In March 1983 Tony had his first Race in a Stockcar, it was at Fairbairn Park Raceway (Canberra), driving his long time friend (Peter Masters) Datson 1500, in the Series 3 Production class. 

Tony being a rookie had to start rear of the field in all four heat races, and also the feature race. Tony found his way to the front quickly, passing the large field from starting in last place and winning all four heat races. 

In the feature race, one of the experienced drivers who had been racing and winning for many years changed cars to an Open Car for the Feature, this car (a fuel injected 6 cylinder Torana) had far more power than the 1500cc Datson Tony was driving, and had won many feature races in both Open Car's, and the Super Sedan classes. He had run second to Tony in all four heat races and wasn't going to lose the feature race. Tony started the feature in last place, the guy in the Open Car started on Pole, Tony chased him down passing the 12 car field to take second place behind a far superior car and more experienced driver. 

Tony was now hooked on Speedway, and over the next three years went on the win many races Driving cars for Peter Masters, before starting to buy and build his own cars.