Re: Joe LePone passes.
It is with a heavy heart that I report Joe Lepone Jr. passed away Friday, July 12th after a bout
with cancer. Anyone who follows doorslammer racing over the decades is aware of Joe Lepone
Jr. and his long list of accomplishments. Joe made quite a name for himself in the Pro Stock
ranks. It's also noteworthy that he had a stint handling driving duties for the late Bill "Grumpy"
Jenkins. Joe also worked with Pat Musi, Rickie Smith and many of the major heavyweights of
the Pro Modified scene. He was involved with both driving and tuning during his lengthy career
in many different drag racing organizations, including NHRA, IHRA, PDRA, NMCA, NEOPMA,
EOPM, and ADRL Qatar. Joe Lepone Jr. was known as being a good guy who had tons of
patience and understanding for anyone who had a question or needed his advice. There were
no "stupid questions" when you approached Joe, he was gracious and generous with his
knowledge. No matter how busy he was, Joe always made time to share his guidance and
wisdom with others seeking his expertise. Joe Lepone Jr. leaves all of us in the drag racing
community with a big and friendly footprint. We'll always remember Joe Lepone Jr.. Our sincere
condolences to Joe's wife Cynthia and family.
Joe Lepone Jr. had a long and impressive career in drag racing, including a stint driving for Bill
"Grumpy" Jenkins.
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