Tony will be best remembered as the Chief Starter at his favourite race track Shakespeare County Raceway. Before ruling the SCR start line in 2004 earlier in his marshalling career Tony was charged with looking after the water blocks for more years than I care to remember with his buddies Ray and Jacko. But in the rodding world he will be better known for his down to earth old skool Model Y hot rod known to everyone down south as Mutha's Wurry. Tony used to admit that it wasn't the best looking rod in the world but he loved it, and was well appreciated by his family and countless friends.
One of his greatest loves in life was the NSRA's Nostalgia Nationals and Hot Rod Drags and when he wasn't pushing the button he loved to talk about it which later led him into the world of commentating.
Although ill health tried to get the better of him several years ago having been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, Tony still liked to push the button when ever he could on the start lines of Dakota Drag Strip and Thorney Island; his home from home drag strip just at the end of the road. Tony also helped out where ever he could at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Brighton Speed Trials. Last year all was going well following surgery. So well that Tony bought his ultimate toy; a 1994 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT which he was hoping to go Bracket Racing with. Sadly in his words before Christmas 'one of the buggers got away'. Tony passed away peacefully on Sunday night (22nd January).
To his wife Sue, Russell, Gaynor, grand children and his immediate family and friends, we send our heartfelt condolences. God speed Tony!
- Don and Andrew Irvine Supertwin and Junior Drag Bike
A true gentleman, taken from this world too early. RIP 'Bing Bong'
- Glenn + Mandy Ramsden x
I had the pleasure of working with Tony on several occasions at Shakespeare County Raceway, a very quiet and unassuming gentleman who followed his passion to the enth degree, I had no idea he had been fighting cancer as he never showed any outward signs that I could see. I know he will be missed by his family, but also by the racing and Hot Rod world, our sympathies go out to all who knew him
- Ian Paula and Holley
Worked the Hot Rod Drags with him in the tower in '05. RIP Tony
- Keith & Paula Harman
Top man RIP
- Roy Wilding
Rest in peace our dear friend Tony Byng, former Shakespeare County Raceway Chief Starter, Commentator, track marshal , and a all round good egg. We will miss you
- Bruno & Sophie
A truly great bloke
- Angus Pulley
Just cant believe Tony has gone, So sad at the moment . RIP you was one of the best
- Pat Salt
R.I.P. Tony, I will always treasure the good times and fun we shared on startline mate
- Ian Willetts
RIP Tony...a sad loss to drag racing & hot rodding... You will be missed
- Barry Timms
Gonna miss those hugs at VIP's. R.I.P Tony. xxxxx
- Angie Woods
RIp Tony you will be missed. Was a pleasure to work with you
- Ben Butler
Tony Byng, lost ignition, 22/01/12.........thank you for all your work for our sport over the years. RIP
- Stephen Kenney
Goodbye to a true Gentleman, never had a bad word for anyone and the nicest person you could ever wish to meet. Tony it was a pleasure and a great privilege to have known and worked with you. Godspeed Tony, RIP
- Richard & Rachael Warburton
Words for once completely and utterly failed me when I read of Tony's passing. He was a true gentleman and no mistake, a knowledgable man, respected and respectful one-of-a-kind man and an absolute delight to work with. Ali also has fond memories of him when she worked in race control. Sadly we can't make February 9th but be sure we will raise a glass in memory of a lovely man who will be sadly missed, sleep well friend now the pain has gone
- Barry & Alison Bohannon
Tony was one of the nicest people you would like to meet; he will be missed by me and many others. RIP Tony
- Tony & Linda Smith
We were all very shocked at the very sad news. tony was a top bloke and will be missed very much. R.I.P tony you were a true gent.
- Love from Jay, Simon, Michelle, Phil, Mark and everyone else at Orange Pop Racing OA81
I knew Tony since he and I were members of the Southern Gassers back in the early 90s; a car club on the South Coast. He had the quickest car amongst us for a while. I think at the time his son ran a 12 in it when we were all running 13s which was dam fast to us back then. I also remember at a car show once on Hayling Island we blacked his caravan windows out with bin bags and gaffer tapped the door shut. Tony wasn't over joyes but it was really funny listening to him on the inside trying to batter his way out of the dark van lol! I found he was one of those guys who would look at you when you were talking and take it all in. But Tony was also one of those guys who if he wasn't interested in what you were saying or thought you were talking rubbish he would often just walk off. Ive seen him do it, priceless lol! The last time I saw Tony was at the Drags. I hadnt raced my car "Crossfire" for sometime so I took it up to Avon Park for a bit of fun. He was delighted to see me and me him. He came into my camper still smoking his Herbal Old Holburn (medical use he assured me ), and we had a long ol chat about the past and present. Tony was a guy that although he only lived a short drive from me I would only see at the tracks for some reason, that's just one of those things I guess. Anyway I am saddened to hear of his passing and shocked as I didn't realise he was as ill as he was. I will remember him stood at the track loving every minute of it. One thing at least he did have a good few years under his collar, and he had his kids and grand kids. Tony can go and chat with Terry Gibbs upstairs now about Avon etc. R.I.P mate. Thinking of you
- Rob Faulkner.