Through 2003 the karting community has lost many fine contributors to the sport through natural causes, street accidents, and other reasons.  A friend to many at the North Texas Karters (NTK) Club in Denton Texas, Tony McGee passed away last spring after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Tony was both a prominent racer and builder of Yamaha motors.  His driving ability was remarkable as were the power of his legendary motors.  Just weeks after winning a Duffy at the 2002 IKF Road Racing Grand Nationals in Cresson Texas, he was diagnosed with having cancer.

As a tribute to Tony, North Texas Karters held a memorial race in his honor, with the proceeds going to the McGee family.  Tony left behind a wife and two young daughters.

At NTK, Tony was a major part of the Formula Y class.  This class was just a few years ago the largest single class at NTK, often getting over 20 entries.  Without Tony around to stimulate the interest and maintain the majority of Formula Y motors, the class has fallen off.  The Tony McGee Memorial Race brought out a large field of the old guard of Formula Y drivers, and even featured 3 of Tony's closest friends driving his original # 75 in each of the heat and main races.

Racers came from as far as Wisconsin to race this event and fields were large. 

Over $2500 was raised and donated to the McGee family.

We have a report forthcoming on the event, but the most important part to share is the gratitude displayed among those friends of Tony's.

Karting is much more then just racing.  It is a social gathering and foundation of fine camaraderie.   It is in times of a loss like this we truly recognize that factor.