RIP Carl Thompson of Vasek Polak racing fame

21blackjack JR · 06-06-2023, 11:29 AM

I put this in the wrong forum.

From my dad on Carl Thompson

Carl passed away last night about 9:30 pm
Carl was a dear friend and just a great guy once he got to know you.
We go back to the late 70’s, he helped me with many many rare factory race parts for just about all of my resto projects over the last few decdes.
He will be missed, Carl was part of our Saturday get together for lunch with the guys. Always a funny guy.
Jim

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

No, this is the right forum.

All the old school guys are going away.

Zeke · 06-06-2023, 06:52 PM

I met him a couple times. Once when Grady Clay came to SoCal I took the both of them to lunch. I was at the shop with our departed friend 126coupe when we sat in the 917 CT built.

I'm surprised to hear that he died recently. A chain smoker, he seemed very unhealthy 10 years ago.

Shortly after Grady's visit. CT sold his entire collection of very special parts to someone in Germany, IIRC.

Jeff Hail · 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21blackjack JR

I put this in the wrong forum.

From my dad on Carl Thompson

Carl passed away last night about 9:30 pm
Carl was a dear friend and just a great guy once he got to know you.
We go back to the late 70’s, he helped me with many many rare factory race parts for just about all of my resto projects over the last few decdes.
He will be missed, Carl was part of our Saturday get together for lunch with the guys. Always a funny guy.
Jim

Sad to hear. Carl was the treasure trove of information and talent. He had his hands in everything Polak. Mr Uncle Morris was Merlin Olsens silent partner when he had the dealership in Encino. He knew Carl through the dealerships and was a race fan. He took me to see some of the cars in the Polak stable when I was a youngster where I met Carl for the first time. About 14 years ago I saw Carl after a 20 year lapse. He with his pushbroom mustache greeted me with a "hello young man I miss Morrie". He was a gentleman who would always give you his time, a tour and his sense of humor. RIP Sir!