AHRMA Mourns the Passing of Carl Anderson
(July 18, Knoxville, TN) Carl Anderson, a pillar of the vintage racing community and former chairman of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Board of Trustees, has died.
“Carl’s passing is a heartbreaking and profoundly saddening loss to our AHRMA family,” said Greg Tomlinson, 2024 Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “He served our membership honorably, with a passion for every aspect of our club. His contributions were significant, and his legacy will help guide our future.”
Anderson served as a member of the Board of Trustees for several years before serving as chairman during 2017, 2018, and 2023. He also served several years as Technical Consultant for the Vintage Roadracing Rules and Eligibility Committee.
As Chairman of the Board during 2023, Anderson successfully spearheaded AHRMA’s recovery efforts from financial difficulties.
“Carl had a relentless passion for the AHRMA organization and its members,” said Daniel May, AHRMA Executive Director. “He was a mentor, teacher, racer, and builder who always had time to help a willing learner. His calm and cool demeanor along with an unselfish approach to fairness will remain unmatched. Godspeed as you reach terminal velocity in the afterlife.”
As a racer, Anderson built, raced and maintained several motorcycles for both road racing and off-road events. During the last several years he supported and promoted young racers, specifically his protégé’s Colton Roberts and Jonathan Hollingsworth, who also competes in MotoAmerica events.
“Carl was one of the greatest friends anyone could ever have been blessed with. But to me and many others, he was family,” said Colton Roberts. “He had the ability to move mountains, but more than anything loved to see the people that he surrounded himself with succeed. He shared his wisdom, his expertise, and his witty sense of humor with all that had the privilege of meeting him. He truly loved his friends, family, and our sport,”
“Carl was my mentor, not only in racing, but in my life too. He was one of the most kindhearted people I will ever meet. I’ll always be eternally grateful for our friendship and cherish the many great memories we shared. I will always carry a piece of him with me in my heart, he was my best friend. We will all miss him dearly,” said Roberts.
Tomlinson said, “Our paddocks will miss his genuine enthusiasm for the machines he loved to race and build. Our fellow racers will miss his mentorship, willingness to teach, and sage advice. Our board will miss his institutional knowledge, fair-mindedness, and selfless volunteerism. I will personally miss the light in his eyes and his bearish, southern growl. He was truly one of a kind. On behalf of the AHRMA and vintage racing community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Godspeed, good buddy. You will be missed but not forgotten.”
AHRMA will be paying tribute to Anderson with a parade lap at the 2024 Barber Vintage Festival. Details to be announced later.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
More, from a press release issued by The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services:
Jay Carl Anderson, 59, of Decatur, AL, formally of Murray, KY passed away Wednesday, July 17th at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived by his mother, Sharon Anderson of Murray; brother, Michael Anderson and wife Alicia; nieces, Ashten (husband Taylor) and Amanda; nephews, Brandon and Blake all of Mississippi, and several aunts, cousins, and an uncle.
He was preceded in death by his father, Buford Anderson.
Carl graduated Murray State University at 22 and had a decorated 18-year career at Cape Canaveral, FL working on the shuttle program. He relocated to Decatur and worked on Delta rockets at ULA for 17 years and retired in 2022.
Carl’s great passion outside work was building and racing vintage motorcycles. He traveled far and wide and formed many special friendships. He was a great ambassador to the sport of motorcycle racing and AHRMA. A fantastic rider and builder of race bikes with a winning smile, subtle wit, and incredible memory for all things. Godspeed Carl!
A memorial service will be held at J. H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, KY at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com
