Bill Jenkins
While several of his fellow future Hall of Famers were boldly experimenting with exotic fuel measures and superchargers, Bill Jenkins was content to search for a hundredth of a second, in 100 different places. This patient, scientific approach to horse power and traction paid dividends as early as the mid-50’s, when the engine builder became known in the Northeast for setting up winning six cylinder and V-8 Chevy Stockers. Wider acclaim followed in the early 60’s, thanks to record-setting stints preparing Bill Spanakos’ “Monster Mash” 1955 Chevy and Dave Strickler’s “Old Reliable” 1963 Chevy. Climbing behind the wheel himself in 1965, the “rookie” was instantly rewarded with Top Stock honors at the NHRA Winternationals. In 1966, his unique, 327ci Nova -the original “Grumpy’s Toy”- dared challenge the dominant Dodge and Plymouth Hemis in A/Stock, to the delight of Chevy lovers nationwide. His 427ci Camaro B/Gasser match raced during 1969 as a “heads up Super Stocker” and became the prototype for Pro Stock. When the third professional category debuted in 1970, Jenkins upset the Mopar’s at both Pomona and Gainesville. He also pioneered small stock power plants, McPherson strut suspension, tube frames and dry-sump oiling for Pro Stockers. He became the only driver to win all three PRO-PRA events, then retired from driving. In 1976, hired hands Larry Lombardo and Ken Dondero drove twin Vegas to both the NHRA and AHRA points championships. Jenkins performance “shop cars” are credited with winning six such titles, plus 36 NHRA national events, and 20 Car Craft All-Star team selections.