Career
Thomas died in a non-racing related car crash during the start of the 1965 National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing season. Larry Thomas began his racing career in 1956 driving hobby stocks and modifieds at Bowman-Gray Stadium. He began his National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing career in 1961 driving for Wade Younts.
His best finish was seventh at South Boston Speedway.
During the 1962 season, Thomas encountered a significant number of mechanical failures which marred him in seventeenth place in the standings. His 1963 campaign did not fare much better as he ended up twenty-second in the point standings.
1964 was Thomas" breakout season. Though he still suffered quite a few mechanical failures throughout the season, he finished eighth in the final point standings and earned a career-best second-place finish at Hickory Speedway.
Also in 1964, Thomas was involved in a significant wreck at Jacksonville Speedway when he flipped over the Younts" owned Dodge.
Thomas escaped without serious injury. Getting ready for the 1965 season, Thomas was driving to a tire test when he drove off Interstate 75 in Georgia and landed in a thirty-five foot embankment killing him instantly.