* Corky's early racing involvement was with motorcycles. He was an excellent racer who won quite regularly.

* He competed with the likes of Frank Bayliss and Bill Rainsford in the 1930's.

* Corky expanded into the automobile side of motorsports in the 1930's. Although he had the money to have a first-class machine, he instead chose to follow his own guidelines and compete with second-hand parts and pieces.

* He was always on hand at the local scene at Langford Speedway, then later on at Shearing's Speedway near Duncan, B.C.

* Corky was truly one of the "characters" of the sport -- much the same as was Eddie Sachs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

* The caption for a photo ad in the Saanich and Suburban Newspaper of 1947 read: "Corky Thomas, one of the most popular drivers of the Langford Speedway, sits in the "Lucky Lady". Corky and his noisy lady are a combination that has delighted crowds with repeated exhibitions of attempting to pass cars that are just a little bit faster."

* An excerpt from the Daily Colonist paper of Sunday, May 21, 1950 stated: "Bundled up fans, however, yelled encouragement to Corkie Thomas, who placed last in the "Lucky Lady". He had quite a battle with Cooper for the position." Three days later, the race results showed that Corky had finished 3rd in the Main Event which had been won by Bob Simpson.

* Corky always had his shop doors open to his fellow racers. He was an all around good guy. He was always willing to lend a hand.

* Corky remained active and involved in the sport until the early 1960's, when he retired from auto racing.

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