September 25, 1960: Life of Boyertown "Great" Johnny Thomson Ends in Violent Accident

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA

September 25, 1960: The life of a “Great” in auto racing, has tragically ended for Boyertown hero Johnny Thomson, at the age of 38 on the rutty, dry and dusty race track at the Allentown Fairgrounds where his NO. 6 Special Offy Sprint car bounced out of control in a violent first lap back stretch accident, ripped through 30 fee of inside fencing and then flipped into the infield.

Thomson was thrown from the car and pinned underneath the wreckage. He was helped out from under the car with his left leg almost completely severed. Rushed to Allentown General Hospital, they amputated the leg but could not save his life; he died on the operating table several hours later.

Known as the “Flying Scot,” Thomson, an EMPA Hall of Fame member, placed in the top ten in the Indianapolis 500 races three times is eight starts, had seven National Championship victories, 43 Top 10’s and nine poles in 69 starts.

During World War II, Thomson saw considerable action in Italy, coming home with five battle stars and the Distinguished Air Force Medal for bravery beyond the call of duty.

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