Southern MX pays tribute to Tony Ford
By Sean Lawless on 21st Jun 17
Tony Ford the straight-talking, no-nonsense boss of Southern Motocross died on the morning of June 15.
The sad news was announced by his son Anthony on Facebook.
‘Despite his usual efforts to fight hard and beat whatever he was up against, I'm devastated to say that Dad (the original Tony Ford, Mr Southern Motocross and many other names that he has no doubt been called over the years!) passed away on Thursday morning.
‘We are sure going to miss him, however, at least we have many, many years of amazing memories of life with him!
‘To help us get through it Mum, Tanya and I are going to recall those memories, smile, raise a cup of tea and shout ‘oi' at the top of our voices at whoever we please!'
One of the sport's biggest characters, Tony started SMX in November 1981 after a disagreement with a South East Centre ACU club over the way it ran meetings.
The first SMX event was in January 1982 and from there it grew into one of the country's most successful clubs.
Among the innovations he introduced were entries on the day and riders paying a fee to cover marshal's expenses.
Originally affiliated to the ACU, SMX became so successful that other clubs banded together to try to restrict the number of events he ran.
Tony's out-of-the-box thinking produced a revolutionary solution and together with Matchams Park boss Reg Slack he formed the Off-Road Promoters Association which arguably changed the face of off-road sport in the UK.
A lap of honour in his memory was held on Father's Day at Home Farm, Horsham, where he staged so many meetings over the years.
‘It was truly amazing,' said Anthony. ‘To see how many people came along just to help us remember him and share what he has meant to them over the years and show how much he will be sadly missed by so many.'
His funeral will take place on July 3 at Worthing Crematorium (postcode BN14 0RG) at 12.20pm.
This will be followed by a reception or ‘going away party' at Selden Barn, Patching (postcode BN13 3UL), with SMX signs fittingly used to guide mourners.
Family flowers only please although donations to either the British Heart Foundation or Royal British Legion will be welcomed.
‘All are welcome at both the service and the after party,' added Anthony.
‘Dress code can be traditional if that's your preference or alternatively can be determined by your memories of Dad – cowboy hats, MX gear, sandals and socks...'
