Grumpy Jenkins Dead at 81

**Robby321** · 03-31-2012, 08:01 PM

I'm out in the shop here now, NHRA Nats, on the tube. Nice tribute to "Grump", and the end was one of him, "with a new cigar!"? Like said before, him tuning a P/S ride, in the pits, bent over the motor, working his magic, (and remember now the driver, Dave Connely!)..last time seen the "Grump?". I said.."Hey Grump, remember ya from WAY long ago, Midwest races, and been years! Ya still got that attitude?" HA! (gave me a dirty look, think wanted to toss a wrench at me to go away...Yep, cigar stub in his mouth, never said a word, to me, but, think I saw a slight "Grin", the old guys puss!)

Same time/day, at the Seattle NHRA Nats, he was on the starting line, as crew chief, Dave lined up after the burn out, and stage. So he's next to Rick Stewart, starter, and old Grump had no vid cam, no zip, but a damn "notepad", and fast and furious writing down what saw, times, etc...still with that smoking cigar too!

So the Finals are over. We are the far side the strip from the parking lot, walking back over, just behind the start line. Here comes Rick Stewart..(HOT DAMN DAY TOO), back in his personal car, A/C on, trying to get out after DAYS of, "nitro and tire smoke inhaling", and he's lighting a cigarette! Still think, do ANY damn thing ya want in life, screw the armchair "experts", and simple me "RACE/DRINK/PARTY/ and LIGHT UP ONE... Works for me, 6 decades! And worked for Grump, 81 YEARS too! Were all gonna not get out this mortal life alive anyway, so might as well...LIVE IT!