Tommy Thompson

Thomas Vincent Thompson (January 16, 1943 – September 28, 1978) was an American racing driver of Afro-American descent. Thompson competed in various racing series most notably in the SCCA Formula Super Vee and USAC Mini-Indy series.

Racing career Thompson first appeared in Formula Super Vee in 1976. The New Yorker competed in the SCCA US Formula Super Vee. Thompson was an engineer and driver for the Black American Racers Association. Thompson ended 25th in the championship scoring three points. In 1976 Thompson participated in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in the Formula Super Vee class. At Road Atlanta he failed to finish in his Lola T324. Thompson returned to the runoffs in 1977, finishing seventh.

For 1977, Thompson raced again in various Formula Super Vee championships. He won the SCCA NorthEast Division Formula Super Vee championship. In the USAC Mini-Indy Series Thompson competed at Trenton International Speedway failing to finish. He returned to the series in 1978. The Afro-American driver scored his best finish at Mosport Park where he was placed seventh. However, the season came to a dramatic end for Thompson.

Personal life Thompson's main occupation was a financial systems analyst job.

Death Thompson participated in the ninth round of the championship at Trenton International Speedway. On the final lap of the 42-lap race one of the other competitor slowed down. John Barringer had to swerve to avoid contact. However Barringer hit Thompson. Barringer's left front wheel and Thompson's right rear wheel became locked. Both cars hit the wall head-on. Thompson's car was launched over the wall. Both Barringer and Thompson were transported to St. Francis Medical Center. Thompson succumbed to his injuries on September 28.

Racing record

SCCA National Championship Runoffs

Year Track Car Engine Class Finish Start Status 1976 Road Atlanta Lola T324 Volkswagen Formula Super Vee 11 10 Not running 1977 Road Atlanta Lola T324 Volkswagen Formula Super Vee 7 9 Running

Complete USAC Mini-Indy Series results Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Pos Points 1977 Black American Racers TRE21 MIL MOS PIR - - 1978 Black American Racers PIR18 TRE1 MOS7 MIL19 TEX MIL2 OMS19 OMS28 TRE214 PIR2 15th 245