Jerry Bickel Death, Obituary – On April 5, the racing world lost a true legend. Melvin “Jerry” Bickel, inventor of Jerry Bickel Race Cars and renowned doorslammer chassis builder, went suddenly at the age of 75. Matthew Bickel and Katherine Elizabeth (Marty) Randolph were his children; he was also the father of Rhys Randolph and Colin Randolph and the grandpa of all four. His obituary notes that he was an avid boater, helicopter pilot, and scuba diver.
Jerry Bickel and his company were avid backers of the National Hot Rod Association, and his support trailer was a common sight at many of the series’ biggest events. In several subcultures of drag racing, his constructions became famous. Over the course of 40 years, his Ohio-based shop, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, became a top-tier enterprise. His firm has lately grown to include mail-order parts for do-it-yourself race car constructors and fans.
Bickel worked for both Troy Motors and Marquiz Motors before deciding to go out on his own and create his own company in Troy, Ohio. He made significant contributions to the development of high-performance doorslammer drag racing, and his chassis’ have been used in NHRA, PDRA, and IHRA competitions. His creations have helped drivers win titles in sanctioned events all around the world, including Pro Stock, Pro Modified, Street Outlaws No Prep Kings, Top Sportsman, grudge trials, drag radial contests, and more.