A drag racing legend has passed away.

Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, a Pro Stock legend and master of the Chevrolet engine, died on March 29. He was 81.

"Everyone at NHRA is saddened by the passing of Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, not only a pioneer in the sport, but also an iconic figure in NHRA Pro Stock racing," said NHRA President Tom Compton in a prepared statement. "He was there from the beginning, playing an integral role in the formation of Pro Stock and remained involved in NHRA for decades. His presence and trademark gruff exterior and cigar will be missed but never forgotten at the starting line at NHRA Full Throttle events."

A drag racing legend has passed away.

Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, a Pro Stock legend and master of the Chevrolet engine, died on March 29. He was 81.

"Everyone at NHRA is saddened by the passing of Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, not only a pioneer in the sport, but also an iconic figure in NHRA Pro Stock racing," said NHRA President Tom Compton in a prepared statement. "He was there from the beginning, playing an integral role in the formation of Pro Stock and remained involved in NHRA for decades. His presence and trademark gruff exterior and cigar will be missed but never forgotten at the starting line at NHRA Full Throttle events."

Jenkins was voted No. 8 in the NHRA's 100 all-time drag racers list compiled in 2001 during the 50th anniversary of the sanctioning body. He is credited with 13 wins, but it wasn't driving a race car which inspired him the most. He was a mechanical innovator and was credited with developing drag racing's first dry-sump oiling system, the first kickout oil pans and the first Pro Stock strut-style front suspension. He's also largely recognized for developing gas port pistons, the slick-shift manual transmission, cool cans and the electric water pump fan.

Jenkins was inducted into the Don Garlits' International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1993, the michigan-based Motorsports Hall of Fame as well as the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008. He was a three-time Car Craft All-Star Drag Racing Team appointee.

The staff of CompetitionPlus.com offers the Jenkins family, their friends and drag racing fans our deepest condolences.