Essentiallysports author
Jerry Bonkowski
63
Articles

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

Exclusive: Fired by One-Word Text, IHRA Boss Gives His Side of What Happened, Thoughts About Series’ Future

IHRA shook drag racing when it fired Scott Woodruff this past week. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Woodruff gives his side.

NHRA Shocker: 2-time Defending Funny Car Champ Austin Prock and New Team Fail To Qualify for Season Opener; Goes Home Early

Two-time defending NHRA Funny Car champ Austin Prock got off to a terrible start with his new team, Tasca Racing, failing to qualify for the NHRA season-opening race

Back in the NHRA Saddle Again: Bruce Larson Beats Joe Amato in Match of Drag Racing Legends

The NHRA went back in time Friday and Saturday, honoring several of the sport's greatest drivers, plus a match race between Bruce Larson and Joe Amato

Why We Should See the Trend Toward More Crossover Racing Events

NASCAR and IndyCar had a crossover weekend last week and will have another this weekend in Phoenix. Here's why need more of them.

Exclusive: Graham Rahal Wants More Crossover Doubleheader Weekends Between IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA and More

For all forms of motorsport to grow, there should be crossover events like this weekend's IndyCar opener and the NASCAR Trucks race in St. Pete.

After 12-Year Layoff, Dario Franchitti Is Back Behind the Wheel on Saturday in a NASCAR Truck

Dario Franchitti hasn't been in a high-level competitive race since 2013, but he gets back into the swing of things in Saturday's Truck race.

39-YO IndyCar Veteran Begins New Career – Kind Of – as a Truck Driver

James Hinchcliffe always wanted to run in NASCAR, but never had a chance until now: he'll race in Saturday's Truck race at St. Petersburg.

NHRA: After Two-Year Hiatus, Leah Pruett Ready to Pick Up Where She Left Off in Top Fuel Ranks

After a two-year hiatus to start a family with husband and NASCAR HoF Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett is back in her NHRA Top Fuel dragster.

EXCLUSIVE: Adam Andretti, Nephew of Mario, Set for NASCAR Debut This Weekend, With Indy 500 Dream Still Alive

Adam Andretti has carved out his own successful racing career. He writes a new chapter this weekend in his first NASCAR Trucks race.

Why Winning the Daytona 500 Is Like An NBA Championship for Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan considers his team’s win in this year’s Daytona 500 as significant to him as his six NBA championships as a player.

For Tyler Reddick, Redemption Is Spelled D-A-Y-T-O-N-A 500 Champion!

23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick bounced back from a tough 2025 season on Sunday by winning the 2026 season-opening Daytona 500.

Can William Byron Make Three-Peat History in Sunday’s Daytona 500?

Sunday's Daytona 500 could end up in historic fashion if William Byron becomes the first to ever witn the 500 three years in a row.
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