Yes, I agree, no one I know was ever neutral on Mickey Thompson, but
that goes with being successful in any sport. Mickey had a personality
that ran against the grain with some people. He was a promoter of Mickey
Thompson, he had to be to accomplish what he did.
I knew Mickey as a participant at the Long Beach Drags and at
Bonneville. I remember Mickey and Fritz Voigt stopping by the Bonneville
Speedweek Meet, I think in 1958, with Mickey's dual engine dragster. It
was meant to be stopover on the way to Indianapolis NHRA National Drags.
They had so much fun that I am not sure he even continued toward
Indianapolis. Fritz was the one that made the car run, I believe he was
also instrumental in tuning the Challenger.
The Challenger was at the Cool April Nights Car Show here in Redding a
few years back, along with the car was Jim Travis, the one who restored
the car, and Mickey's daughter and son. The car is an engineering
wonder, a very unique layout, if you should ever have an opportunity to
see the car up close, just do it!
As for Mickey's death, all I know is what was reported, but I seem to
remember that he had just won a large money settlement in court against
an ex-partner in some business deal. There is no doubt that it was a hit.
Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/GCC
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