Marion Lee "Mickey" Thompson (December 7, 1928 - March 16, 1988) was an American off-road racing legend. He won many championships as a racer, and later formed sanctioning bodies SCORE International and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG). He also raced in dragsters and land speed record automobiles.Thompson was born in Alhambra, California. He was known universally as "Mickey." In his early twenties, he worked for the Los Angeles Times newspaper while becoming involved in the new sport of drag racing. He developed a brilliant career as both a driver and an innovative automotive technician; later as a designer, manufacturer and seller of racing and performance equipment. In addition to being a drag racing champion, 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 the existing racing tires proved unsuitable. A change so momentous would not happen again until Don Garlits introduced the rear-engined digger in 1971. Thompson also was noted for being the first manager of Lions Drag Strip near Long Beach, California in 1955.In 1960, at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Thompson achieved international fame when driving Challenger 1 he became the first American to break the 400 mph barrier, hitting 406.60 mph and surpassing John Cobb's one-way Land speed record of 402 mph.
Thompson and his wife were murdered by two gunmen as they attempted to depart their home. Not until 13 years later was a former business partner, Michael Goodwin, charged with the murders. In January 2007, Goodwin was found guilty of two counts of murder in the death of Thompson and his wife. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms with no chance for parole.
2
Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2009.
$200,000
