Tommy Thompson (racing driver) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tommy Thompson |
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| Born | Thomas V. Thompson January 16, 1943 New York City, US |
| Died | September 28, 1978 (aged 35) Trenton, New Jersey, US |
| Retired | 1978 |
| USAC Mini-Indy Seies | |
| Years active | 1977–1978 |
| Teams | Black American Racers |
| Starts | 6 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Poles | 0 |
| Best finish | 15th in 1978 |
Tommy Thompson (born January 16, 1943 – died September 28, 1978) was an American race car driver. He was known for competing in different racing events. Tommy was an African-American driver who raced in series like SCCA Formula Super Vee and USAC Mini-Indy.
Tommy's Racing Career
Tommy Thompson started his racing journey in 1976. He competed in a type of racing called Formula Super Vee. This series used small, open-wheel race cars. Tommy was not just a driver; he was also an engineer for the Black American Racers Association. This group helped African-American racers get involved in motorsports.
In his first year, 1976, Tommy finished 25th in the championship. He also took part in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. These are big races where the best drivers from different regions compete. In 1976, he had to stop racing early in the Runoffs. But he came back in 1977 and finished a strong seventh place.
The year 1977 was a good one for Tommy. He won the SCCA NorthEast Division Formula Super Vee championship. This showed he was one of the best drivers in his region. He also raced in the USAC Mini-Indy Series. In 1978, he had his best finish in this series, coming in seventh at Mosport Park.
About Tommy
Outside of racing, Tommy Thompson worked as a financial systems analyst. This means he helped companies manage their money systems.
A Sad Day
In September 1978, Tommy was racing in the USAC Mini-Indy Series. It was the last lap of a race at Trenton International Speedway. Another car slowed down, and another driver, John Barringer, tried to avoid it. Sadly, Barringer's car hit Tommy's car.
Both cars crashed into the wall. Tommy's car went over the wall. Both drivers were taken to the hospital. Sadly, Tommy Thompson passed away from his injuries on September 28, 1978. He was a talented driver who loved racing.
