In terms of singular people, few have had more of an effect on the American high performance and racing scene than Mickey Thompson. He was a man of high goals, nearly unending energy, and a drive that few people in the universe could ever fully comprehend. He could be a times a brawler, a negotiator, a wheeler-dealer, and a dreamer of cosmic proportions. His son Danny was around for many of his dad’s adventures and he’s a very talented racer, builder, and business man in his own right. His latest Bonneville streamliner project is epic and certainly will honor his father’s legacy.
We found this killer video produced by the Mickey Thompson tire company that features Danny talking about his dad’s various endeavors in the realms of land speed racing, Indy 500 competition, drag racing, and of course off-road racing. When you start to add up all the stuff that he did, invented, and accomplished it becomes nearly unbelievable to think that there was one guy behind it. Thompson always worked with great and talented people that helped him execute his different plans and ideal, but at base, they sprang from his fertile, 400mph mind.
Press play and start your Monday off with a HELLA cool video!
Mickey Thompson is the best racer of all time
Can you imagine if Mickey and Smokey Yunick had joined forces back in the day what those two could have accomplished together.
Great video! Like many, Mickey Thompson is a hero of mine. I am rooting for Danny to go out to B-ville and set new records.
Awesome video! That was the time to be a “motorhead” and make history. Today you have to be an MIT grad to make a ripple. Mickey, Smokey ,Carroll et al paved the way for the rest of us. Terrific video Danny! One less idiot in the world and your dad could still be with us
dynamical guy. The tire story at formula 1.. I love it. I was inspired to see if a mickey thompson would fit a ten geared subaru with 15 inch wheels (it came with 13 inch) being a hack job of tires myself, I like the idea of raised white letters and his name on them.
I will never forget meeting Mickey Thompson. He loaned an auto dealer friend of my his blown 4 cylinder Pontiac dragster(one of his record setting cars) for a display back in its day. I was fortunate to go along when it was returned to him. We met him at his Shop in Long Beach. He shook our hands(2 of us)and took us on a tour of his pride & joys… dragsters, indy cars, and the Monster 4 engine land speed car….
He told us that he had just come back from plays cards with Mr. Knudsen…
That was the time period when Mickey managed/ran Lions Drag Strip. We were his guests that night at Lions… Here he was wearing a white t-shirt, pants & was just like anybody else. That was just him being himself…
Here was a man of EXTREME talent…and poise, that took of his time to be so courteous to 2 young men..nobodys. That was over 45 yrs ago…and its like it was last weekend.
I spoke toMickeyThompson over 35 years ago he called me when I lived in Sydney My company was called Break Thru Performance wanted, to see if I could locate a 32 Ford Pheaton for him.
I did he offered me payment I
refused but said that when ever I am I the US visiting family he could buy me lunch.
OShame never did get to have lunch with him.
George