Bob Jenkins | |
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Jenkins at the 1985 Indianapolis 500 | |
Born | Robert Francis Jenkins September 4, 1947 Richmond, Indiana, U.S. |
Died | August 9, 2021 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. | (aged 73)
Education | Indiana University Bloomington |
Occupation | Announcer |
Known for | Calling NASCAR and IndyCar races on ABC and ESPN |
Robert Francis Jenkins (September 4, 1947 – August 9, 2021) was an American television and radio sports announcer,[1][2] primarily calling Indy car and NASCAR telecasts for ESPN/ABC and later Versus/NBCSN. Jenkins was the radio "Voice of the Indianapolis 500" on the IMS Radio Network from 1990 to 1998, then held the same role on ABC Sports television from 1999 to 2001.
His last position was the lead commentator for NBCSN coverage of the IndyCar Series. He retired from broadcasting after the 2012 IndyCar season finale to care for his wife Pam who was battling brain cancer. After his wife's death that offseason, Jenkins came out of retirement for occasional reserve roles on television, radio, and public address primarily at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.[3][4]