Q & A – Dave Thomas

When did you start BMX racing, and what was your first race?

I started racing in 1980, and my first-ever race was at Redditch. I finished 5th in the final in the 17+ category, and that was enough to give me the BMX bug.

What was your local track?

Originally, my local track was Deddington, but in 1986, they built one just 200 yards from my house—so I had to get another bike!

When were your main racing years?

My most competitive racing years were 1980–1984. Any races I did after that, I rode more like an “old man”!

Which BMX teams did you ride for?

I rode for Hotshot, Skyway, and Curtis.

What was your favorite team to ride for and why?

My favorite team was Curtis. Brian (Curtis’ owner) never put us under any pressure—he just let us get on with it.

What was unique about your Curtis bike?

Brian made me a one-off frame and fork set with different angles and a slightly lower bottom bracket. He planned to put it into production at the beginning of 1984 as the Dave Thomas Replica, with Strongs Cycles distributing it. I was supposed to receive 25% of the profits.

Why did the Dave Thomas Replica never get released?

Unfortunately, it never happened because I injured my knee at the 1983 NBMXA British Championships while messing around with Shaun Gayle (aka the “Magna Muncher”). The injury affected my performance, and I felt I wasn’t worthy of having a bike named after me.

What was the highlight of your BMX career?

One of my biggest highlights was the 1983 NBMXA British Championships in Derby — Cruiser class, I won all three of my motos on Saturday and became the 1983 British Cruiser Champion; and 20-inch class, I won all three motos and my quarter-final on Saturday.

However, my knee injury (from Shaun Gayle’s “wrestling match”) worsened by Sunday, and I struggled through the semi-finals. Despite that, I finished 3rd in the final.

How bad was your knee injury?

I had been struggling with water on the knee all season, and my doctor kept draining the fluid. He told me not to ride for three weeks before Derby, but I didn’t listen. By Sunday morning, my knee was swollen like a balloon.

After the race, I had cartilage removed, ACL damage, and torn knee ligaments. The injury affected my riding, but I still have the 1983 British Cruiser Champion trophy as a reminder.

What was the best part of BMX racing for you?

Aside from racing, the friendships I formed were the best part. I still keep in touch with many BMX friends today through social media.