Born on December 7, 1928 in San Fernando, California as Marion Lee Thompson Jr. When he was born his dad was working as a construction boss on the Pacoima Dam and when he came to see him for the first time he brought a friend with him, a big Irish contractor. Mickey had long, flaming red hair and the big Irishman's first comment was, "There's a Mick if I ever saw one!" That's been his name ever since.

 Here is Mickey Thompson, his sister Collene and dad at Bonneville Saltflats in 1937. They were on there way to Yellowstone in there new Dodge.

 This is pretty much the story of Mickey Thompson during his High School days. He spent all his time working on cars.