Michael Wayne Kidd

Michael Wayne Kidd, 72, of Jacksboro, TX, passed peacefully among his family at his home on May 7, 2026. Born July 20, 1953, in Fort Worth, TX, Mike’s passion for racing began early. At age 11, he won a national title racing quarter midgets, and by 13 he was racing motorcycles, quickly earning numerous Texas championships. In 1972, Mike turned professional, finishing second in his rookie race at the Astrodome. In 1974, he claimed his first Grand National victory riding Triumph at the Charity Newsies in Columbus, OH. In 1975, he won the Race of Champions, a made-for-TV on ABC. He went on to achieve 12 AMA Grand National race wins, earned a major sponsorship with the US Army, and became Winston Series Grand National Champion in 1981. He was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in 2023. Mike retired from professional racing after the 1983 season, but his influence on the sport only grew. He was named AMA Promoter of the Year in 1984, opened and operated Boyd Raceway in Texas (1983–1990), and created the AMA National Arenacross Series in 1985. The Scramblecross Series (2016-2018). Over his lifetime, he promoted over 1,000 amateur and professional racing events, sold more than 2 million tickets. In 1995, he helped establish AYRA, the largest Youth Rodeo Association in the country, and supported his daughter Tammy in founding Wild West Promotions, now one of the top barrel racing producers. Mike and his wife purchased the Jacksboro Country Club in 2016, enjoying it together until 2023. Mike cherished golf, and most of all, the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra Crow Kidd; children Tammy Kidd and Randy Kidd and spouse Julie Kidd; grandchildren Taylor Coward, Jaycee Kidd, and Bailee Kidd; great-grandchild Jasper Barrow; and sibling Gary Kidd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donovan Kidd and Vera Sands Kidd. Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home (152 TX-148, Jacksboro, TX). Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church (241 W. Live Oak St., Jacksboro, TX), followed by a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to gather afterward at the Jacksboro Country Club (1300 TX-148, Jacksboro, TX). Special Message: Mike lived life in the fast lane—on the track and off—but he always made time for family, laughter, and leaving a legacy that will inspire generations. His passion, dedication, and kindness were felt by everyone he met, and he leaves behind a world forever enriched by his energy, spirit, and love for the sport he helped shape.

Michael Wayne Kidd

July 20, 1953 - May 7, 2026