Cody Thompson once surmised he’s put 50,000 miles a year on his racing rig.
Not a surprise to local racing fans. The Sioux City, Iowa, dirt track standout has appeared at the Winternationals in Yuma, Ariz.; Las Vegas, Nev., for the Working Man Nationals; and the King of America race in Humboldt, Ks., touring his wares. The results have been spectacular in most cases, as he won the first night and took third in night three at the Working Man as an example.
However, no matter how far away he is, his home and heart will always be centered at Park Jefferson International Speedway.
“I think the first time I was out to watch might have been when I was just a few weeks old, according to my mom and dad,” he noted. “Racing is our family and, honestly, in our blood.”
In 20 events already this year, to underline the racing bug, Cody has four wins, eight top fives, and 12 top 10s. One might look at the constant touring and wonder what the end game is.
It’s clear for Thompson.
“I want to end up full-time on the United States Modified Touring Series or the Lucas Oil Late Models someday,” he said. “They are the top levels of the modifieds, which I love to run.”
Thompson has had to pay his dues as with any stock car driver.
“I started racing motocross when I was five years old,” he remembered. “At seven or eight, I added in go-kart every other weekend. At 12, I was behind the wheel of a sport compact. In 2016, I started sport mods, and then last year, I moved totally to modifieds.”
“I remembered when my dad raced, it was something he tried to get us kids interested in,” he added. “I was the only one who went into it full time.”
His family and friends are still there with him every weekend, including at his “home” track of Park Jefferson.
“My brother, Tyler, really likes setting up the car,” Cody said. “I’ve got some other friends along on the weekends to help out, too.”
No matter the mileage to each track --- Cody and his family keep adding to the odometer a lot like his heroes.
“I see what Ricky Thornton and Jay Noteboom have and are doing,” he said. “I want that to be where I get.”
“I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll go anywhere to get a chance,” he added.
More mileage for more success – something Cody Thompson knows full well.
- Adam Adamson on May 12, 2022
- Article Date: 5/12/2022