An Arctic Cat racing mainstay right from the very early days of factory racing, Dave Thompson was a prime contributor to racing technology from the brand and a member of Team Arctic from its founding in 1970 until his retirement in 1978.

A true professional, Dave displayed a cool headed style of racing and a friendly attitude that made him popular with drivers and fans alike. He sparked the team to the Bosch 40/40 win and the Manufacturer’s Cup in 1973 and enjoyed a great season in 1974, winning at Lake Tahoe, Yellowstone and Butte.

Seriously injured at Eagle River in 1975, Dave came back the following year to place third in the World’s Championship. After his retirement from driving, he managed the factory team until it was discontinued in 1981. In 1984, he was instrumental in the successful effort to return Arctic Cat to production.