Tom Thompson has been racing in the Cambridge Classic since 1984, making this his 32nd running. Twelve classes of boats will race each afternoon from 12 to 5 p.m. on the Choptank River off Cambridge’s Great Marsh Park, May 28 and 29. Admission is free and parking costs $5. Find more info at
cpbra.com
How did you get into racing? My father, Tommy Thompson, rode with Robert Bromwell one year in the Jersey Speed Skiff class. The next year, 1984, he and I bought a skiff and started racing together.
What boats have you raced and what are you racing now? I have raced in every inboard hydroplane and flat bottom class in APBA except the “K” boat runabout class. To my knowledge, I am the only driver to have ever done this. Now I drive a 2.5 MOD (four cylinder modified engine) and a GP (468 with a blower) for Randy and Joan English. In the 2.5 MOD I currently hold two world records. I have driven for them since 1986. I also drive on (what I guess is considered) our professional circuit. That would be the H1 unlimited hydroplane series (3000 hp turbo engine). I drive the Peters and May-sponsored U11 for Scot and Shannon Raney. In the smaller classes, it’s more common for people to have their own boat, but quite a few drive for other people. I will be racing the GP-525 and the A-52 in Cambridge.
How long have you been racing in Cambridge? I have been racing in the Cambridge Classic since 1984. Obviously it is my hometown race, so to be in front of my friends and fans is very special. It is special and humbling at the same time. To be able to win your hometown race is something special.
When you’re not racing where can you be found? I have a propane piping business that keeps me busy in the off season. I am a very big hunter and love to get out in the woods or travel to new areas every chance I can.
Is there a race that really sticks out in your mind? In 2010 Cambridge hosted the Triple Crown. It consisted of the World Championship, National Championship, and the Canadian Championship. It has been hosted twice before in Canada but never in the U.S. It was the biggest race in the U.S. of modern times bringing over 120 race teams. I won this race in George and Randy English’s 2.5 MOD
Fat Chance Too. That was a great win.
Any accidents?
I have had five accidents in my career; the last one in the Middle East was pretty bad. The steering pulley broke so when I went into a turn, the boat wouldn’t steer. I was in the hospital for three days, but I’m alright now.
How much traveling do you do in a year?
A lot. I have between 20 to 25 races a year. I travel all over the states and I race so much up in Canada I almost consider that part of the U.S. My only other race out of the states is in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East.
What advice would you give someone hoping to get into racing? It is a great sport, a lot of work but fun as well. If someone is interested, come to a local race and talk with some of the owners and drivers. Boat racers are a great group of people always willing to answer questions and explain what is needed and how to get started. We have always helped anyone that wanted to get started and continue helping each other whenever it is needed. We are a big family of friends always working and helping to make sure every racer gets their boat on the water.
Stay tuned for Cambridge Classic Coverage in the next issue of PropTalk.
cpbra.com