Meet Curt
A Life Fueled by Speed
For Curt Thompson, racing isn’t just a sport—it’s in his DNA. His father was a walking encyclopedia of classic cars, able to name the year, make, and model of any vintage vehicle with just a glance. But while his dad was drawn to original classics, Curt’s obsession was in modifying and building high-performance machines.
By 15 years old, Curt had already purchased his first car—a 1968 Camaro. He spent his teenage years flipping cars, learning everything he could about performance builds, and chasing the next big project. By 23, he had finally found the car that would launch his drag racing career: a 1967 Pontiac Acadian. The first time he took it down the drag strip, he knew there was no turning back. Racing was his future.
Curt has built a name for himself in No Prep racing, where power meets strategy on an unpredictable surface. Winning No Prep 6 and 7 were career-defining moments—not just because of the victories, but because of who he raced against. Beating competitors like Neil Richards and James Hatfield proved that he could go head-to-head with the best and come out on top.
Looking ahead to 2025, Curt is bringing an even stronger game. His ’68 Camaro has shed 300 lbs and undergone a major setup overhaul, making it one of the fastest cars in his field. With the Milron Race Team stacked with top-tier drivers, the competition in the X275 series will be tougher than ever, but Curt is ready.
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"The first time I took my Pontiac Acadian down the drag strip, I knew there was no turning back."
Read More of Curt's Journey
Curt’s Racing Journey
How did you get into racing?
My dad was always into cars. As a kid, he could name the year of every classic car just by seeing it drive by. That passion for cars rubbed off on me, but while he focused on original classics, I became obsessed with modified and custom builds. I started racing dirt oval at 18, then transitioned to drag racing. By 15, I had already bought my first car—a 1968 Camaro—and spent years flipping cars until I finally got my 1967 Pontiac Acadian at 23. That was the first car I ever took down the drag strip, and from that moment, my passion for racing only grew.
What was the biggest race you’ve ever won?
Winning No Prep 6 and 7 were huge moments for me. These races aren’t like typical drag races—it’s all about balancing power and traction on a constantly changing surface. It may not have been the biggest race in the world, but winning against some of the best, like Neil Richards and James Hatfield, was an unforgettable achievement.
What does your racing season look like this year?
The 2025 season is looking exciting. We’ve made big changes to the ’68 Camaro, shaving off 300 lbs and adding a whole new setup. The Milron Race Team is stacked this year, and the competition is going to be tough—Tyler Stamler and Chris Brenton are going to bring the heat. My goal? A top-three finish in the Milron X275 series.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in racing?
Growing up around the Hodgson family gave me the drive to compete at a high level. Ron Hodgson was a legend in drag racing long before I was born, and having him as a mentor has been incredible. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet and learn from racers like Gordie Bonin and Terry Capp. But one of the biggest influences on my career is Neil Richards. He’s dominated small-tire racing for nearly two decades, and he plays a crucial role in my program—not just in tuning, but in making major improvements to my car through his team at Horsepower Solutions.
What are your personal goals for this season?
I’d love to see our X275 car hit the .20s this year and finish top three in the Milron X275 series. That’s the goal, and we’re pushing hard to make it happen.
What challenges have you faced in your racing journey?
The biggest struggle has been engine failures. Over the past five years, we’ve gone through multiple engine setups, constantly chasing the perfect combination. Hopefully, this year, we’ve found a setup that holds together and delivers consistent performance.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a race?
Physically, I don’t do much—just drink a lot of water. But mentally, it’s a different game. I like to be strapped into the car 15-20 minutes before a run, just focusing on my breathing and staying calm. I go through the entire race in my head 10-12 times, physically mimicking every move—activating switches, letting off the trans brake, pulling the chute. It’s all about muscle memory so that when the lights go down, I don’t have to think—I just react.
Can you share a memorable moment from your racing career?
Winning my first No Prep race stands out the most. I remember yelling with excitement as I crossed the finish line, and when my crew pulled up, they were just as pumped. It was an incredible moment because everyone had put in so much hard work to get us there. That win meant a lot.
What advice would you give to aspiring racers?
Start within your budget. Racing isn’t cheap—cars break, and parts get expensive fast. The best thing you can do is focus on safety. Everyone wants to go fast, but things can go wrong in an instant, and you need to be prepared. Most importantly, learn from those around you—the racers who’ve been doing this for years have a wealth of knowledge, and listening to them can save you a lot of time and money.
How do you see racing evolving, and what role do you play in it?
It’s tough to say where racing is headed. We’ll probably see more EV units entering the sport, but that comes with a whole new set of safety concerns. Racing is also getting more expensive, so I think we’ll see more teams pooling resources to build one competitive car instead of spreading efforts across multiple lower-tier builds. As for me, I want to help the next generation of racers succeed. If I can pass on what I’ve learned and help them get started the right way, that’s a win in my book.
Sponsored by JC Foundation
The JC Foundation, based in St. Albert, Alberta, is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. By fostering a culture of generosity, compassion, and collaboration, the foundation supports and uplifts the less fortunate through various programs and initiatives. Their core values—Compassion, Inclusivity, Empathy, and Support—guide their mission to create a more connected and caring society.​