Don't post very often. But just heard the sad news that Doug Jones has passed. Doug Jones, Dave Benisek, Jim Bell and Bill Trevor, are among our mentors. Back in the 70's when I got my FIRST STAGE 1 before there was the GSCA all of those people were instrumental in helping me get my 70 STAGE 1 running in the mid 12's back then. Lots of phone calls no internet LOL. I never met Bill Trevor. But would regularly see the others in BG and spend time learning about BUICK performance and history going to dinner with those guys. Let's not forget these guys and pay tribute to them. They have contributed a LOT to the BUICK performance world. We would not be able to do what we can do today without their experience's advice and help !!
The news floored me today. I knew Doug for 47 years. We talked often after I left Kenne Bell Perf. He taught this very young man how to build professional circle track motors that set track records over and over. I couldn't believe he let me check and help assemble those motors. Doug was a great teacher and I just listened. He taught me how important dyno testing was and final tune at the track. After winning class at the 1975 Winter Nationals, Doug thought my 72 Stage 1 had more in it so we changed rear ends from his car to mine right there at the track. When Kenne Bell went to V6's, we took the Skyhawk up north. During time trials it wasn't competitive so we loaded it up and drove back to Pomona, changed cams and drove back all night to the track. That was worth every moment of the long night, we won. I could tell stories like that for hours. That is the Doug I knew, he would do anything to help you win not just compete. Its rare to know someone of that caliber let alone work side by side. It has been an honor to know and work with him. Many don't know he worked for 3 major NASCAR teams and was their cylinder head guy. Yep he guided me on the development of the Buick 532 cfm Billet heads. Certainly a humble and brilliant man. May he have found eternal rest in the arms of God! I love you Doug!
Sad to hear - Another legand in the Buick world gone. Thanks for the stories @ROCK N ROLL GSX & @ken betts. Keep 'em coming!
I too, have know Doug since the 1970’s. I would call Kenne-Bell at midnight eastern time. 9:00 pm there. Jim Bell or Doug would answer the phone. Would talk to them about problems or purchasing parts. I was at the US Nationals in 1974 when Doug won class. He defeated the Super Stock magazine car. He asked if I would go to tear down to help him, and I agreed. When ever he came to the GS Nationals, I would look him up. Some years I would swap meet, and he would come by and visit. I was in Mooresville several times in 2018 and 2019. We got together every time that I was there. I am so thankful for that! He was also a Vietnam vet! You will be missed!!!
Another Buick performance giant gone. I never met him but, like many of us, knew we as a community owed him a debt of gratitude. Patrick
Sorry to hear this.. I knew him only by email, and one meeting at BG, but his accomplishments are legendary and well known to the Buick Faithful. RIP Mr Jones. First Greg, now Doug, I shutter to think who might be the third.. JW
The "last" time Doug was at the GS Nationals we went out to dinner with him Jim Bell and Dave. I just wanted to add that he was a very soft spoken, quiet, low key, individual, and one of the humblest person that you could meet. I recall discussing with him piston to wall clearances he would recommend for a set of NOS factory STAGE 2 pistons I had. He readily and willingly provided me with info and his suggestions and more. That was the last time we saw him. He had a wealth of experience and knowledge. I certainly appreciated him sharing some of it with us. A good time was had by all that evening. Especially for me being among mentors.
Well, I was also surprised by this news, Doug and I went to the same high school in NY, only 10 years apart, so I didn't get to know him till our Buick connection brought us together. I told my parents I was going to the GS Nationals in 1985 with my brother and this fax appeared in my office.(I still have it it is just probably faded) It was for a Red GS Stage 1 that was going to be for sale in Bowling Green and I should look for it. Seems that Doug's friend worked with or for my Dad and they had talked and sent me the fax, Small world, in the last few years, as the Jones & Bensick car came up for sale many times at the Mecum auctions, Doug would call me to see if I knew who bought and I, of course, had no idea, but it was always great to hear his voice and talk to him, going to missed that's for sure. RIP Buick Friend, you willl not be forgotten,
I never met him, but have read a lot about him and what he has done to help make our Buicks “Go Fast With Class”! Rest in peace sir! Best regards to the Jones family.