Bob Jenkins

For the fictional character, see Almost Normal. For the NASCAR team owner, see Front Row Motorsports. For the American football halfback, see Bob Jenkins (American football).

Bob Jenkins
Jenkins at the 1985 Indianapolis 500
Born
Robert Francis Jenkins

(1947-09-04)September 4, 1947
Richmond, Indiana, U.S.
DiedAugust 9, 2021(2021-08-09) (aged 73)
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
EducationIndiana University Bloomington
OccupationAnnouncer
Known forCalling 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]

  1. ^ Bob Jenkins Memorial
  2. ^ "Jenkins: Parsons loved eats, song with colleague". NASCAR.com. January 17, 2007. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
  3. ^ "Experienced lineup". indyCar.com. January 14, 2009. Archived from the original on January 21, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
  4. ^ "Oct. 26: On Bob Jenkins and an Italian race". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on January 20, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2012.