Sport: Grumpy the Drag King

Professional drag racing doesn't offer much in the way of fringe benefits or job security, but at least the hourly pay is difficult to beat. Last year, for exactly 46 minutes of racing, Bill ("Grumpy") Jenkins got $260,000 (including $110,000 for commercial endorsements). Barring an accident, his wage rate this year —roughly $5,650 a minute—will be about the same.

A small (5 ft. 4 in.), balding troll of a man with a porcupine persona, Jenkins, 42, dominates a sport usually associated with big bruisers in black leather. Last year he won ten of the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!