Thread: Bill Jenkins
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Old 03-30-2012, 08:55 AM   #56
Dwight Southerland
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Location: Arkansas - In the middle of everything.
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Default 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.
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