Riverland man Anthony ‘Tony’ Hucks remembered after Loxton Kart Club tragedy

A country go-karting club has issued a statement after the death of a man while competing at a race on Sunday, describing the tragedy as a “significant loss” for the entire community.

A community stalwart who died in a tragic incident at a Riverland go-karting club is being remembered for his dedication to his friends, family and his love for sport.

Anthony “Tony” Hucks, 74, was competing at Sunday’s Riverland Championship hosted by the Loxton Kart Club when he sustained serious injuries and died at the scene.

It is understood Mr Hucks was racing on the 330m dirt track in the 125 RL class.

In a statement shared to social media on Monday, Loxton Kart Club said Mr Hucks’ death was a “significant loss” to the club and “entire Riverland Community”.

“The Hucks family has been integral to our club’s history and development for four generations, with Tony’s father, Allan playing a pivotal role in establishing the club 39 years ago,” they wrote.

Their contributions have shaped Loxton Kart Club into what it is today, and they continue to be highly respected members of our community.

“The impact of his life and legacy will be felt by many.”

The club extended their condolences to Mr Hucks’ family and thanked those who “acted swiftly and bravely” including committee members, bystanders, fellow racers and emergency service responders.

The beloved member of the Loxton community volunteered at different organisations including the Historial Village, the Loxton Golf Club and local RSL club.

Loxton Golf Club secretary Alan Ling told The Advertiser Mr Hucks volunteered for several decades and grew to become a “valuable member among the volunteer staff”, who will be “sorely missed” by the community.

Tony Hucks has died in a tragic incident at a Riverland go-karting club. Picture: Loxton District Bowling Club

“He drove a fairway mower weekly on a roster and collected all the bottles and cans and took them into the recyclers for us, and that money was then returned to the club,” Mr Ling said.

“He was one of about 15 volunteers that we have here, that helped maintain this course to a very high standard.”

Mr Ling remembered him as a “active guy” who was “fairly quiet and unassuming”.

“Tony just went about his tasks. He was popular with the members and the other volunteer members,” he said.

“We’re so sad for his family, too. His family were involved in the go-kart club, four generations, I think, and his loyalties lay between go-karts, golf and motorsport.”

“He (Mr Huck’s father) was a very strong volunteer at the historical village and did a lot of work.

“Tony did work down there too, because he was an electrician by trade, so tradies are always valuable members of your volunteer workforce, wherever you are.”

Mr Ling, who had known Mr Hucks for more than 30 years, said the pair bonded over motorsports.

“He was keen on motorsports (and a) very passionate Holden supporter,” the Loxton local recalled.

Loxton Kart Club pictured on August 18, 2024. Picture: Ben Clark

“I’ve been to Bathurst with him, and Phillip Island for the supercars, so he used to travel for motorsport.

“I’ve been to The Bend with him many times, but unfortunately, I’m Ford and he was Holden, so we had a lot of friendly debates.”

A social media post by the Gumeracha FC Past Players Facebook page said Mr Hucks was universally recognised as a “good bloke”.

“We lost another past player of the GFC with the tragic loss of Tony Hucks yesterday (Sunday) at a go karting event at Loxton after a heart attack saw him go off the track and crash into a water truck,” the post read.

“Hucko played senior football with the club until the mid-1970s when his family relocated to the warmer climate of Loxton.

“He left Birdwood High School to take up an apprenticeship with the railways at Islington.

“He had an infectious, almost boyish enthusiasm for family, friends, footy and Forreston.”

Seven-Eight Racing also took to social media to pay tribute to the racer.

“The team would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Tony Hucks, Loxton Kart Club and the dirt kart community following the tragic events yesterday afternoon,” the team posted.

“Tony was an absolute gentleman, RIP.”

Tony Hucks. Picture: Facebook

Loxton District Bowling Club president Graham Schulz remembered Tony Hucks as a “very good bowler’’ who played in club tournaments and championship events and would be missed by everyone at the club.

“He was always around the bowling club and always involved in club competitions and pennants,’’ he said. “He’ll certainly be missed that’s for sure.’’

Mr Schulz also remembered a man who was devoted to his community, having lived in Loxton all his life.

“For community projects he would always offer a hand to help,’’ he said. “He’s always been involved in the community, as long as I’ve known him. He liked Loxton and was a respected man in Loxton.’’

Mr Schulz also said he in previous years, Mr Hucks who worked for SA Water before retiring, had been involved with the footy club, serving on the committee and helping out as a goal umpire.

“It’s pretty tragic the way his death ended up being but he was doing what he liked doing and wanted to do.’’

Mr Hucks was one of five children born to well-known Loxton couple Wanda and Allan Hucks, with the family making their mark on the go-karting circuit.

He is understood to be a second-generation go-kart driver, following in his late father’s footsteps, while his son Tim and grandson Tyler are also involved in the sport.

SA Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner after the go-kart being driven by Mr Hucks, who was participating in a race, left the track and collided with a truck.

Riverland police and crime scene investigators attended the scene, with officers investigating the circumstances of Mr Hucks’ death.

They will also investigate if a medical episode was a contributing factor.