 Born in Maywood, California, Autrey began his motorcycle racing career in 1964 by competing in flat track racing at Perris Auto Speedway.In 1968, he had a major off-road racing victory when he won the 100cc class in the Rosarita Grand Prix in Mexico.He also competed in road racing, placing second in the novice road race class held before the 1971 Daytona 200.