NASCAR Mourns Loss of Prominent Motorsports Broadcaster Bob Jenkins
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USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Borg Warner trophy sits with a bottle of milk on the yard of bricks before the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
In a spot of tragic news, reports emerged that longtime motorsports broadcaster Bob Jenkins passed away. The 73-year-old was best known for his exemplary work in the Indianapolis 500 and in NASCAR. As it turned out, Jenkins lost his long-standing battle with with brain cancer.
During his broadcasting tenure, he worked for ESPN, ABC and later on, NBCSN. Apparently, he has primarily worked on the IndyCar scene, but later moved on to become the IMS’ main announcer. Prior to Jenkins’ appointment, Tom Carnegie made the role famous for 60 years until 2006.
Our sport has lost a wonderful man and an iconic voice, but Bob Jenkins is unforgettable. Myself and so many others have lost a dear and loyal friend. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed. https://t.co/Y0V6Ivu0ST
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) August 9, 2021
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Among other accolades, Jenkins received the Robin Miller Award at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is also worth mentioning that it was not the first time he has battled cancer. Back in the 1980s, he managed to survive colon cancer and went back to commentating. Sadly in 2012, tragedy struck when he lost his wife to cancer in October.
Saddened to hear the passing of Bob Jenkins. You will be greatly missed by the entire racing family. Prayers to Bobs family. pic.twitter.com/HfTXVhWYPJ
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) August 9, 2021
Bob Jenkins was a respected figure in NASCAR and IndyCar
“Bob Jenkins had an incredible passion for racing and his enthusiasm, combined with his genuine love and knowledge of the sport, endeared him to motorsports fans all over the world,” said Roger Penske. “His announcing career spanned nearly 50 years, and to an entire generation, the sound of Bob’s voice simply meant it was time to go racing. That legendary voice became the soundtrack for the Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Indy series during the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Jenkins is best known for his baritone and the 1992 Indy 500. During that particular race, Al Unser Jr. managed to best Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds. Owing to that, it became one of the closest race finishes at the track and a truly memorable moment to commentate over.
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Roger Penske’s statement on the passing of Bob Jenkins. pic.twitter.com/eBan6zyZEI
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) August 10, 2021
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Last year, he had to retire from the role of IMS track announcer. This was because, doctors discovered two malignant tumors in his brain. After month of fighting, the commentating legend has finally succumbed and will be sorely missed.
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