Since experiencing his initiation into Sprintcar racing three seasons ago, Andrew Thompson is thoroughly enjoying his campaign, with persistence being the key towards his progression.

Having been an avid speedway spectator, it wasn’t until the 2014-15 season that Thompson launched his own competitive racing career via the Wingless Sprint class off the back of no prior racing experience, first following some valuable advice to build his own small enclosed trailer prior to hitting the track.

Contesting half a dozen race meetings throughout that season and the next aboard an ART Chassis, Thompson quickly decided to challenge himself even further by pursuing his desire to race Sprintcars.

Purchasing an Eagle Chassis from South Australian Sam Putland, the Newham, Victoria-based driver had what he described as a relaxed introduction to the class in 2016-17, participating in several rounds of the 360 Sprintcar All Star Series, before spending the 2017-18 season on the sidelines due to work commitments.

Upgrading to a 410ci engine, Thompson made his 410 Sprintcar debut during the 2018 Chariots of Thunder Series at Darwin’s Northline Speedway and the Dance in the Desert event at Alice Springs’ Arunga Park Speedway, going up against some of the country’s best drivers and banking valuable experience that he’s been able to draw on this season.

Having taken his team to the next level by building a large transporter, Thompson continued to learn as much as he could throughout the 2018-19 season, once again participating in half a dozen race meetings, which included several 360 Sprintcar outings at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway and Simpson Speedway, along with the coveted Grand Annual Classic at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway.

Although it may have been a challenge for Thompson, who got his first real taste of the level of talent Australia has to offer during what is arguably the largest Sprintcar event in the country, the determined 23-year-old pilot of the Vic # 53 Central Vic Earthworks supported Eagle car refuses to let these challenges deter him from honing his race craft.

Planning to return to Australia’s Top End to contest the Chariots of Thunder Series in August if work permits, Thompson looks forward to continuing his campaign throughout Victoria next season, gaining as much experience as possible at tracks such as Geelong’s Avalon Raceway and Premier Speedway.

Thompson would like to thank the following 2018-19 sponsors for their support:
Central Vic Earthworks
Tuckett Motorsport
Adam’s Transport Equipment

Special thanks go to Thompson’s father-in-law Craig, fiancée Tahnee, Luke and Matt Tuckett, Ray, Paul and Chris Solomon, and Freddy Baker from Max Dumesny Motorsport.

Photo: The Art of Speedway