PICKERINGTON, Ohio Randy Renfrow, a three-time AMA national road racing
champion and one of the most versatile racers of his generation, has died.
Renfrow was recovering from injuries he sustained in a racing accident at
Daytona International Speedway in March, when he fell down a staircase at his
parents' home Tuesday and suffered a head injury. He died Friday morning, Aug. 9.
Renfrow, who began his professional road racing career in 1981, won the AMA 250
Grand Prix championship in 1983 and then went on to win the Formula One title in
1986 and the Pro Twins Series in 1989.
Randy was known for his ability to be competitive on any type of machinery --
from diminutive 250 Grand Prix bikes all the way up to AMA Superbikes and he
excelled in nearly every class of professional motorcycle road racing. In all,
Renfrow won a total of 17 AMA Nationals in four different classes, including a
victory in an AMA Superbike race at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif.,
in 1990, as a member of the factory Honda team.
In addition to his skill on the track, Renfrow was also known for his grit and
determination. He came back to racing after several serious injuries and always
approached racing with the vigor and enthusiasm of someone new to the sport.
"I've never seen a more determined rider than Randy," said Ron Barrick, AMA Pro
Racing road racing manager who was Renfrow's mechanic during his Formula One and
250 Grand Prix championships. "Randy and I became friends through racing in the
late 70s. We spent many years on the road going from event to event,
experiencing the wide range of ups and downs that are always a part of racing
success or failure. He gained the respect of his peers with his tenacious spirit
as he continued to race at a high level, well after his peak championship
winning years, simply for the thrill of the competition. He will be missed by
everyone at AMA Pro Racing and by all of those that crossed paths with him
during his long career."
Randy raced for more than 20 years and was one of the best-liked riders in the
paddock. He tried to retire several times later in his career, but always came
back to the sport he loved. The Daytona AMA 250 Grand Prix race was one of the
races that Renfrow seemed to covet most. He earned five podium finishes in the
race over the years, including twice as runner up, but he never could quite
breakthrough to victory there. He was one of the fastest 250 Grand Prix riders
in preliminary runs during Bike Week this March when he was involved in an
accident in which he received the serious injuries. He seemed to be well on the
road to recovery when he suffered the fall on Tuesday.
Randy Renfrow Funeral Information - Courtesy of AMASuperbike.com
by dean adams
Saturday, August 10, 2002
* Visitation for Randy Renfrow will be Monday evening from 6-9 PM at
Covenant Funeral Service
4801 Jefferson Davis Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-898-4326
* His funeral service will be Tuesday AM at 11:00 at
Stafford Baptist Church
(As you might imagine there's a couple of Baptist churches in Stafford, VA—
I think this is the one but am awaiting confirmation. Check back.)
Stafford Baptist Church
2202 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
540-659-3005
Here is a list of local florists for those wishing to send flowers. Presumably, most take credit cards and will deliver.
According to his brother, Shawn, Randy Renfrow supported Motor Racing Outreach and also the Missions Fund at the Stafford Baptist Church, presumably both would accept donations in his name.
