Racer and journalist Tony Beadle died in January 2012 after major surgery.

Already a motorcycle racer, Tony was one of many inspired to go drag racing by the Dragfest of 1964. Together with brother Don he worked with Allan Herridge on Allan's Pulsation dragster before the trio fielded another dragster named Motovation with which they won the 1968 British Championship. Tony's drag racing career lasted into the 1980s with a couple of self-built dragsters and he stayed within motorsport until the 1990s in single-seaters and saloon cars.

Tony also built for himself a very successful career as an automotive author, variously writing for and editing National Drag Racer, UK Drag Racer, Street Machine, Classic American, American Car World and the SAHB Times as well as writing books.

We have received the following tributes to Tony. To send your own tribute, E-Mail [email protected].

The most recently-received tributes are at the top of the page.

So sad to hear of the passing of Tony, he was truly one of the good guys, and a sad loss to the sport and us all.

-- Dave Dingley

I first met Tony in 1968 when we both worked at Bone Brothers in Alperton as draughtsmen. When he realised�I was also�into drag racing, not much work got done, but our fantasy dragster collection grew enormously. When I began my own efforts to get on to the strip his support and enthusiasm were always at hand, he was a fun guy to be with and the Big Bad Beadle's 'Drinkernationals' were legend. His contributions to drag racing and automotive journalism have been huge, but�it is his friendship,�generosity and fun�that I will miss most of all.�Tony, you will be sadly missed old mate.

-- Glyn Jenkins

Tony's departure is a very sad loss. He was a great bloke who made an immense contribution. Back in the 1980s we shared an office, Clive Househam's chair (when he wasn't looking) and an interest in all things drag racing and American cars. His knowledge was exceptional and I will never forget the excitement we all shared when he launched Classic American. It seemed to be his dream title and with him behind it, it was no surprise that it became an instant success. A super bloke and an exceedingly good journalist too. He will be greatly missed. I offer sincere condolences to his family.

-- Mark Newby

So sorry to hear Tony passed away. Another one of�our pioneers who has left us with fond memories of his time spent promoting our sport. My condolences go to his family and friends.��

-- Stu Bradbury

God Bless You Tony. Thank you for your help and support when I started racing in 1989 , the Rover V8 class was a great foundation for many a racer. Race in Peace Tony.

-- Wayne and Belinda Nicholson

My brothers (Bob and Brian) and I first met Tony in 1966 or 1967 when he and Don ran Speed and Custom Parts from their house in Uxbridge. We used to order pistons and stuff and then Tony and Don introduced us to Allan Herridge and John Harrison who fabricated and machined bits for us. Tony was always helpful, pointed us in the right direction (boy did we need that!) and gave us really good contacts.

I got to know Tony more when crewing on his dragster and a few of us went to Sweden for a holiday when I got to visit some Swedish Top Fuel teams (Bjorn Andersson and John Andersson), Anders Lantz and some other wild Swedes!

I went with Tony and Don on the NDRC Club trip in 1973 and met Keith Black, Sid Waterman and Dale Vaznaian (founder of NoS Systems) and many other big names in drag racing.

The Beadles St Swithin's Days parties were the stuff of legend � if you got drunk it was for 40 days and 40 nights! He knew how to have a good time. ��

That was the nature of Tony, always generous in sharing his knowledge and always leading life to the full. A great guy to know.

-- Mick Gleadow

I would like to extend my sympathy for the loss of Tony who I met in the 1960s along with his brother, Alan H was there too.� As I remember they were mad on flathead V8s back then. My condolences.

-- John Jelly

I'm dreadfully saddened to learn of Tony's red-light - he left too soon. I had the pleasure of signwriting two vehicles for him and have counted him a friend since Street Machine Magazine's "Cruise For Charity" in 1987. He was a great character, a great racer; in short, a great bloke. We are much poorer for his passing. RIP, Tony.

-- Fil Baker

Sad to hear about Tony. Certainly one of the sport�s pioneers and a journalist with an eye for detail. He will be remembered.

-- Brian Taylor

Saddened to hear about Tony's passing. We crossed paths on many occasion over the years as racers and journalists, it will be strange knowing I won't be having that pleasure again. A dedicated racer, race fan and all round top man.

-- John (Rainmaker) Wright

Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

-- Annette Mason

What can I say - we have lost a nice guy � Tony always spoke and was charming and helpful. .

-- The Huxleys