R.I.P. Racer, Editor, Author Tony Murphy
Yesterday at 03:40 PM
Racer, motorcycle magazine editor, and book author Tony Murphy died at home in Valyermo, California on February 7th, at age 84. He was preceded in death by his wife Julie, who died in 2014, and his son Sean, who died in 2024. He is survived by his daughter Dierdre Leisner (wife of veteran motorcycle industry executive and former AMA Pro racer Andy Leisner), and three grandchildren.
Shortly after Tony’s death, Andy Leisner posted this tribute: “Last week my father-in-law, Tony Murphy, passed away. Tony emigrated from England as a young boy who loved motorcycles. He went on to become a factory-Yamaha (AMA) National-winning road racer; a professional test rider; the 1960s King of Willow Springs; Motorcyclist Magazine Editor; and even won the Baja 500 with co-driver Bob Bonduraunt in a James Garner-owned AMC.
“Tony went on to work for Can-Am in the late '70s and early '80s before becoming the U.S. importer of Rotax two-stroke engines. Through that business he sponsored my 1988 AMA (Pro 250cc GP) National campaign and kart racing beyond that.
“I owe the world to him because it was an introduction to his daughter, Dierdre, that changed my life; 34 years of marriage and three kids later, we say goodbye to her father and my friend, Tony Murphy.”
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