Vale Anthony Gunter
Australia has lost a motocross giant with the passing of Anthony Gunter, aged 67.
The hard-charging rider from Wollongong, aka ‘Grunt’, first started making waves in the 1970s at a state-based level before the bright Mr Motocross spotlight swept across the Aussie landscape and turned him into a household name.
Gunter, with his competitive instincts, bullocking style and an abundance of natural talent, won three Mr Motocross titles in 1976-1977 and 1979, with Suzuki providing him with works machinery to seal the deal.
His come-from-behind performance at Amaroo Park’s final round in 1979 – on a new Suzuki he had procured just four days earlier – was particularly rousing, winning the title back from arch-rival Stephen Gall. It was also extra satisfying after an injury-ravaged 1978.
In 1977, at the height of his powers, Gunter won two Australian titles in the 250cc and Unlimited classes at Acusa Park in Adelaide, and then brought up his third national championship in atrocious conditions at Symmons Plains in Tasmania in 1981 – now riding for Kawasaki, where he defeated teammate Trevor Williams. That title also came after injury difficulties in 1980.
In 1981, while seasoned veteran Gunter captivated again, a wunderkind by the name of Jeff Leisk won his first national title in the senior ranks at Symmons Plains as the changing of the motocross guard began in earnest – although Gall continued to be a competitive force into the 1980s against riders like Ray Vandenberg, Craig Dack, Glen Bell, Vaughan Style, Williams and visiting American hotshot Jimmy Ellis.
A chronic knee injury really started to restrict Gunter in the early 1980s, but in 1982 he mobilised all his skill, grit and tenacity to finish third in the Australian 500cc title behind Leisk and Robert Bailey at Echo Valley in Toowoomba.
He also finished second in the 1979 Unlimited Aussie title at Wanneroo behind local rider Neville Cutts to make it five national podiums to go alongside his three Mr. Motocross titles and a string of victories in other big events.
Following retirement, Gunter launched his motorcycle business – The Dirt Bike Factory.
Gunter passed away on December 6, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Images courtesy Australian Motocross History
