From Small-Town Beginnings to the Big Leagues, a Talk with Brady Thompson

Brady Thompson, a 43-year-old off-road racer hailing from Fallbrook, California, has carved out a respectable niche in the competitive world of off-road racing. Now based in Henderson, Nevada, Brady’s journey began with humble origins -- sweeping floors for a local racer -- before he found his footing as a navigator in the Baja 1000 and other prestigious events.

With multiple victories under his belt, including four Baja 1000 overall wins, Brady continues to push his limits, whether it’s in the driver’s seat or as a trusted co-pilot. His dedication to the sport and the community, coupled with his hands-on experience and relentless work ethic, make him a valuable figure in the off-road racing scene, with potential that remains untapped as he looks toward future challenges.

Mad Media: What is your first memory of off-roading?

Brady Thompson: I was about 17 years-old when I started going with a friend to his cabin in Lucerne Valley, where we drove his Baja Bug around the desert. Shortly after, I got my first dirt bike, an old Honda XR 400.

MM: How did you get started in the off-road community?

BT: I had a job sweeping floors for a local racer, Andrew Wehe, from Fallbrook, CA, right after the Baja 1000 when I was eighteen. Although Andrew no longer races and we don't talk much, I still see Steve Silverthorn, who was his shop manager at the time. Working for Meco really solidified my love for racing and gave me my first real Baja experiences. After a couple of years with Meco, my friend Cameron Parrish convinced me to take my mechanical skills to the next level, and I started working at the McMillin shop in 2004, where I was assigned to help prep Corky’s cars.

MM: Have you had any other off-road or racing disciplines?

BT: Mainly just navigating, but I also ride dirt bikes with friends.

MM: When did you know that you were going to race?

BT: The first time I ever raced was when I navigated for Blaze Williams in the Meco 10 car. There was no GPS in those days, but I realized my memory was good enough to remember most of the corners on the 32-mile loop in Lucerne. I started calling them like rally notes, and when we finished, Blaze commented that it felt like we had a GPS. When I knew it was turning into something more serious was when I was asked to navigate for Corky McMillin at the 2005 Terrible's Town 250. The rest is history, and it includes a much longer story.

MM: Who would you say is your mentor: in racing or in life?

BT: In life, my Dad has always been my mentor, teaching me a strong work ethic and the importance of working for what I want. In racing, I didn’t really have a mentor, but I did follow the career of Nicky Grist, who was the navigator for Colin McRae. Nicky had an undying commitment to Colin and faith that as long as he did his job, Colin would do his and keep them safe.

MM: Who do you look up to in the racing community?

BT: The McMillin family is a great representation of the sport, and what they’ve done for the community's growth is incredible. I also look up to guys my age who are killing it in the industry, like Todd and Jason from SDG with their business, Justin “Bean” Smith with his race prep shop, and the Martelli brothers who have created the Unlimited Off-Road Racing series.

MM: What’s it like riding shotgun with one of the fastest people on the planet?

BT: It’s an adrenaline rush. It’s hard to explain while it’s happening because it’s controlled chaos. You know you’re having a great time, but you’re not sure what’s coming next. There’s never a time you don’t get to the finish line smiling, even if you didn’t win. The bench racing with Andy and the teams after the race is where some of the best memories are made.

MM: If you could high-five any motorsports competitor since the beginning of combustion engines, who would it be?

BT: Steve McQueen, aka “Harvey Mushman.” He was just the ultimate cool guy.

MM: What’s your favorite race “fuel” to eat before and during a competition?

BT: I always try to eat something simple in the morning, like a plain bagel with cream cheese. During the race, it’s a lot of energy gels and tablets, with the occasional few bites from an Uncrustable. My favorite food and beverage in Baja is when Andy’s mom, Susan, has a hot meal and a cold Corona with lime waiting for us as soon as we get out of the truck.

MM: Do you have a get-pumped playlist before you start the race, and if so, what’s your favorite song?

BT: I don’t really listen to music before a race, but I used to have a tradition of playing Baja on the Xbox the night before I’d leave for Baja. Andy is big on his music playlists, and we now have Bluetooth music to the intercom during the race. I originally thought it would be a distraction, but it turns out I was wrong—it makes for a great time and great memories.

MM: What’s your go-to training routine ahead of a big race? Fitness, health, technique, nutrition—what do you focus on and how?

BT: I ride my mountain bike with friends as much as I can, take evening walks with my fiancée, and just try to maintain a healthy diet.

MM: What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far in motorsports?

BT: I’ve had four overall wins at the Baja 1000, but the one that really stands out to me is 2009 because it was the first win with Scott McMillin, Andy McMillin, and Todd Tenbroek. Winning the 2014 Mint 400, with around 52 Trophy Trucks entered, was also a real thrill and is right up there as well.

MM: Tell us about your team. Who helps you get to the starting line and reach the finish?

BT: My awesome fiancée, Jenn Hellstrom, is always there to cheer me on and get me to the races. If she’s not with me, she’s waiting for me when I get back. I’ve also got a great bunch of friends (DWMC) who send me loads of positive energy and good vibes.

MM: What are your goals in the Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series?

BT: I’d love to come back and compete in more races, maybe with Andy in the big leagues or with Jenn in a 5 Open car. For now, my focus is on being a great commentator for the series at the California 300 and potentially taking on a role that doesn’t involve getting beaten up in a truck.

MM: What keeps you going during a rough race?

BT: Knowing that pushing through is the quickest way to get to the finish line—and that we never give up.

MM: What’s the next Unlimited Off-Road Series event you’ll be competing in?

BT: Unknown. I’m trying to talk Andy into going Spec Truck racing. Help me out here, guys!

MM: What other race series have you competed in?

BT: SCORE, Best In The Desert (BITD), and Mojave Desert Racing (MDR).

MM: What are your racing accolades?

BT: Most of these wins were with Andy McMillin, and a few were with Scott McMillin. I’ve also been fortunate enough to ride with the rest of the McMillin family, including Corky, Mark, Dan, Jessica, and now I just need to get in with Luke McMillin at least once to round out the whole family. I’ve also navigated for guys like Rob MacCachren, Troy Herbst, Pat Dean, Justin “Bean” Smith, and Christian and Steve Sourapas.

• Trophy Truck
• 4 overall Baja 1000 wins (2009, 2014, 2015, 2023)
• 3 overall Baja 500 wins (2010, 2017, 2020)
• 3 overall Parker 400 wins (2009, 2017, 2018)
• 2 overall Vegas to Reno wins (2009, 2016)
• 1 overall Mint 400 win (2014)
• 1 overall Imperial Valley 250 win (2014)
• 1 overall Laughlin Desert Challenge win (2010)
• Countless other podiums and smaller series wins

MM: If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say?

BT: Buy real estate and invest in the stock market early so you can afford to drive the race cars instead of navigating in them!

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