Tony Roper

"Even while he experienced the challenges every driver faces, Tony never let go of his dream," described Michele Roper. He loved the thrill of competition, but even more so he loved the racing family. Whether it was ASA or NASCAR, Tony appreciated the importance of teamwork and knew he couldn't fulfill his dream without the help of those around him. That's why it means so much to me and Tony's family that we've already received so many expressions of support and kindness. Tony was loved by so many and he will always hold a special place in our hearts."

Tony Roper, a second-generation driver, was the son of southwest Missouri racing legend Dean Roper. Roper started driving in 1986. For the next six years he learned his craft in IMCA Modifieds and late models on Midwest dirt and asphalt tracks. He scored numerous wins in both IMCA and late models on the asphalt tracks. In 1992 Tony moved to the ASA circuit. In 1992, he was the runner up finisher in the American Speed Association's rookie-of-the-year race.

At the end of the 1996 Roper joined forces with Brevak Racing to drive the team's primary entry on the NCTS circuit.Tony drove for two teams in 1998 and completed his second full season 16th in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series point standings & Roper began the campaign in Shelly Brevak's Concor Tool & Machine Ford, then moved to the Gloy-Rahal Ford following the early-June race at Texas Motor Speedway & Roper's best career finish was recorded in the latter ride, a second-place at Indianapolis Raceway Park & that finish remains his only career top-five.

In early 1999, he signed with the IWX Motor Freight Xpress Motorsports Pontiac Team for a partial schedule in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division.  He made his BGN debut at Darlington on March 20, 1999.  In April he was selected to drive full-time for the remainder of the year.  He drove for Xpress through August before leaving the team to explore other options.

In late 1999 he signed a two year contract with Washington Erving Motorsports to pilot the #50 Dr Pepper Chevrolet Monte Carlo.  The team struggled early in 2000 and was finally forced out of business because of financial problems.

Late in 2000, he agreed to drive for the #26 Mittler Brothers Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series.  On October 13, 2000 he was critically injured in a wreck at Texas Motor Speedway.  He died the next day.

He is buried at Mt. Comfort Cemetery, just a few miles from where he grew up.

Visit Tony's website at http://www.tonyroper.com