in September 1974. Competed on it and won his expert class. Broken Collarbone resulting from a football related Physical Education class at his high school in early 1975. He returned to competition at the Western Sport-A-Rama track in Orange, California, but promptly re-injured himself at that race fittingly on Friday, June 13, 1975. Broke leg in January 1976 during a practice session. Leg injury approximately May 1976. Returned to racing on June 27, 1976 for the NBA Springnational. Ankle injury in April 1984. Tore two ligaments falling in practice at a Memphis, Tennessee, NBL race. Laid up for approximately six weeks. Thomsen had a two national winning streak at the time and was showing signs of being dominant again after two off (for him) seasons. This injury hurt his 1984 season. Shoulder injury and a broken collar bone during practice at a promotional mountain bike race in the Los Angeles Coliseum during half time at the Super Bowl of Motocross motorcycle race on or around November 10, 1985. He was laid up for about six weeks. He reinjured his shoulder in a fall at an ABA national in Bakersfield, California, on April 6. Had surgery on April 22 and laid up for a further two months until late June 1986. Images Image of Thomsen racing at the 2008 NBL Grand National. Racing habits and traits Rumors of impending retirement would repeatably emerge going virtually back to the beginning of his career: Q: "What about rumors that you are getting ready to retire?"A: "Just rumors. I may not race much anymore, but I will still like it very much."—Bicycle Motocross News August 1975 This was almost just two years after he began racing. The cause of this was probably because at 17 Stu Thomsen was one of the oldest racers in BMX at the time. During this era BMX racing was still regarded exclusively as a kid's sport and at best a training ground and stepping stone to racing standard Motorcycle Motocross when they reached adulthood. Of course as part of the first generation Stu Thomsen would remain one of the oldest riders throughout his career. These persistent rumors—at times aided by his own statements—would regularly crop up as people wondered what is the outer age limit of a competitive racer in this new sport. BMX Plus!: "When you were interviewed by BMX PLUS! last year you said you were going