Over the course of his career, Thompson set more speed and endurance records than any other man in automotive history. He is credited with designing and building the first Slingshot Dragster in 1954, moving the seat behind the rear axle to improve traction when existing racing tires proved unable to handle the output of increasingly powerful custom engines.

Bakersfield, California at the US Fuel and gas championships, racing in the Funny Car class.

From the original negative, circa 1967.