Arthur F. Barda

Art Barda raced his final lap Monday, Jan. 23, 2007 at Saint Vincent Healthcare, from complications of prostate cancer.

Art was born December 5, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur and Marie Barda. He began a long career in motorcycling, racing professional dirt track from the late 1950’s until the mid 70’s. Art competed at the top national level for over ten years, holding long-standing speed records at his home track of Santa Fe Speedway, in Hinsdale, Ill. and at Bonneville Salt Flats. His BSA, Velocette, and Triumph motorcycles were always recognizable with the number 96 plate.

Art became the Yamaha Race team manager in the early 1970’s, and helped usher in a then-rookie racer Kenny Roberts. Art continued to be involved in the sport, working as the professional dirt track manager for the American Motorcyclist Association, and later with the Kawasaki, Honda, and Montesa Motorcycle companies. His riding talents led him to some film work, including the B-movie classic, Deathsport.

Later in his life Art continued to enjoy racing vintage motorcycles; his annual visits to Daytona Beach were an event he cherished, as it reunited him with his lifelong friends and racers. His optimism was evident: he had signed up to race his restored Indian motorcycle at Daytona again this spring.

Art is survived by daughter Marcy (Dan) Tatarka of Billings and granddaughter Jessica Tatarka; son Damon (Mary) Barda and grandson Evan Barda; son Kevin (Marie) Barda; and daughters Teri Cora and Kathie Favero, grandchildren Lonni, Shawn, Jordan, Blake and twin grandaughters. He will be truly missed by his ‘Cat’.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, February 1st, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings. Reception following at Art Beyond the Pallette, Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N. 27^th St., Billings.

A remembrance celebration is planned in Daytona Beach on March 6^th during the dirt track banquet & bike week. Contact Marcy Tatarka at beyondbasil@earthlink.net for further information. during the first week of March. Contact Marcy Tatarka at beyondbasil@earthlink.net for further information.

Memorials in Art Barda’s name may be made to the charity of your choice or the Big Sky Hospice, Box 35033, Billings, MT.