Bob Jenkins

Just wanted to pass along condolences to longtime ESPN Auto Racing announcer Bob Jenkins, whose wife of 44 years Pam passed away from brain cancer, according to a Twitter message from Marty Snider. Didn't realize this, but Bob recently retired from announcing after 30+ years in the business. For those that don't know, Bob was the lead announcer for ESPN Auto Racing '81, which featured ESPN's first televised NASCAR races, back in 1981. Among the modest schedule ESPN covered that year was their inaugural broadcast at Rockingham, Martinsville, Dover, and their first live coverage of a race, the 1981 Atlanta Journal 500. Together with Larry Nuber, then later with Benny Parsons and Ned Jarrett, Bob was a part of what many longtime viewers feel was one of if not the best NASCAR announce teams ever assembled.

I can tell those of you that have only been around long enough to hear the likes of Darrell Waltrip and the whole "Boogity" nonsense, you missed the true salad days of NASCAR coverage from the early eighties- 2000.

updated by @jay-coker: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Despain and Nuber called the 1981 Winston 500 for ESPN, a race I admittedly forgot was part of their modest schedule that year. I am sure that someone else will know better than I will, but I believe at the time Despain was also working for MRN before becoming the "host" of WTBS' coverage of Auto Racing, which started in 1983 at Richmond I believe. He was always in the "STP Pit Communications Center" behind pit road, giving rundowns on the leaders, standings, etc.

So sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family, Rest in Peace dear sweet Lady.......

I agree with everything said here. It's very unfortunate that Bob had so little time left to spend with his wife. I had hoped for at least 12 months.Many hold Alan Bestwick as the gold standard of NASCAR TV announcers, but those who say that cannot have been paying attention when Bob Jenkins was on the air. Alan is a very knowledgeable host, but I feel he's more suited to a panel show than calling a race. Mike Joy has been better, and may even be as good as Jenkins but is hobbled by the network's idea of entertainment.Those early Jenkins/Nuber races were laughably primitive. I think they had only one camera and it missed every single incident on the track during the first two years. But those two knew how to call a race. The broadcasts with Parsons & Jarrett were Olympian in status.

That's indeed sad news. Thank you for making us aware. Condolences to Bob and his family. We lost a top notch announcer the day he retired.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

My thoughts and prayers to the Jenkins family. God bless them.

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.