VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — The small dirt track in the backyard of Victor Sheldon’s Vista home has made a lot of memories, but some of the more memorable ones are with his best friend, Scott “Burner” Burnworth.
“Scott and I have ridden on this track together. And of course he whooped me," said Sheldon, as he reminisced on the past 30-plus years of friendship with Burnworth – who is recognized as a legend in the motocross world.
On Dec. 12, Burnworth suddenly passed away. It was a tough day for the sport of motocross, but an unimaginable moment for those closest to him.
"I couldn't believe it … I still can't believe it, but I couldn't believe it for the whole day," Sheldon told ABC 10News.
Sheldon described his longtime friend as a one-of-a-kind human being with a competitive spirit and a passionate soul.
"I'm fortunate that I got to be able to spend 38 years of my life, you know, knowing him and being around him. He was the type of person that would just do anything for anyone and just would never ask much for it … just a very helpful person and, you know, not a selfish guy at all."
Burnworth left an undeniable mark on the world of motocross for the riders and the fans. But most of all, those close to him.
"Scott's friendship to me was unparalleled to any other friend I've ever had. Scott was the most generous, giving," Sheldon said. "It's just … it's hard to say how good of a person he was.”
Sheldon and others who were close to Burnworth expressed just how difficult it is to adjust to this new reality without their dear friend.
"But he had a heart of steel … so it’s still really hard,” said Sheldon.
A GoFundMe account was set up for the Burnworth family during this time, and it has already raised more than $54,000.
"He’s gonna be missed. But he's a legend and legends never die,” said Sheldon.
