Unsung Hero: Cole Thompson
Monday, July 9, 2012 | 10:30 AM
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Canada’s Cole Thompson has been on the road all season as a privateer, first in the Lites East Supercross Championship, and now, in the 450 Class of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. Thompson is a first year pro, fresh out of the B class a year ago and trying to make his mark in the sport.
At RedBud this past weekend, Thompson had his best race as a pro going 7-8 in the highly competitive 450 Class. These two motos and his seventh overall on the day gets him the Racer X Unsung Hero award—he might not have made the podium, but he certainly deserves some credit.
Thompson made a ripple with a season opening ninth in the Lites East Supercross Championship but from there, it was a battle to the end. Cole missed a couple of races after crashing in Toronto, and failed to make a few mains, but still showed good speed in his rookie year. For the Nationals, the Sarnia, Ontario native switched to the 450 due to financial reasons and hit the Nationals starting at the second round at Freestone, Texas. There he scored a 19-13 and at Budds Creek he was 12th until a few laps to go when he got zapped by a couple of riders to end up 14th. These three motos were the only ones he’s managed to get points until Redbud. So what was it that enabled Cole to do so well on Saturday?
Thompson finished a career-high seventh overall at RedBud.
Simon Cudby photo
“I think the break helped a lot, I worked on my cardio and it was a series of things. Getting a good qualifying time, then a good gate pick and a couple of good starts,” said Thompson as he soaked in a tub of water after the grueling race. Seeing as how this race was the closest one to his hometown, Cole and his mechanic (and brother) Kyle were surrounded by family and friends.
“For the first time this year, I did some testing. At Budds Creek I rode my practice bike and I thought I rode it better. So we decided that it was time to get the race bike like that. I also am here with my suspension guy and it worked great.”
Detuning the Honda was key for Thompson, who was battling to hold on to his bike at the earlier rounds and battled arm pump. “I always rode stock bikes my whole life so why not try to go back to that?”
And with that he laughed, “I’m too little to hold on to a fast bike!”
Certainly Thompson is the brightest up and comer from Canada in a long time and this year, he gave up a salaried ride with a couple of teams in his homeland to contest what is the toughest motocross series in the world as a full privateer. Thompson is trying to get to the top step and realizes that racing in Canada wasn’t the way to do it. And besides, if this USA stuff doesn’t work out, he can always head home and be a contender for wins and titles back home.
Thompson is hoping he can put together back-to-back solid races, starting this weekend at Millville.
Simon Cudby photo
The wallet was the determining factor in not going to Hangtown and as well, the Thompson’s won’t be at Washougal as it’s too costly to head out there. His ride at RedBud may attract some attention from some teams but the second test for Thompson will be to prove that he’s more than a one-race wonder. He’s got to keep backing it up from here on out. And this weekend, at another track that he’s never been to, he’ll once again try to be the privateer hero.
“This is huge for me and going to Millville will be great and I’d love to do something similar this weekend. I’ve heard that it’s a great track and it’s great being up there with those guys. Hopefully I can do it again.”
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Someone needs to hire this guy and get rid of some dead wood thats been in the 450 class for far too long. Hey Jeff Ward maybe you need this guy.
I agree 100% Claxton...100%!!!
to many guys with good ride because of what they "did" years ago.
This award goes to Dowd in my book. No disrespect to Thompson, this ride was great for him, but Dowd is just incredible the way he keeps plugging away. Can't wait to see him at the Wick.
Claxton hit the nail on the head!
What a stellar ride for a privateer, nice to see a fresh face up there!
Adding in the "canuck" factor makes it even cooler,reminded me of the old days when we always used to cheer on "Rollerball" and then JSR at Red Bud.
"Fresh out of the B class a year ago" WOW thats impressive,talk about a steep learning curve.
Congrats and good luck at Millville Mr.Thompson.
factory honda and suzuki could use this guy right now !
I agree with Factory1. Hondas got 1 guy, why not hire Thompson through until T Hahn comes back or Suzuki sign him through the rest of the nationals. Jeeze how much does he have to do? If someone like Hunter Hewitt can get a ride on a factory team and always role around in 35th why cant a top 10 450 class guy get a factory ride.
Great results Cole. Finished one spot ahead of the current #2 rider in the Canadian series, which is where you would be if you decided to race that series this year...one spot ahead of #2. I applaud your desire to line up with the best down south. I forsee a bright future ahead.
Great job Cole and i agree with above...... far too many guys riding around right now happy with atop 20 finish and way more worried about collecting a paycheck. time to discard some riders who lack the desire that the younger guys have.
Cole killed it! Very happy for this kid! Tough place for a privateer to do well. Was nice to see that he did it in both motos too. Most times a privateer will do well in the first moto, and then just fade in the second. Keep it up Cole!!!
WOW, GREAT JOB Cole and the entire Thompson family. You must be proud of Cole.
Cole would be a great addition to any team, great attitude, personality, well spoken, hard worker and a positive attitude. O ya and he is smooth and fast to!!!.
Congratulations Cole!!!
Dave Moegle #38
Dowd(46) 45+, Mike Brown(40) 35+, Cole Thompson(18-20?) just need to add the 25 rider HAHA
Don't forget Brown was Running 10-11 before he lost it in the whoops and broke the bike.
I'm pretty sure Han's factory bike in nor sitting unused, but is being leased to Short. At least that's what they said in one of the broadcasts.
How about putting him on Metty's 450?
There will be some open spots at Pro Circuit next year, I'm not a big fan of them but they have excellent equipment and tend to pick up the best riders.
Great job cole. Hope to see you at Millville, SHOW THEM WHAT US CANADIANS CAN DO!
how about kicking kyle regal off and giving thompson his ride at JGR? or at TLD honda and get rid of Billy lannivoch?
I like that he wasnt afraid to "detune" his race bike. Those bikes make soo much power and that track was ripping the bars out most peoples hands. He was charging right to the end. Very smart move from a young rider. I'm impressed.
Wasnt Dungey an unheralded B rider? Oh Yeah.
Great ride Cole, it is nice to see that there are riders giving it their all is the 450 class. Like I said in the voting this in RacerX, if the 450's stopped pay salaries and payed for performance, guys like Cole would be able to make more races because he has earned the right to race! Much love to Cole, get you a top 5 this weekend!!! Cheers!