Bill Thompson (racing driver)

William Bethel Thompson (born 28 December 1906) was an Australian racing driver. From Summer Hill, Sydney,[1] he was active in motor sport from 1928 to 1936.[2] His competition cars included various Bugattis, a Riley Brooklands and an MG K3.[2] Although his career was not taken to the international level, he met with considerable successful in Australia, winning the Australian Grand Prix three times.

Bill Thompson (Bugatti Type 37A) contesting the 1932 Australian Grand Prix
Thompson at the wheel of an MG K3 Magnette at the 1935 Australian Grand Prix

Thompson died as a result of an aircraft accident on 12 February 1945 in the Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean.[1] At the time of the accident Thompson was serving in the Royal Australian Air Force and was travelling as an unauthorised passenger in a Consolidated PB2Y Coronado of the United States Navy.[3]

Career results
Year [4] Race [4] Position [4] Car [4]
1930 Australian Grand Prix 1st Bugatti Type 37A
1932 Australian Grand Prix 1st Bugatti Type 37A
1933 Australian Grand Prix 1st Riley Brooklands
1934 Australian Grand Prix 2nd MG K3 Magnette
1935 Australian Grand Prix 2nd MG K3 Magnette
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Arthur Terdich		 Winner of the Australian Grand Prix
1930		 Succeeded by
Carl Junker
Preceded by
Carl Junker		 Winner of the Australian Grand Prix
1932 & 1933		 Succeeded by
Bob Lea-Wright

References
  1. Grahm Howard, Thompson, William Bethel (1906–1945), adb.anu.edu.au/biography Retrieved 5 June 2015
  2. Review by Pedr Davis, Bill Thompson, Australian Motor racing Champion - By Kent Patrick, bugatticlubaustralia.com.au, as archived at web.archive.org
  3. Kent Patrick, Bill Thompson - Australian motor racing champion, 2011, pages 283 to 286
  4. John B Blanden, A History of the Australian Grand Prix 1928-1939


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