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Bob Jenkins, a legendary auto racing broadcaster whose voice became an inseparable part of NASCAR's growth on television as well as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, died Monday following an eight-month battle with brain cancer. He was 73.

A native of Liberty, Indiana, Jenkins worked five decades for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network and also anchored both IndyCar and NASCAR races on television, serving as a play-by-play announcer for the Indianapolis 500 as well as ESPN's coverage of NASCAR. At IMS, Jenkins started his career as a backstretch announcer in 1979 before becoming one of the track's most iconic voices and the chief announcer -- otherwise known as the "Voice of the 500" -- from 1990 to 1998.

Jenkins revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with two malignant tumors behind his right temple following a severe headache last Christmas. News of his passing was shared by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of legendary motorsports broadcaster Bob Jenkins," read a statement by the Speedway. "He will be truly missed by race fans around the world. Bob was one of the kindest, most genuine people anyone could meet, and his legacy will live forever."

In addition to his role at Indianapolis, Jenkins was also one of the very first employees at ESPN upon the network's launch in 1979, and for over 20 years was a central figure in auto racing coverage. Jenkins served as the lead announcer for NASCAR racing on the network, forming an iconic broadcasting team alongside Cup Series champions Ned Jarrett and Benny Parsons.

In addition to his NASCAR and IndyCar work, Jenkins also served as the host of SpeedWeek on ESPN as well as the network's broadcasts of USAC Sprint Car and Midget racing. Jenkins also appeared in two major motion pictures, serving as the announcer in Days of Thunder while also making a cameo as a studio host in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

Several of Jenkins' most iconic calls came at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, most notably the finish of the closest-ever Indianapolis 500 in 1992 that saw Al Unser Jr. edge Scott Goodyear for the win by .043 seconds. Jenkins also called the inaugural Brickyard 400 for ESPN, calling Indiana racing star Jeff Gordon's victory in the first-ever NASCAR race at the track.

Although he retired from television at the end of the 2012 IndyCar season, Jenkins continued his work at Indianapolis as a contributor to the public address system. Jenkins was inducted into the IMS Hall of Fame in 2019, and this past May received the Robin Miller Award in recognition of his career.

Jenkins was preceded in death by his wife Pam, who also died of brain cancer in 2012.