[1] Thomas and his business partner Jeff Brownhut founded Workington Comets after a successful application was made by for a licence to race at Derwent Park for the 1970 season.
The move is credited in helping the Workington Town rugby league club avert financial troubles.
[2] The rugby pitch required moving 25 yards sideways to accommodate the speedway track.
[3] Thomas started a company called Premier Sporting Promotions and in 1971 began to bring entertainment acts such as Ken Dodd to Derwent Park.
In 1974, Thomas bought the defunct Sunderland Gladiators licence and transferred it to re-form the Newcastle Diamonds, entering the team to race in the 1975 New National League season.