May 21, 2021 / 04:35 AM EST
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Bob Jenkins began the week with a bold declaration.
“I don’t know where I am going to be on (Indianapolis 500) race day. I have no idea where I am going to watch the race from, but I will be there,” Jenkins said.
You see, previously Jenkins was aware he would likely miss his first Indianapolis 500 since 1965.
For four-plus decades, attendance was easy. Jenkins rose into one of motorsports’ premier broadcasters, rising in front of the television alongside NASCAR’s national ascension. The Liberty, Indiana, native never strayed far from home either.
Jenkins is one of the most beloved figures in Indianapolis 500 history, logging a stellar career behind the microphone on television, radio and most recently as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s public address announcer.