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TOM WHITE PASSES AWAY AT 68
November 2, 2017 - Orange County, California - Tom White, famed motorcycle racer, business owner, philanthropist, and historian, has passed away after a courageous battle against cancer. He was 68.
Tom was raised near the ocean in Huntington Beach, California, where he grew up surfing before discovering his life-long passion: motorcycles. He soon found his niche in flat track racing, eventually earning national number 80 as a professional.
In 1976, White founded Tom White’s Cycle Specialties, which would later become White Brothers Cycle Specialties when White partnered with his twin brother, Dan. Over the next 25 years, White Brothers would grow into a nearly $40 million-a-year company that employed nearly 200 employees at its peak. White sold White Brothers in 2000, and turned his attention towards restoring and collecting vintage motocross bikes.
Over the next decade, White’s collection grew to over 170 motorcycles, including a variety of unique models from brands such as Husqvarna, CZ, Maico, Bultaco, BSA, and others. White believed his efforts were but one piece of a greater industry initiative to ensure the history and legacy of motorcycle racing in the United States remained intact and relevant for future generations of racers and fans.
White’s Early Years of Motocross Museum, located on his family’s private property in Orange County, California, is not open to the public, but it has played host to motorcycle industry events including product launches, professional racing media gatherings, as well as numerous charity fundraising efforts.
In addition to his role as a motorcycle historian, White discovered another passion over the past few decades: announcing motorcycle races. White became the announcer of the weekly REM motocross series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, one of his greatest joys. In 2017, White was honored with a monument along Glen Helen’s Walk of Fame. White also served as the announcer for many professional races throughout the United States, reveling in the thrill of all disciplines of motorcycle racing.
In 2014, White was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. And in 2018, White is due to receive the prestigious Dick Hammer lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Trailblazers Motorcycle Club.
“While we mourn the loss of an incredible human being, we also celebrate his life, his achievements, his passion for motorcycles, and his love of friends and family,” says the White family. “We hope that Tom’s life story serves as inspiration to everyone that fierce determination and good will can yield a life extraordinarily well lived.”
Tom White passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, along several of his favorite motorcycles. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, dear friends, and motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.
White will be honored in a memorial service to be announced at a future date.
He spoke(wrote) to me a couple months ago and sounded like he was in a somewhat good place for the time being.
He said he knew where he was going.
He was a very good man as well as an excellent representative of Christ.
Condolences to his family.
The Shop
He will be missed.
Great guy met him at A1 and was hoping to see him again
Godspeed Mr. White.
cancer is the devil. my mom passed away from it in her early 40s.. my uncle just found out Monday he has it. never smoked a day in his life. active ate right etc.in great shape, very healthy lifestyle. I hate the word more everyday.
Rest in Peace, Tom. Thank you for creating a legacy that will never be forgotten in the moto world..
I was fortunate enough a few years ago to attend one of his Bikes and Burgers fundraiser/open house nights. Tom and wife both accepted us as friends immediately. I feel honored to have known him. RIP brother.
...while announcing the 2005-06? Adelanto Grand Prix, I was leading the race on lap 1 and stopped at the infamous water jump, threw my goggles into the crowd and took a swan dive into the water. Tom said "I apologize to the family and friends of #484, Doug Redding, but what kind of an idiot throws away the lead to goof off at the water jump". What he didn't know was that the year earlier my best friend permanently disabled himself crashing on that jump, and I was honoring him while he sat in the bleachers off Bartlett ave, watching the race. Later, when I would tell people the story about TW calling me an idiot, the response was overwhelming "well, you must have deserved it because Tom White is a great dude". So his reputation proceeded him.It was a couple years later, I was racing REM and found Tom, explained the "idiot" moment at AGP and how I was honoring my friend, etc. Tom had some laughs, apologized and we became friends.
Tom would always take time to comment on my son's wrestling photos and other things on Facebook; chat at races, etc., I thought that was really great for a guy of his status. He just took the time for others.
RIP - he was one of the great ones.
Doug
Pit Row
Man was a fighter till the end. The vid of him getting that Indian flat track bike brought tears to my eyes. Here’s one narrated by the great Larry Huffman and made by Todd Huffman
https://youtu.be/rAqoppcksRE
https://motocrossactionmag.com/a-motocross-story-of-bravery-and-generosity/
You will be missed.
Rest in piece Mr. White.
RIP Tom.
I can't believe I'll never get to hear him run a riders meeting or announce. That was way too quick!
Thank you for everything you did for the sport.
Thank you, goodbye and RIP - Race In Peace Tom White
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