Jerry Cook

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.

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.

NASCAR administration

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

Awards

• Inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009
• 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]

References