RIP Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins

I remember reading an article about him in the early 80's. I remember a quote when asked about losing a big final. He said he hated to lose but the fact is in drag racing you are gonna lose more often than you win and you can't let it get to you. That stuck in my head as a young drag racer who would lose his temper when a race didn't go my way. It helped me grow up a little and act like a grown up at the track. R.I.P Grump.

 

A huge loss for drag racing. He will always be the father of Pro Stock! R.I.P.,and Hey Grump, THANKS Steve

 

Very sad, a legend for sure. I was never a big Chevy guy, but 'Da Grump' built some of the coolest shit, yeah, even the Vegas.

 

I recently read an intersting article in Super Chevy about his 409 race car that was restored/recreated. Ingenious guy to read and hear about to say the least.

 

He was the reason I wanted a 68 Camaro for my first car . RIP Grump .

 

Ronnie Sox Dick Landy now da Grump Damn theres some good drag racing in heaven tonight. RIP hemi killer much respect

 

RIP Grump


from the March Meet

 

Cecil County Drag Strip (Maryland) --back in the day; saw him pull a hole shot/BURN OUT WITH THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN A BIT held by his hand open.

What a driver-what a showman!!!!

 

That sir brought a tear to my eye.

 

Rip

 

R.I.P. Grumph Jenkins. Grumpy was from way back in the day when I was racing Temptation. He came a long way baby and is now spinning tales at the big raceway in the sky. You will be missed my friend.

Tex Sarnaby

 

I have always been a life long Mopar and Ford lover BUT I had great respect for the Grump he had style and a talent to make more power. RIP Bill

 

Rest in Peace Grumpy, you were my hero when I was a kid.

 

I remember watching him check out the best line down the track. He almost laid down on the track to find the fastest groove. Then he got out a broom and swept the track from the water box to way out past the tree. I don't remember who was driving for him but they talked for a long time before the driver got in the car. Together they laid down a good lap. It was very impressive. I think this was in the early 80s. RIP Grumpy.

 

RIP Grumpy

 

In my book he was a supreme engine builder. AND, he'd follow his engines as often as he could at the Drag Strips. He was always in the hunt for new information and a tinkerer too. He made many contributions to us in this field. RIP Grumpy!
Normbc9

 

My Grumpy pic (RIP).

You make the caption.

 

The scariest ride I ever took was with Grumpy driving a rental car after he had enjoyed half a bottle of Scotland's finest - I'll really miss ya Grump....

 

RIP, Grump you will be missed.

 

Oh man prostock will never be the same without him!!
Godspeed Grumpy

 

Rest in peace Grumpy! At least I made him laugh once....

 

Nuff said ! Godspeed my Brother...

 

A sad day for us. Thanks for the years of entertainment Mr. Jenkins.

 

Asked him about a job while were were both taking a leak at Motor City Dragway, about 1968. He told me to move to PA and he would hire me.

Wonder how that would have changed my life!

RIP

 

Damn it. There is a group of men from previous generations that are/were true innovators and I hate to see any one of them go. Few create or contribute today like they did back when. Now everyone wants to shop online or buy from a catalog.... there aren't enough people left that spend hours in the drive way or garage looking for ways to improve their ride on their own. The possibilities once seemed endless but now it appears too few care. "Grumpy" and so many others are truly missed. Reflecting on things....I once had a Grump Lump inspired hood scoop...mocked it up on a few rides but never used it....long gone now. At least that brought a smile to my face.

 

He will not be forgotten, RIP Grump

 

R.I.P. Mr Jenkins .....loved the camaro.
B.B.

 

Heard that this am on another site. Another legend gone.

 

Early 70's, punk kid stormin through new Hot Rod mag to see what was up with the 'Grump'.
Great memories. Thanks Mr. Jenkins. RIP

 

R.i.p. The grump