Tony started racing at a young age and rode on a Kawasaki 120cc. He rode for Tommy Tackett, Jacksonville Motorcycle Sales, Clint Cavin CZ, CZ factory, Naguchi Yamaha, Kawasaki Motor Co., and many local Arkansas dealers. Tony earned the right to go to Czechoslovakia and train at the CZ factory complex along with the likes of Brad Lackey, Sonny Defeo, and many other European riders. Tony’s hard work and dedication to the sport earned him the national number 26.

Tony was a racers racer. He traveled in his box van along with his mechanic Gene Bates and Bobby Weeks, along with fellow racer's Ron Osburn, Mike Bowers, Ricky Jordan, many more and me. After traveling all night, when Tony and his bunch rolled into the pits with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or the Stones blaring from his stereo echoing their arrival throughout the pits. Tony was a dear friend of mine, but on the track, we raced hard and we raced clean.

Even though Tony raced at Daytona, the Houston Astrodome, Texas Stadium, TransAMA events and many Nationals events, he always had time to race in his home state of Arkansas. We raced at Star City, Mayflower, North Little Rock at the river, Sheridan, Jonesboro, and the old Jaycee track in North Little Rock. Anywhere there was a race we raced; RAIN, SNOW, or MUD, it did not matter the race was on. Tony held a MX school which he conducted the Saturday before the races, and was always there to help young and up-coming riders.

I was Tony's friend and competitor for many years, and having the Sherwood track named in his honor is a fitting tribute to a young man who devoted his life to motorcycle racing. Tragically, Tony lost his life in an automobile accident. I miss Tony, and for those who knew him, we are blessed to have had the opportunity to watch a remarkable and talented rider.

Lynn Davis