Thomas was involved in all aspects of the sport, and even helped start a racing publication.

He was crew chief of the car that Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member the late Sam McQuagg drove to NASCAR rookie of the year honors in 1965, and won the National 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1966 with Lee Roy Yarbrough driving a Dodge he prepared.

Thomas owned as operated several tracks including Rocket Speedway, Columbus Super Speedway and East Alabama Motor Speedway, which his family continues to operate. He died on Oct. 19, 1980.