TONY JEFFERIES 1948-2021
We were saddened to learn of the death of Tony Jefferies at the end of December 2021 after a long illness. A multiple TT winner, not to mention a member of a legendary Yorkshire motorcycling family, the tragedies that touched him left him with a determination and resolve that was truly admirable.
In the late 1960s and early 70s Tony made his name as one of the best British motorcycle racers of his generation, winning the 350cc Junior TT in 1971 and going on to win twice more in the 750cc Production class, including on the ‘Slippery Sam’ Trident. His racing career came to an end with a devastating crash during the Race of the Year at Mallory Park in 1973 which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Tony threw his energies into the family business which had been started by his great-grandfather in 1901 and then passed to Tony’s father, Allan (who himself had won six ISDT Gold Medals and a Scott Trial, as well as being chairman of the ACU Benevolent Fund and a member of the TT International Jury).
Tony built up the business as well as helping his son David begin his racing career. David Jefferies, of course, is one of our lost stars, notching up nine TT victories and being the first rider to set 125mph, 126mph and 127mph laps at the Isle of Man TT and the only man to ever win three TTs in consecutive years. But, as well as losing his wife, Pauline, at a young age, Tony would also have to face up to the death of David in 2003 after a crash while practising for the TT. However Tony went on to ensure that David’s memory was kept alive with the DJ Awards. Meanwhile his hard work saw the family firm go from strength to strength, until he handed over the running of Allan Jefferies BMW to his daughter, Louise, in 2000. They made sure it was the best BMW showroom in the country. Tony also served as president of the TT Riders Association and the Bradford Motor Club, always giving back to motorcycle sport. To Louise, his brother Nick (also a TT winner) and to Tony’s family and many friends, we send our condolences and love.