
Jerry Bonkowski has worked full-time for many of the world’s top media outlets, including USA Today (15 years), ESPN.com (4+ years), Yahoo Sports (4 1/2 years), NBC Sports (8 years) and others, as well as has extensive broadcast experience. His passion is motorsports, having covered over 1,500 races in NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA drag racing, Formula One and others. He is also the author of "Trading Paint: 101 Great NASCAR Debates". Jerry has covered every major professional and collegiate sport, including the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls' six NBA championships, the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX-winning season, the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs World Series championships, two of the Chicago Blackhawks' NHL titles, Tiger Woods' PGA Tour debut, as well as many years of beat coverage of the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA. Jerry is very excited to join EssentiallySports.com, will be covering primarily motorsports (with occasional coverage in other sports), and is looking forward to significant interaction with readers. He can be reached at Jerry.Bonkowski@EssentiallySports.com.
Articles By Author
Recalling the Side of Kurt Busch Many People Don’t Know About
Kurt Busch will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Friday. Our NASCAR expert recalls some of his favorite Busch stories.

NHRA: No Longer Having the (John) Force With Him, Two-Time Funny Car Champ Austin Prock Ready for New Chapter in 2026
Two-time defending NHRA Funny Car champ Austin Prock ready for a third straight Funny Car crown, but first not with John Force Racing.

Did NASCAR Make the Right Move With the New Chase Format?
NASCAR is bringing back many of the elements of its first playoff format – The Chase for the Championship – in 2026.

With Steve Phelps’ Departure, Is NASCAR Missing a Great Opportunity for a Fresh Start?
NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps shocked the sport on Tuesday when he announced he was resigning and leaving the sport by month-end.

When Will NASCAR FINALLY Reveal the 2026 Points System Format?
With less than six weeks before the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, one MAJOR detail remains: the expected change in the points format.

Exclusive: Catching Up With ‘The Dinger’ — the Past, Present and Future of AJ Allmendinger
AJ Allmendinger is in a good place career-wise with Kaulig Racing. It's a family atmosphere where everyone cares about helping each other.

Remembering Dennis Hamlin, Who Molded His Son Denny Into the Man and Racer He Became
NASCAR is trying to cope with the second tragedy in 10 days as the father of Cup star Denny Hamlin does in a tragic house fire

Exclusive: With NASCAR in His Rearview Mirror, Paul Menard Is Now Tearing Up the Trans-Am Series
Paul Menard has taken to Trans-Am racing like a duck to water. In his first two seasons in the series, he has 2 championships and 11 wins.

Remembering ‘The Biff’: Greg Biffle Was More Than Just a Great Driver, He Was an Even Greater Person
NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was someone who cared passionately about his sport as well as helping people in need.

NHRA vs. IHRA: Is Drag Racing in the U.S. on the Verge of War?
The International Hot Rod Association is planning to go head-to-head with the rival and larger National Hot Rod Association in 2026.

Exclusive: Mark Martin’s Career Philosophy in Both Racing and Life — “Never Lift”
Mark Martin's exclusive column on EssentiallySports begins today. He plans on sharing personal stories and giving insights on racing today.

NASCAR Lawsuit Outcome: There Really Was No Other Alternative but for Michael Jordan, All Sides to Settle
Facing a great deal to lose if they did not prevail in the lawsuit, it was in NASCAR, Michael Jordan's 23XI and FRM to settle.
