Drag racing legend has died

[Dare]

NHRA Pro Stock racer Bill ''Grumpy'' Jenkins, one of drag racing's most influential stars, has died. He was 81.


IN MEMORIAM
We remember those who died in the sports world in 2012.
Jenkins died on March 29. NHRA president Tom Compton says Jenkins played an integral role in the formation of Pro Stock.

Jenkins was known as much for his mechanical achievements as for his driving. The NHRA says Jenkins was responsible for drag racing's first dry-sump oiling system, the first kickout oil pans and Pro Stock strut-style front suspension, as well as gas port pistons, slick-shift manual transmissions, cool cans, and the electric water-pump fan.

He was inducted into several racing Hall of Fames and was No. 8 among NHRA Drag Racing's greatest racers in a 2001 experts poll.

Jenkins earned 13 NHRA national event wins.

[cosworth151]

Grumpy was one of the main people behind what is now Pro Stock evolving from the old Super Stock class. His cars usually carried the name "Grumpy's Toy." He was a long-time standard bearer for Chevy.

He got the nickname Grumpy for is no-nonsense attitude towards the sport.

R.I.P., Grumpy.

[lkjohnson1950]

And for the fact that he NEVER smiled!