Famed drag racing chassis builder Melvin “Jerry” Bickel passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75. Bickel, a name as synonymous with the upper echelons of the sport as any other, was one of the revolutionizing forces behind the growth of fast doorslammer drag racing, producing innumerable wins, championships, and world records around the globe, in everything from Pro Stock and Pro Modified, to Top Sportsman, Street Outlaws No Prep Kings, drag radial competition, grudge/no-time, and beyond.

Bickel, of Troy, Missouri, was the husband of Jennifer Bickel, son of the late Melvin and Birdie Bickel, father to Katherine Elizabeth (Marty) Randolph and Matthew Bickel, and a grandfather of two. Jerry grew up in the Florissant area and worked at Troy Motors and later, Marquiz Motors, for several years. He founded Jerry Bickel Race Cars over 40 years ago, growing the Moscow Mills-based operation into one of the elite and most respected brands in the business. In recent years, his business had expanded to include mail-order components for the at-home race car builder and enthusiast. Bickel was a scuba diver, flew helicopters, and loved boating. 

“I met Jerry Bickel somewhere around 1984. We became friends and he was determined to build me a race car in ’86,’ said longtime customer and close personal friend Rickie Smith. “He built me his first Pro Stock car, and we went out and tested it and it ran three-hundredths quicker than we had ever ran. The rocker panels on the car ran uphill, it looked different and we had a lot of laughs about it, but we won four Pro Stock championships in a row, and the rest is history. Even though we are only a few years apart [in age], Jerry was like a father figure to me. He has built me over 30 new cars over the years, and every one of them was great. He’d call me practically every night at 6:30 my time, and the first thing he would say was what was for supper. I know Jerry is out of pain now and in a better place.”

“Heartbreaking news,” began race promoter and fellow Missourian Kenny Rowling. “I’ve known Jerry since I was a three year old boy growing up in Moscow Mills. He was a friend of my father’s, and I was honored to call him a friend, as well. He supported my dream of the American Drag Racing League since day one. His impact on drag racing is immeasurable. His brilliant mind and countless safety innovations have, and will continue to save lives. His legacy will live on forever. Praying for peace and comfort for his wonderful family and all of us whose lives he touched. Godspeed, my friend.”

“All of us here at Mike Bowman Racing would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and all who are Mourning the loss of Jerry Bickel. Jerry was a friend and will be missed. Godspeed,” stated Pro Modified and No Prep Kings racer Mike Bowman.