Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins was one of the most famous drag racers of all time. He competed in races all over the country, and was known for his aggressive driving style. In 1965, Jenkins set a world record at Detroit Dragway® with a speed of 186 miles per hour. This article will take a closer look at Jenkins’ career and some of the most memorable moments from his time on the track. Jenkins raced at Detroit Dragway hundreds of times, and he was also a regular at other tracks around the country. He won numerous championships, including the National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel title in 1967.
He raced at Detroit Dragway in the Pro Stock class. He was one of the most successful Pro Stock racers of his era, winning four National Hot Rod Association national titles and setting numerous world records.
Birth -Death
Bill Jenkins Born in Pennsylvania in 1930, Jenkins, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 81.
History Of Bill Jenkins.
Jenkins was one of the most innovative and successful drag racers of all time. He is also considered to be one of the pioneers of Pro Stock racing. Jenkins began his drag racing career in the early 1950s at local tracks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 1963, he won his first NHRA national event at Indianapolis Raceway Park. He would go on to win a total of 13 NHRA national events in his career. Jenkins was also a successful engine builder, and his engines powered many of the top drag racers of the 1960s and 1970s Jenkins was one of the most dominant drag racers of his era, winning multiple NHRA national championships. He was a pioneer in the sport of drag racing. He was one of the first drivers to experiment with supercharging and turbocharging, and his cars were some of the quickest and fastest in the world.
Jenkins Engine Builder & Car Owner
In the 1960s, Jenkins was one of the most successful engine builders in drag racing. His engines powered many of the top cars in the sport, including those of Dick Landy, Ronnie Sox, and Bob Glidden. Jenkins was also a successful car owner, fielding cars for some of the biggest names in drag racing. In the 1970s, he fielded a car for Shirley Muldowney, who would go on to become one of the most successful drivers in drag racing history. Jenkins was also a successful business owner, operating a successful engine shop and performance parts business.
Jenkins Inducted Into The Motorsports Hall Of Fame
Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, one of the most revered and respected figures in drag racing history, was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1996.
The Induction Ceremony, held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, was hosted by NBC Sports’ Bob Costas. In his speech, Costas called Jenkins a “giant in his field” and praised him for his accomplishments both on and off the track.
Jenkins Inducted Into The International Motorsports Hall Of Fame
Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, one of the most successful drag racers in history, was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Jenkins’ Pro Stock cars were some of the quickest and most powerful of their time. He was known for his innovative engineering and tireless work ethic. Jenkins was a true pioneer in the Pro Stock class, and his cars set the standard for performance and reliability.
How Bill Got The “Grumpy” Nickname
Jenkins got his nickname “Grumpy” because of his demeanor on the track. He was always serious and focused, and he never cracked a smile. Even when he won races, he had a scowl on his face. His fellow racers started calling him “Grumpy,” and the name stuck.
Jenkins At The 1968 U.S Nationals
The 1968 U.S Nationals were held at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins was there to compete. Jenkins had already made a name for himself in the drag racing world and was one of the favorites to win the event.
Jenkins did not disappoint, reaching the final round where he faced off against Dick Harrell. Harrell was no slouch himself, but Jenkins was able to edge him out to take the win.
It was a big moment for Jenkins, who had now established himself as one of the best drag racers in the world. The win also cemented his reputation as a master tune-up artist, as he was able to get his car to perform at its best when it mattered most.
Jenkins would go on to have a long and successful career in drag racing, winning multiple championships and setting numerous records. He is still considered one of the all-time greats of the sport and his 1968 U.S Nationals win is a big part of that legacy.
He was driving his Grumpy’s Toy 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, which was powered by a 427 cubic inch engine. This was the first time that Jenkins had raced at the U.S. Nationals, and he ended up winning the event. After winning the U.S. Nationals, Jenkins was considered to be one of the best drag racers in the world.
Jenkins continued to have success in 1969, winning the AHRA Winternationals and setting a new world record in the process. He also won the NHRA Springnationals and Summernationals that year. In 1970, Jenkins won the NHRA Winternationals and Springnationals. He also won the AHRA Summernationals that year.
Jenkins continued to race until his retirement in 1996. During his career, he won a total of 17 NHRA national events.
Jenkins Competition
Jenkins Competition quickly became known for its high-quality car motors. The company built engines for a number of different drag racing teams, including those of Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins. In 1963, Jenkins raced at Detroit Dragway in his Chevrolet Corvair powered by a Jenkins Competition motor. He won the event, setting a new track record in the process.
Jenkins Competition continued to build successful motors for a variety of different racing teams. In 1967, they introduced the “Wedge” engine, which was designed specifically for drag racing. The Wedge engine quickly became one of the most successful engines in drag racing history, winning a number of championships.
Jenkins Competition was building high-quality car motors. The company remained true to its roots, building engines for a variety of different racing teams. If you were looking for a quality engine for your race car, Jenkins Competition was the place to go. Hot Rod Magazine has lots of interviews, find an old copy and enjoy.
If you’re a fan of drag racing, then you owe a debt of gratitude to Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins. Thanks