Tony Congram – IRTA’S Big Tony

As far back as I’ve attended MotoGP, there’s always been Tony Congram AKA Big Tony. We met in 2008 or 2009, and I could not have imagined MotoGP without him. So when the Boss said, “Do an article on Tony,” I was like, “What?” He said, “Just do it… Or else.” (Publisher’s Note: I did say “please” and “thank you.”) When the Boss talks, I listen. But I didn’t know if Tony would go for it. We’re friends, but sometimes people are a little guarded about their work life.

Surprisingly, he said yes, and in true Big Tony style, he was funny, sincere, and above all, still passionate about his job after nearly 30 years.

Tony works for IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association). IRTA arrives at the circuit a week before the race and gets everything ready, so we fans can enjoy the greatest show in motorsports. His official job title is Security Manager, but it didn’t start off that way.

“I started out wanting to be a builder, erecting buildings working with steel, then literally saw racing on TV and wanted to try it. I knew some people, so I did a stint in Formula One and didn’t like it. I got into rally racing,” Tony said. “And then a friend of mine said he was switching to motorbikes and asked if I wanted to come along. It was only supposed to be for a couple of years. And 29 years later, I’m still here!”

That’s over 400 consecutive races without missing a race. Let me repeat that because I don’t think you heard me: Over 400 consecutive races without missing a race!

When asked if he still loves it, a passionate smile appears on Tony’s face, and he answers, “Absolutely. Absolutely. There’s nothing better when those bikes fire up, baby! The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I never get tired of it. As I’ve gotten a little older, the travel gets a little harder. But once you get to the track, it’s great! Great people. A great place to work!”

What are Tony Congram’s thoughts on the best part of the job? “Brilliant Racing, with everybody safe and nobody injured. And later on, sitting in the hotel, talking about what a great race it was! That’s the best part.”

And then there’s the worst part of the job. “Obviously, when someone gets injured or dies. We’ve known most of these riders since they were 12 or 13 years old, and they become like family. So when something happens, it takes a little out of you.”

Of course, he’s established many meaningful relationships with the riders over the years, and his respect for what they do has only deepened. What he admires about them most? “Competition. They are absolutely fearless.! They do not care! Things that would stop a normal person, don’t phase these guys. They are focused and just absolutely mad! What the fans don’t realize about these riders is that sometimes they may not stop for a pic or autograph, but that’s only because they are focused on going 200 mph in the next 5 minutes. But at the right time, these guys would do almost anything for the fans. It just has to be the right time.”

With decades on the clock, Tony Congram has seen more than his share of spectacles. He notes one of the craziest things that he’s ever witnessed was, “Two Moto3 riders crashed into the gravel and started fighting. The Marshals removed them, and they continued fighting out of camera view with their helmets on!”

Tony then shared his thoughts on the most significant change that he’s seen in the sport. ” It’s a lot more professional now. When I started in 1995, it was only 12 races in a year, and it was a lot more relaxed and not as much money involved. Now it’s multi, multi-millions. Factory bikes. Factory sponsors, a lot more money is poured into it, so obviously, it’s a lot more serious, as well. Considering that MotoGP is the largest motorsports event in the world! Bigger than F1, in terms of riders, is a bigger area. We have 46 teams over three classes. “

“Italy, for sure!” Tony replies when asked where the craziest fans are. “Very passionate fans because 25 to 30% of our riders are Italian. But now? We also have Asia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The motorcycle market over there is mad! I mean, it’s really good!” Mugello is his favorite track. “Mugello is fast, exciting. Romantic. The food. The people… You’ll always get a good race there!”

And speaking of food, this is where you think you know somebody, and they say something that shocks the shit out of you. I would’ve bet the house that it would be Italian or a good ‘ole American Steak. But instead, Big Tony, without hesitation, says Asian food. “Listen, man… You see me. I like any food. You keep your hands and feet away from my mouth,” he says with a hearty laugh. “But I love Asian food!

And for the million-dollar question, I asked him how much longer he would continue with the traveling two-wheeled rodeo. He replied, “I’d like to go as long as I can. My body is getting tired, but my brain still loves it. I start work at the end of February and don’t stop until the end of November! That’s a lot of work, a lot of flying, a lot of missed family time. But it’s in my blood. I love it! We’re gypsies man! We’re a family. That’s what we are, a family! We love the fans all over the world, especially the Americans. We want to go back to as many races as we can in America, so do something about it!”

What you couldn’t see by reading this was our passionate smiles and laughter throughout the interview. I’m eternally grateful for Tony—not just for MotoGP but for his friendship. We’ve shared more laughs than I can count, and I’m grateful that he doesn’t do stand-up because I’d be out of a job!! He’s literally gut-busting funny!

The next time you Freaks watch a MotoGP race with the bikes on the grid and the celebrities pretending to know about MotoGP and start posing for pics in front of Marquez or Acosta, look for the Big Man at the front of the grid looking at his stopwatch. That’s Big Tony. Well, Big Tony to you, but to me, that’s my funny friend Tony Congram, who just happens to work in the beautiful world of MotoGP!

Images: Anthony Watt

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