that without a doubt his so called "grumpy" was just a way of hiding his big heart and pride. He will be missed by many but his legacy and contributions to the drag racing and engine building world will live on for an eternity! RIP Bill.
Betst Regards,
Ray @ Raylar
Betst Regards,
Ray @ Raylar
#9
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The "MAN"!
Jenkins won six of NHRA's eight national events that year, and with his $35,000 win at the Professional Racers Association event in Oklahoma, an increase in manufacturer support, and an expanded match race schedule, Jenkins grossed $250,000 to match NBA star Wilt Chamberlain's salary as the highest paid pro athlete in the country, resulting in coverage in Time magazine, the first time a drag racer had been given mainstream recognition.
Jenkins won six of NHRA's eight national events that year, and with his $35,000 win at the Professional Racers Association event in Oklahoma, an increase in manufacturer support, and an expanded match race schedule, Jenkins grossed $250,000 to match NBA star Wilt Chamberlain's salary as the highest paid pro athlete in the country, resulting in coverage in Time magazine, the first time a drag racer had been given mainstream recognition.
#10
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