Bob Jenkins historic marker • Liberty Indiana
Bob Jenkins
The course of Bob Jenkins’ life was set in motion after attending his first Indianapolis 50 in 1960. Auto racing instantly became his passion. Pursuing that passion eventually propelled him to the top echelon of his chosen profession of broadcasting. In 1979, after honing his skills in a variety of radio positions, Jenkins accepted an invitation from Paul Page to join the international broadcast of the 500. In 1990, Bob became the Radio Voice of the 500 and in 1999 his smooth baritone voice could be heard leading the TV broadcast of the Great Race. Broadcasting the 500 ranks as a life achievement for most, yet Bob rose even higher. His acomplishments at ABC, NBC, and ESPN are historic. With ESPN’s NASCAR shows, he established the network’s credibility and elevated the sport’s popularity as well. Despite his international acclaim, Bob remained humble, down to earth, and proud to be from Liberty, Indiana. In an act that revealed much about his character, in 2012 Bob stepped away from racing to take care of his ailing wife. Upon her death, he returned to the microphone until his untimely passing on August 9, 2021.
Indiana Racing Memorial Association
www.racingmemoral.org
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