Jerry Cook

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jerry Cook (born July 31, 1939) in Rome, New York) is a NASCAR championship race car driver. He began racing at the age of 13 and won the track championship at Utica-Rome Speedway in 1969.

Contents 1 Driving career 2 NASCAR administration 3 Craftsman Truck Series 4 Awards 5 References

[edit] Driving career

He eventually went to become a six-time champion in the NASCAR Modified series (1971-72, 1974-77). His rivalry with fellow Rome, New York driver Richie Evans is legendary. He retired after the 1982 season with 342 wins.^[1] He stayed with the sport, and helped shape the series.

[edit] NASCAR administration

Cook served as the Whelen Modified Series' director when it began in 1985, and is currently NASCAR's Administrative Director. ^[2]

[edit] Craftsman Truck Series

In 1998, Cook decided to race the Dodge California Truckstop 300 at the Mesa Marin 1/2 mile. In the 34 truck field, he qualified last. But when Randy Tolsma was DQ'ed before the race, he was able to pass Stan Boyd, who blew an engine 2 laps into the race. Cook lost his clutch on lap 4, placing 32nd.

[edit] Awards

• In 1989, he was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 1993
• As part of NASCAR's 50th Anniversary celebration in 1998, he was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers.
• NASCAR named him #3 on its NASCAR Modifed All-Time Top 10 list. ^[1]

[edit] References