HOUSE SPRINGS, Missouri — IHRA Owner Larry Jeffers and staff want to pass on our condolences to the family of Melvin "Jerry" Bickel, who died Wednesday at the age of 75. Jerry was one of the most respected car builders and parts suppliers in the drag racing industry. His impact on the sport is tremendous, both through the quality cars he built like those for IHRA Hall of Fame driver Rickie Smith and teaching others the craft.