Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From an e-mail:

I first met Randy in 1983. It was the season-ending race for the Superbike and the Formula 2 AMA Pro Series, and also the amateur finals at Daytona.

Being a fresh Amateur I ended up being in a garage with Randy, we talked a bit and my first thoughts were about what a genuine guy he was. Randy was in the battle for the 250 Championship, and as the weekend went along he was having brake problems. So for the final, after my Amateur race he borrowed my brakes for the 250 final. I don’t remember where he finished in the race but he won the Championship.

I began doing the Nationals the following year and we always talked and laughed about things going on. Randy was always the same guy, just a racer who loved doing what he did and did it very well.

When he was injured in 1990 and had his toe put on his hand so he could still race, I thought to myself “What a man.” To this day I don’t believe I know anyone who would take that kind of chance to do something that means so much. But Randy Renfrow did it and came back to be one of the fastest guys around. That says a lot about what he was made of.

A few years ago, Bob Applegate was announcing at Daytona and Randy went over and said to Bob don’t just focus on the front guys, there are other guys out there trying just as hard and they like to have their name said over the P.A. also. So Bob, taking Randy’s advice, started the next day bright and early, we had not been in the track but a few minutes. We hear the click of the P.A. system come on, waiting for an announcement and all we here is——“Randy Renfrow”

That was it.

Bob would do this for years to come. People looking around asking themselves what the hell was that. Those of us who knew the story were just smiling and laughing. This was just one of many little things that Randy did along the way that will bring a smile to my face when I think of him. I can assure you that Daytona in March will not be the same without him nor will Elkhart Lake and Siberians be the same.

Randy called me shortly after I got home after my crash in Fontana (April) and we talked about whether it was worth racing and I am glad to say we both agreed it was. That conversation meant a lot to me, and when I had healed well enough to try and ride VIR I looked so forward to seeing him and Shawn to say thanks. But I guess God had other plans.

Just say a prayer for Mr. and Mrs. Renfrow and Randy’s brother Shawn, great people who have lost a great son and brother.
I will miss you Randy.
God Speed

Greg Esser
AMA 250GP #26