
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
Chicago Is Ryan Blaney’s Kinda Town, and He’s Glad to Be Back at Chicagoland Speedway
Ryan Blaney, defending NASCAR Cup champ Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin were in Chicago Tuesday and Wednesday for a Goodyear tire test.

OPINION: We’ve Finally Broken the Code to Alex Palou’s IndyCar Success!
Alex Palou is as close to unstoppable as any race car driver in the world, and did it again in IndyCar's Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

NASCAR Mistake Cost Denny Hamlin Kansas Win, Gifts Tyler Reddick Fifth Triumph of Season
Did NASCAR officials make a crucial mistake when they threw a caution with 1 1/2 laps to go? Denny Hamlin sure thinks so. Read why.

For 25 Laps, Robert Wickens Was Back Where He Belonged: Leading a Race in Convincing Fashion
It was a classic Robert Wickens Saturday in the IMSA race. The paralyzed driver started from the pole and led the first 25 laps.

Exclusive: NHRA President Glen Cromwell Talks 75-Year Legacy, Youth Surge and What’s Next
NHRA President Glen Cromwell sat down recently with EssentiallySports for an exclusive interview about the series' 75th anniversary and its future.

Ryan Preece, RFK Racing, Kickstand Cocktails Look to “Heat Up the Track” at Kansas and Beyond
Ryan Preece is kicking off a new season-long partnership with Kickstand Cocktails that will potentially make fans and him winners.

Is Tony Stewart Ready to Add Yet Another New Crown to His Resume?
Tony Stewart has earned so many championships in his career that we've almost lost count. And now he's chasing yet another one!

NHRA Drag Racer Has Long Recovery Road Ahead After Brutal Crash and Resulting Surgery
NHRA Top Alcohol dragster driver James Stevens suffered several serious injuries after being involved in a crash at Pomona, Calif.

Ty Gibbs Pays Tribute to Late Father Coy In Claiming His First Career NASCAR Cup Race Win
Ty Gibbs finally earns his first NASCAR Cup career victory. He has many people to thank, especially his late father, Coy.

Three Teams Kyle Busch Should Consider Moving to After His Time With Richard Childress Racing Is Up
Kyle Busch is expected to part ways with Richard Childress Racing at season's end. But where does the two-time Cup champ go from there?

Exclusive: Turning Heads and Win Lights – In-Depth With NHRA Rookie Top Fuel Sensation Maddi Gordon
Top Fuel Driver Maddi Gordon is the biggest news in NHRA thus far this season, reaching the semifinals in each of her first two races.

Why It Made More Sense to Run an IndyCar Race in Washington, D.C., Than a NASCAR Race
Why is it more logical for NASCAR to race on a San Diego naval base and IndyCar to race around The National Mall in Washington, D.C.? We explain.
