Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins Passes
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Paul
Nitro Member
Alan, it would be great to hear one of those stories, any chance there is one (or more) you can share with us?
What a tremendous innovator and competitor. I know anybody that pulled up next to a car with a "Jenkins Competition" sticker on the hood scoop knew that they were in for a tough race.
My favorite time period in his career was the early 80's when Joe Lepone was driving for him, I thought that was a great Pro Stock driver/crew chief combo.
kingcobrafan
Nitro Member
Rest in peace, Grumpy. A legend and then some.
The Little Lizard
Nitro Member
Our most heart felt condelences to the Jenkins family. Grump was a legend and icon of the sport-not many like him-real racer.
XPilot
Nitro Member
I flew him into Tri Cities before the Bristol race one year. Probably '05 or '06. I didn't know he was back there until we got to TRI, and he was the last guy off the airplane. I wished him luck, and he promptly whacked his head on the overhead bins. Didn't seem to phase him much. He said thank you and went on his way.
Right after he was out of earshot, the FA looked at me and said "Do you know that guy? He's grumpiest SOB I've run across in a long time!". I nearly fell out of the airplane laughing. She had no idea who he was or that she just called him by name.
Four days later on the last day of the trip I had the pleasure of flying Bob Frey and Scott Kalitta back to CLT. Both were class acts.
Used to run across several racing personalities in the airports. I was talking to another pilot once when Mike Dunn walked up and asked how the other pilots' dad was. Spent a long walk to the baggage claim talking to Cory Mac in CLT. All those and the best was still the one with the least contact. The flight attendant calling him by name without knowing it.
Right after he was out of earshot, the FA looked at me and said "Do you know that guy? He's grumpiest SOB I've run across in a long time!". I nearly fell out of the airplane laughing. She had no idea who he was or that she just called him by name.
Four days later on the last day of the trip I had the pleasure of flying Bob Frey and Scott Kalitta back to CLT. Both were class acts.
Used to run across several racing personalities in the airports. I was talking to another pilot once when Mike Dunn walked up and asked how the other pilots' dad was. Spent a long walk to the baggage claim talking to Cory Mac in CLT. All those and the best was still the one with the least contact. The flight attendant calling him by name without knowing it.
jpee
Nitro Member
I remember about 7 or 8 yrs ago @ Englishtown I was in the mens room (urinal) and "Da Grump" walked up to the urinal next to me & I couldn't help but remark.... "Wow now I can tell my friends I pee'd with Grumpy"
Believe it or not.. he laughed his ass off... I think that was one of only 2 or 3 times I've seem him really laugh...
Gonna be missed
Believe it or not.. he laughed his ass off... I think that was one of only 2 or 3 times I've seem him really laugh...
Gonna be missed
DrRocket
Nitro Member
my friends call me Zappy
Nitro Member
Very true, we need to wright the books, & make the movies now.
Paul
Nitro Member
Actually there is a well written book that covers Grumpy's career in detail, its called:
Grumpy's Toys: The Authorized History of Grumpy Jenkins' Cars by Doug Boyce
mw6789
Nitro Member
The Grumpy's Toys is a great book. I have it and would highly recommend it to any drag racing fan.
my friends call me Zappy
Nitro Member
Thanks PT & MW, I'll look for it.
BaldyLochs
Nitro Member
It's odd that someone nicknamed "Grumpy".... made so many people happy. A true motorsports pioneer. We were lucky to have him in drag racing. Thanks for the memories, Bill. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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