French Hunter Grimes

French Hunter Grimes, 83, of Haywood, VA, passed away at the University of Virginia Hospital on September 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late French Pierce and Alice Lucy Teats Grimes. French doubled his credit hours and graduated early from high school in Washington, DC, and would begin his career as a Steam Pipe Fitter in DC in the late 1960’s and then moved to Culpeper Stone Quarry as head mechanic. He would retire at the age of 39 and was self-employed as a mechanic. He created and patented the articulated hold-down clamp for distributors, magnetos, and twin mags. He was a pioneer of race car technology. He went on to create an affordable competitive form of sprint car racing that gave grassroots racers a place in the sport. What began as an effort to keep racing affordable grew into a nationwide racing community and lasting legacy known as RaceSaver Enterprises. He was known for his fierce and unyielding devotion to truth, compassion, and tenacity. French lived a life anchored not by convenience, but by conviction. He never chose the easier path or stayed silent. He measured a good day by having a clear conscience. 

He leaves behind a standard of integrity that will continue to guide all who knew him. He is survived by his partner of 36 years and wife of 11 years, Virginia Karen Grimes; daughter Shannon (Tony) Welch; son French C. Grimes (Kristen) and Nancy (Marshall) Mitchell; along with 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, in addition to many loyal friends. 

A funeral service will be held to remember his uncompromising spirit on Sunday, September 20th at 1 pm at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison. Interment will be private.

Preddy Funeral Home of Madison is in charge of arrangements.