fastonwater

Derek Baden Thompson (D.B.T.)

If you have any info on Derek’s racing career, we would love to add it to his profile.
Contact fastonwater@live.co.uk

Derek Thompson was a leading light in UK powerboat racing, both as a competitor and an organiser. He started racing seriously in the late 60s and always named his boats after his initials – Dee Bee Tee – and this became his nickname. Derek was born on the 2 April 1938 in Wellingborough, England. It was after becoming the owner of a garage in Coventry that Derek discovered his passion for powerboat racing. In 1972 he won the SE National Championship in his 13ft 6in Bristol, powered by a 65hp Mercury engine.

Derek was well known in the world of powerboat racing both in the UK and in Europe, racing in Paris and Amsterdam.

He was one of the founder members of the Cotswold Motor Boat Racing Club, based at Fairford, Gloucestershire, which became one of the leading clubs in the UK and one that went on to organise the Grand Prix races in both Bristol and Cardiff Docks. Racing started at Fairford in 1959 but the CMBRC Ltd Company was formed later, when Derek started racing there in the late 1960s. He first became Commodore in 1973 and was Commodore till 1993 (except for 1981, when Charlie Sheppard took over the role). Derek was also Managing Director, Treasurer and Company Secretary from 1973 until his death 2007. He moved into a bungalow on the Fairford site in the ‘70s, managing the site and taking stints running the pub/Club House at a time when the CMBRC owned it.

The Club thrived and became very successful, the circuit offering a great location for both drivers, and spectators, who were able to view the racing at close quarters. Unfortunately disaster hit the Club, in the guise of a close neighbour, who took the Club to court over noise issues. Sadly the Club lost and consequently the racing was curtailed to just a few meetings a year. The court fees were huge and the Club had to sell the pub, then known as ‘The Commodore’, to pay them.

The pub was bought by Hazel, later to become Derek’s wife, and completely refurbished in 1988. It was renamed ‘The Old Rangoon’, which was a pub/restaurant/function room, which also doubled as the Club House. Derek and Hazel got together and he joined her in the pub. They married in 1992. Hazel remembers: ‘Derek was a brilliant landlord and host. The members loved it and we had some fantastic times.’

Racing at Fairford finally ceased in 1993/94. When the racing was reduced the Club needed to survive, so waterskiing was introduced, to produce some income. Eventually the racing became too expensive to put on; then it stopped. A sad day for the CMBRC and its members, and a great loss to those who loved the sport. The circuit is now a water ski club, and for those of us who remember its heyday, just standing on the side of the lake, instantly brings back the sights and sounds of better days.

Derek Thompson was well respected and liked by all the teams, both National and International, and he was proud of the 13 years he was Officer of the Day for the races in Bristol Docks. Hazel says of him, ‘He was a charismatic, warm, generous, strong, brave giant of a man. A natural leader; admired, respected and loved by many.’

Derek was also well-known locally and raised money for the local hospital and other charities. In 1983 he was given Honorary Membership the US Air Force Sergeants Association and was awarded the Certificate of Commendation by the president of the RAF Fairford branch.

Derek passed away on the 14 September 2007 and is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Derek racing at Fairford. Year and photo credit needed.

Above and below: Derek racing at Fairford. Date and photo credit needed.

Derek in his Shakespeare Stinger. Date, location and photo credit needed.

Derek and co-driver, Ron Ramsey after his triumph in the 1971 British Grand Prix at Chasewater. Derek was placed tenth overall and won his class in his 16ft Bristol "Incisor".

Above: Derek at Cardiff
Below: Letter from USAF Air Force Sargeants Association and certificates.