Another Drag Racing Giant Gone - Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins Made His Last Pass Today At 81

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ocdart

ocdart

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Another of drag racings pioneers and a giant of the sport, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, died today at 81. He'll be remembered as an avid Bowtie guy, but he had a lot of success driving Mopars from 1964-66. In fact, he won his very first National event at the '65 Winternationals driving a '65 Plymouth.

I couldn't find a pic of the real car but here's a pic of the diecast replica.

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A great innovator, he pioneered and developed the use of dry-sump oiling systems, kickout oil pans, strut-style front suspension, gas port pistons, slick-shift manual transmissions, cool cans, and the electric water-pump fan on his cars.
RIP Grump, you'll be missed.

Here's a link to the full article on NHRA.com:
http://www.nhra.com/story/2012/3/29/pro-stock-legend-bill-grumpy-jenkins-dies/
 
He was another of the real characters of drag racing. An innovator, an "cheater" (as they all are from time to time), and as we know, he always did it his way, and it worked for him.
RIP Grumpy, and thanks.
 
Sad, didn´t see him race or anything but read alot of him in Swedish car magazine. One of the true legends.
RIP Grumpy
 
I never cared for chebbie much, but the Grump was cool as all hell. May he RIP.
 
Having been a Chevy guy for 30+ years before coming to the Mopar way of life, "Grumpy" was a hero to me. The stuff he did with Vegas, Monzas, Novas et was awesome. :prayer: RIP
 
RIP, this car which had a jenkins big block in it was a tribute to Grumpy and it was at the Milwaukee World of Wheels this year.
 

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Why feel sad for the "GRUMP", the man lived to good old ripe age & got to play with race cars all his life.
We should all be so lucky.
Too bad he didn't stay with the Mopar camp after 1965, he did well there.
He was a God to the BowTie world for sure.
Got to admire him for what he did for chevrolet, he got rid of the HEMI in Pro-Stock.
I do admire his commitment to one brand, you don't see that anymore.
 
It always sucks when a legend dies.The world of racing fan included will miss him!!I know i will.Hes old school.
 
Yup. Sad day

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Don't know if this is "real" or a clone

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I almost bleed penstar but he was the small block king ...end of a time
 
tired of seeing all my heros pass.........the list is getting long....i must be getting old
RIP Grumpy
 
R.I.P. Mr. Jenkins. ('Da Grump!'')
You will be missed by all who knows what it's like to feel the rush and challenge of pro stock power.
Chevy guy or not, you were a legend.
We all appreciate what you have done for the sport of drag racing, and hope you are match racing up in heaven with your friends.
You will be greatly missed.
 
R.I.P. Grump! Another legend added to the list. I'm gonna hate when the day comes for Big Daddy and The King!
 
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