Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Bill Jenkins in a few occasions. I also had the great fortune to enjoy listening to Jere Stahl tell a ton of stories about him, Jenkins, and Strickler, among others traveling across the country.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

A truly sad day. Now all my 3 heroes are gone, Lee Shepherd,John Lingenfelter and Bill.
Thanks for all you did for us Chevy guys and our sport ... Godspeed Mr.Jenkins.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

One Winternationals, probably over 20 years ago, I was in the pits doing some little flog on some stocker I had, my 409 Chevy buddy,Mitch Akers from San Diego was up, and we were immersed in what we were doing, and a tall and a short figure came up behind us.Turning around, it was Doug Marion, Super Chevy Magazine editor, and with him was Bill Jenkins. We stopped what we were doing, Doug introduced us both to da Grump, and we were as suprised and astonished as we could be. I knew they knew each other, but it was a real suprise to meet them, especially the shorter of the two like that. We visited a bit, and off they went. We both shook hands with a real legend that day,and we will never forget that encounter at Pomona that day. All the stories, the legends, the incredible experiences that surrounds that man and his name are but a by-product of what he was all about. He was an absolute genius of the highest order.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I got a friend to bribe him at the Grove a few years ago with two cigars to get him to sign
a book twice.With the Camaro and with the Black Arrow.Another legend we'll miss.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Grumpy, Dyno Don, Ronnie Sox...THE original PRO STOCK racers...never to be replaced...!!!!

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Very sad news, I'd just finished reading his authorized book "Grumpy's Toys" by Doug Boyce. It's a great read for all those who followed and admired Bill Jenkins over the years and his incredible accomplishments. Lots of stories, all his race cars and history well illustrated with photos including from his personal archives. One of the greats in drag racing, my prayers are with his family and friends...

God Bless,

Grant Eldridge
E/SA 6650

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Bill was awesume, a true genius.... and what a hoot to hang out with. I enjoyed doing business with him for 30+ years. Gonna miss him...

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJpnz...layer_embedded

Just a quick tribute to Da Grump!

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

:(:( Another Legend is gone. Truly a sad day for drag racers, whether you are a chevy fan or not. I can see the match races now. Sox verses Landy, Jenkins verses Sox and so on and so on. I, too, just finished the "Grumpy's Toys" book recently. A great book to read and marvel at all that Bill accomplished, both on and off the track. Godspeed Bill and prayers to his family.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Them and Dandy Dick are all lining up for their match races upstairs while Buster is lighting the tree sending them off.

RIP Grumpy

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

These were special pictures to me. It was the 1975 Fallnationals Seattle and this is how I will remember the one and only Grumpy Jenkins.
Bill Ringer

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Great story,, Dan. My condolences to the Jenkins family,,, he was truly loved and will be sorely missed. We need to appreciate our older heroes while they're still with us, so don't pass up a chance if it comes your way. Godspeed Bill,, all the way to the finish line.
Danny Durham

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

First I heard of this... MAN, time goes by, we all get older. To me, his incredible ability, innovations earn immortality here on earth. I have, and will coninue to refer to him as the master of the naturally aspirated Chevrolet engine.
RIP, MR. Jenkins.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I'll never forget that the day after my older sister passed back in April of '72 (I was a 13yr old kid who knew nothing about drag racing even though I loved cars, and auto racing). I went to the grocery store with my mother, and in passing the magazine rack noticed the Car Craft magazine that had a color picture of his '72 Winternationals winning Vega on the cover! That's what got me hooked on drag racing, and gave me a liking to the Chevrolet Vega, and I have Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins to thank for turning an otherwise dreadful week back then, into a passion of mine like no other...introduction to the world of drag racing! :) What "Da Grump" did with those cars (all of them for that matter), was something I'll always be thankful for knowing about, and cherish the memories of reading about all of the following victories he had with his Vega's later in that year and afterwards. R.I.P. Grump...

I agree with you whole heartedly Doug Blackley...Buster Couch is about to start a heavenly match race featuring Lee Shepard, Ronnie Sox, Da Grump, Dyno Don, and Dandy Dick Landy...imagine how great a match race that is!!!

Someday, I hope to find a copy of that special magazine, because I'd love to have that to remember "Da Grump" by.....

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Back in the summer of 1994 I read in National Dragster The Jenkins Vega was going to be at the California Hot Rod Reunion and "The Grump" was supposed to be there too. A chance to meet a Great Legend, so a couple friends and myself decided we were going. We drove for 22 hours solid to get to Bakersfield. It was a weekend I will never forget. I met Bill and got to know a lot about him and his racing history over the weekend. We spoke about the 66 Chevy II, 68 Nova, Camaro's and Vega's he showed me all the little secrets about the Vega, the paper thin body and strut front end were the highlights. He was eager to share his history with us. Glenn Sharp had just completed the restoration of the car earlier in the year and it was beautiful. Above my fire place hangs a picture of that Grumpy's Toy Vega with me sitting inside, memories of that weekend are remembered daily. Bill's innovations and dedication to the Sport of Drag Racing will live forever...RIP Bill and Thank you. ( I also have read the Grumpy's Toys book and found it to be quite interesting)

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

When I converted my '67 Camaro to the 396-375, the decision to change was prompted by NHRA reducing the power factor and what I knew about Jenkins' performance with that combination when the cars were new. The next year at Indy, I was reading spark plugs on my car after a time trial and Jenkins and some other guy stopped in a golf cart on the road right behind my car. Jenkins got out, walked up to where I was, looked up and down the car, and looked me squarely in the eye. Without saying a word, he leaned over the fender, then turned and looked in the car. Then he turned back to me, took the cigar out of his mouth and said, "You're running faster than I did with a lot of trick stuff. Not bad." Turned and walked off. I was so dumb-founded, I didn't say a word or get his autograph or anything. It was a "moment" that your life pivots around.

He had more influence on Stock, Super Stock and Modified racing than any one person in the history of the sport. What a tribute! Mr. Doorslammer in my opinion.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Good point Danny. Yesterday I visited with Pete Kost and had him sign the photos of his Pro Stock car from the 70's. They are in the book "Pro Stock Drag Racing of the 70's Photo Archive" by Howard V. Koby. During our visit, which lasted about 2 hours, we discussed some of the greats during that era. He mentioned Jenkins, Glidden, Landy, Wally Booth and many, many more. Ever time I see him and Dino at the track it takes me back to a wonderful time in drag racing. I, sometimes, wish I was a little older to have experienced that era first hand. I am only 62, but do remember much from that time. Anyway, we will all move forward with memories from photos, books or videos of the Great Days of Drag Racing.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

It's taken me a day or so to get my thoughts together.

Looking back, it was a definite turning point in my life when my friends Steve Ash and Lewis Worden decided to buy a PS engine from Bill and pay him to tune it at the races. Through that association, I was lucky enough to be around him quite a bit. At the time, computers were pretty new and I found that he and I shared the same interest and the same hope to use them for better performance.

He soon became so well-liked that it was standard procedure to bring him a box of Macanudo cigars at the races we attended. It was small payment for the treatment he gave some small time racers from Missouri.

Prevously, Ash & Worden had used other famous engine suppliers. We soon found how the game worked. When our engine was almost finished, we got a message that there was a problem and it would be 5 to 6 weeks before it could be delivered. What that translated to was that the engine showed more power on the dyno than what the suppliers were using in their own car so "ours" went into their car until they could throw together some pieces to make another one.

Working with Bill was 180 degrees opposite. The money you paid bought parts, and your parts were your parts. There were no favorites in his shop who got first crack at the good stuff. When A&W's engine fired up with big power (#3 at Gainesville that year) there was never a question of who was going to get the engine. We appreciated that kind honesty and integrity.


The trailer time was something I'll never forget. Bill was always open to questions as long as you didn't bother him when he was deep in thought. He was absolutely honest in his answers and when I'd ask a particularly stupid question he'd smile a bit and then answer without making me feel even more naive.

The evenings were special, too. Pro Stock was different back then and though we were all dead serious about being competitive we all had other jobs so a race was a time to enjoy oneself. Steve liked to eat at good restaurants and Jenkins was always invited. The conversations after a few rounds of scotch were amazing and I'll regret to my dying days that there wasn't some sort of way that I could have recorded them.

Jenkins was a man who was interested - in a lot of things. His curiosity led him to the advances he invented for the sport, and as long as I was around him that fire never flickered.

He taught me more about the sport than anyone else, and it was never a "lecturing" situation. If you knew to ask the right questions, you'd get some priceless answers.

Along with Warren Johnson, Bill was one of the most misunderstood figures in drag racing. He had a tremendous sense of humor and after the work was done he led the pack in having fun.

Yes, he'd grunt. He wasn't a particularly articulate guy to start with and sometimes the issue involved a long answer he didn't have the time or inclination to get into. But if you were around him very long, it was evident that the grunts were a language all their own - from "good job" to "that sucked" to "who cares?"

I've been looking at this for a long time and keep adding things. There was so much more to the man that I could write for pages. To save all you the boredom, I'll end this now.

I will truly miss him and always remember him.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

RIP Grump

My family got to know Bill well through the last 15 years or so. Jenkins competition built my brother Dave's Comp and Pro Stock engines. He took a liking to my brother Dave and always gave us all he had engine wise. When Grump came to the track with us I was always astonished at the amount of fan support this man had. People would pack the rope and stand there for hours and await Bill to appear from the trailer! And when he did, they would often say " HEY GRUMP”…. do you remember when, or I saw you do this, or just try to get an autograph from him. Most of the time he would just mumble “bahhhh” and go on his way! He would get on that red scooter and buzz right thru the crowd often times hitting people on the way. We laughed every time! Grump was short on words, especially if you didn't have anything intelligent to say. There was no time for small talk with Grump on race day. But on occasion when he was feeling good you could get him to talk about the past. He used to tell us some crazy stories about road side break downs and the hillbilly tracks he raced at. We tried to squeeze out of him what went on at night, but he kept those stories a secret. I used to cook him hamburgers and hot dogs and always had to make sure there was cold beers in the cooler for him. If I didn’t cook his burger perfectly burnt on the outside and dead pink on the inside, he would fire it back and let me know about it…. Bahhhhhhh its not done right, make another one kid ! So I would cook another one and try it again.

We often took my SG Vega along in the same trailer with my bros cars. One time I told Grump I had a carb stumble and asked what he thought. As he usually did to me, he didn’t say anything and just kept going about his business! I just thought to myself.. whatever you Grumpy old man! Well the next day while I am warming up my car he comes over (with stogie in mouth) leans in and grabs the throttle and zings it to about 7,000 grand ! I was cracking up. He tells me to shut it off and says “Bahhhh.. the effin pump cam is wrong!” And he stumbled off without saying another word ! That’s how he was, you just never knew what to expect.

Grump is a legend in our sport and had a huge influence on a lot of people on a lot of different things. He will be missed by all. See you another day Bill

Sincerely,

Dan Northrop and the whole Northrop clan

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Enjoyed all of the 'Memories of Grumpy' posts, as long as we have those memories people never die. This has got to be one of the biggest losses ever in racing.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Reading these "special moments" are great; I have been reluctant to throw in our interactions with Grumpy, but reading the others are nice, so here goes:

In the staging lanes at Topeka with the Nomad (265-2 4's) Bill goes wheeling by on his scooter as Pros were under the tower, he about flips as he turns around, looks into the engine bay, and says that plenum is all wrong...my partner Ron asks if he could make one better, Grump says could I? or would I?

Don't rush me, and I'll mess around with something....send me your measurements, especially from the Chinese mark (what?) Not wanting to look stupid, we didn't ask

I called Jake about February to check on status (and cost!)...Jake said, yeah he's been tinkering on something in the back

Later we asked him to make one for the '57 we put together....he said how about the old Vega one, I'll modify it...if it don't work, I'll make another

He caught up with us at Topeka again, came over to out pit, Ron was working on the WCFB's, Bill took the floats and drew some lines on them....make 'em smaller so carb holds more fuel...it might work, then again it might not...worth a try

He asked if we ever thought about fuel injection, Ron said it don't flow enough: "it will when I get done with it"....we never did

Once, late at night, second round at Dallas he's asking how its going...heck engines were running, he had a cigar and had enjoyed a couple, I was so embarrassed I couldn't understand a word

At Joliet during first round of Jeg's AllStars, he was with Ron watching...at that time we were leaving at 6600 on the brake (with a blinder)....he walks back with Ron and said: leaning on 'em kinda hard aren't 'ya?

A few years ago we headed to Maple Grove for the Dutch, and took a half day to go over to his shop...heck I had a GPS and still got lost, we finally noticed the garage door half open and noticed some engines...went in and talked with Jake, then Bill came out of the office....I got one picture (posted in Ron Taylor photo gallery), I was too scared to asked for a second....he's got our car photos hanging on the wall...what a great feeling

Never in a million years, drooling over Hot Rod and Car Craft mags in the '60's did I ever imagine meeting the guy....

Gracious, kind and straightforward....great memories

The night at Mickey's Landing in Topeka will have to wait.......

Randall Klein
Ron Taylor
(I think Grump's pic with Ron is in the gallery 5 or 6 pages in if interested)

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Randall, that is an absolute perfect description! You nailed it, sir.

Adding to the reminiscing:

Though I really think he enjoyed the attention, Bill pretty much wanted to be left alone when was trying to relax and unwind. A fact most people didn't know about the Grump is that he made restaurant reservations under the name Jensen when he wanted to keep a low profile. When that name was called for a table, everyone in the place didn't start looking for a pen and paper for an autograph.

Second little known fact: The man was a dancing fool. After a few drinks, imagine a shorter John Travolta and you're there.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Ron Taylor and Grumpy

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Great picture and thanks for posting.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

R I P Grumpy!

Weird thing....I was at a training seminar in Exton, PA earlier this week, and on the way home I saw the exit for Malvern PA and thought I would love to drive by Jenkins Competition, but was really pressed for time. I figured I would make it a point to get there next time, but the fates thought differently. I have to admit I had a weird vibe when driving through there around 2:00 Thursday afternoon. How sad, my condolences to the Jenkins family. I've heard many tales of his short communications to people he would talk to, and the silence to those he wouldn't. My old friend Joe DeLorenzo had a bit of a friendship with the Grump, and they would wonder why they were talking to each other at the races after 30+years!

A legend that will never be forgotten!

God speed, Bill!,

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Memphis late eighties
The "Grump" and Linda Vaughn dancing all night in a hotel lounge. He wasn't feeling no pain. RIP

Greg

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Frank, I knew Joey was a friend and customer in the mid to late 60's but he would never bother The Grump at the track.
One day in about 1973, we're walking behind the grandstand at Englishtown ,and we run into Jenkins..
Joey grabs him, and the two wander off in discussion. Later I ask Joey what that was all about...
Joe says " I never get to talk to him anymore. I figured I better ask him something. I asked him about the new (at the time) H&H racing fuel.
He went off about the fuel weight and make -up to where I didn't know what the hell he was talking about. He said he'd get some in the shop and let me know what he thought"

Don't know if he ever did...

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XruGkdrdoKs

great video

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Hard to add much to what has been said but still my sincere condolences to the Jenkins family. Jenkins was a true legend.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

They should do a Pro Stock parade on Sunday, prior to eliminations, with a "missing man" formation, like they did for Lee Sheperd many years ago,,, just a thought.
Danny Durham

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I agree 100% NHRA should honor Bill for his contributions
to Pro Stock and the sport in general .
Mark Madison

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I couldn't agree more, and I hope that when the nationals goes to Pennsylvania, they have someone cruise the track with one (or more) of "Grumpy's Toys", as a close to home tribute to one awesome Grump....

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

had the rare pleasure of spending the day with the grump after rain cancelled the days events at the track,heres a picture taken at my shop with the grump RIP, you will be missed!

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Don't worry about what NHRA should do to honor him, what about Cheby? After all he did for them Not A Word of Thanks or anything.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

The only time I ever saw Jenkins was at a remote dragstrip in central Florida in 1962, at an old airstrip in Valcaria. They were having a super stock meet there and we came up from Miami to watch.

Many big name super stock racers were there. I remember Dan Gay, with his '62 Pontiac and another kid from Dickinson, TX whose dad also owned a dealership, a Plymouth dealership, but I can't remember his name. I just remember that he spun it out at the end of the quarter mile, but nothing got hurt.

Strickler and Jenkins where there with Old Reliable II. That was cool because I had seen the car in so many magazines. At the time, I thought that was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. Still rates right up there on my list.

Anyhow the hood was open so I walked over. There was a bunch of guys around it but an open space right in front. So, that's where I went. I heard a little guy, that I recognized as Jenkins, say to me "Move out of the way kid, you're blocking the air." Everyone was looking and I was so embarassed, I just crawled away.

What he had done was slip the belt off and put a smaller belt between the fan and the generator. Then reverse the polarity of the generator and use it as an electric motor to drive the fan while the car was sitting idle, to cool the engine down. Pretty inovative at the time.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Later, when I heard that he was nicknamed "Grumpy", I understood completely.

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

I use to hang out at Jere Stahls Total gas station in Romulus Mi was there the week he built the four tube headers for the 63 Z-11 when Jere was done they went out made a couple of passes on Northline Road it was about the first week in April of 63 just after Detroit Dragway opened Strickler and Jenkins had a match race there that weekend

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Now I know why they were so close and such good friends, I guess the lady loved to dance...

http://www.hotrodhotline.com/sites/d...K11__233_1.jpg

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

hi ,hemi moose ,the picture of grumpy and lynda was at musclecar madness at york last summer 2011 ,i was there and i can see grumpy for the reunion of the tree old reliable cars and for the first time apperance of the 61 red chevy than bill remove the cover on it ,and when the announcer speak about the car , bill call the announcer about a missing moulding around the back glass , very funny moment ,about lynda , she is not dancing this day with bill because she has a proplem with her leg ,so it was a great moment to see bill for the last time ,r.i.p. grumpy

Re: Bill Jenkins
 

Must have been a real Kodak moment!! He really was a much loved racing icon!!