The man known to many as “Mr. MG,” Tony Roth, has passed away after a long fight with cancer. Roth began vintage racing his MG TD in 1979, and shortly thereafter became one of the founding members of the Southeast Vintage Racing Association, and asked by Ford Heacock to coordinate the all-MG “Safety Fast Championship” for Road Atlanta’s Vintage Grand Prix in 1981. His approach to the sport was evident in his letter to potential entrants that explained, “the main interest will be to participate and have fun, regardless if you have a special MG racer or just want to have fun in your street machine.” The Safety Fast Championship served as a template for SVRA’s Vintage Collier Cup, which commenced in 1985 and continues to this day.
Tales of Tony’s exploits are legion among devotees of the Abingdon marque, and his uplifting spirit will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Xandra, daughter Jenny and son David, to whom Vintage Racecar extends its sincere condolences.
