My name is Dolly Buchanan Smith and the last time I saw Terry we (Terry, Tommy Conner and me) were on our way to a race in Independence TX sometime in 1975, I think. Anyway we all had a great time and Terry won, of course. I met Terry at Manor Downs when he was just 11 years old. I remember we had to catch him when he came off the track because his feet didn't touch the ground when he came to a stop. I also enjoyed pretending to be his big sister when Terry was not in the mood to be kissed by the trophy girls, he told me to tell them he was just getting over some illness of some kind. Anyway I wanted to let Terry know I have been praying for him ever since he got hurt and I am glad to hear he is making progress. I know he can make it, he is a tough cookie and I know he won't quit. He better not, tell him I said just do it!
I met Terry and Teddy at Bates cycle in 1972 where I worked. I had already been watching both race at Ross Downs. I felt in awe just to meet these guys in person. Terry and I hit it off since I had just gotten my drivers license and had just started racing.
After work we started palling around. When Teddy was out of town racing, Terry and I would hop in my blue truck and go racing. One Saturday night after work, Terry asked me to take him to the Mid-Cities so he could see this girl he met at the races. It was Kathy. He never looked back.
Terry would always try to mentor me on the track by saying stay close to me and do what I do. Harder said than done.
He would wait for me then zoom ahead. Some have it. Some don't. He did. I did not.
I wish him a speedy recovery. With much Love and gratitude.
Larry (Scotty) Reynolds
Hey Everyone,
I’m Hope, Terry’s little sister and did we have a time growing up. There are so many stories of us doing what we weren’t supposed to that I don’t know where to start.
There was the time we both had mini bikes around 1964 and of course Terry’s was set up to race and mine was just a little slower, Terry decides to take mine to school one day and the darn thing catches fire. So Terry jerks his shirt off and tries to put out the fire but does nothing but burn his shirt up and my mini bike, hey I got a trampoline out of it but that’s a another story.
Than there was the time we were racing against each other around Bullock Elementary School and he’s on his new 100cc and little old me on my mini bike, he was going one way and I the other, after about three laps we hit head on and I flew over the school swing set and still have the scar on my knee. Teddy got in big time trouble over that, but what’s a big brother to do when you’re trying to teach Terry how to ride a bigger bike.
Terry, I just want you to get better so we can sit around and talk about all the trouble we gave the folks and walked away from it all with just a few bruises and a lot of memories.
I LOVE YOU BROTHER,
Hope
Get Well Soon CHAMP! Back in 1997 Terry and I worked together in a Yamaha shop. First of all, for me it was an honor to meet ,not to mention work and hang out with Terry Poovey. I grew up flat tracking in Southern Oregon with pictures of Terry on my wall on his Honda with him backin' 'er in. One of my favorite memories is of Myself Terry and two other employee's flattrack racing on scooters and mini-atv's in the slick warehouse.
Terry ,ever the competitor was the carrot and by the time it was over I had taken out a used scooter after trying to pass Terry on the outside. Another rider tried to hog Terry going through a doorway that would only allow one atv at a time, Terry made it through the doorway the other was busy replacing drywall later that day! Terry , for those who have never had the opportunity to meet him in person, is one of the most genuinely nice guys you will ever meet in any circle. Terry is so humble he still gets embarrassed when I call him champ. Put your hands together for Terry get on your knee's and pray for his speedy recovery.
Jim Anderson
I find it a bit ironic that I am writing to you from Wylie Texas, just a mile or two from the site where you and Teddy first raced motorcycles out at Lake Lavon. Teddy was racing on the red Yamaha 175 that my father - Charles Clark tuned and you I think were on your Honda 50. I recall as a child watching you on your Honda 50 or on your Bultaco at Ross Downs was always so exciting and always a sure thing, I do know that you were able to ride in a way that made men much older stare in disbelief.
I recall one time when I was maybe 7 your sister or sister in law (?) was at our house with Teddy and I over heard her mentioning that your grades were not as good as they could be in school so I took the initiative to bring her my 2nd grade reading book for you to use to help you with your grades. Another memory I have was when you and my mother Gail and I drove a 1969 Plymouth Reliant to OKC in October of 1971 to the 1/2 mile they ran during the Okalhoma State Fair. We went to the races that afternoon and that night while the "adults" were out we swam at the indoor pool and ordered room service at the hotel. When I was a bit older and was given a BMX bike I always had the number 18 on my bikes no matter what and when people would ask me why I would tell them all about you.
For years especially through out the 80’s, even though I was not able to make most races I would always somehow find out how you placed and how you were doing. As an adult I have always been amazed the times I would be walking up to you at a race you would recognize me even if it had been years between meetings!
We are so thankful that you and Teddy have been part of our lives. Please know that God never discards anything, he insisted that all the broken pieces were gathered up when the 5000 were fed. You too will be gathered up and will be well soon and you will walk and talk and recall things just as well as you ever had before and will continue blessing people from all over the world. Please know that you are loved and respected by many!
Thanks again for the memories. Our prayers are with you and your family
