
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
Somehow, Some Way, Greg Biffle Was at Darlington on Sunday
Greg Biffle tragically lost his life in December. But somehow, it was clear on Sunday that Biffle was still around at Darlington Raceway.

How Do Tyler Reddick, Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing Keep Making It Look So Easy This Season? (Hint: It Isn’t)
After winning his fourth race this season at Darlington, Tyler Reddick is on pace to win 24 races if he keeps his current momentum going.

Why Jack Roush Means So Much to Chris Buescher
Jack Roush isn't just a legendary team owner but a teacher, mentor, and talent developer of countless drivers, including Chris Buescher.

After a Terrible Start to the Season, Chase Briscoe Begins the Long Road Back
Chase Briscoe began the long road back from a terrible start to the new season with an eighth-place finish in Sunday's Cup race at Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Winner Denny Hamlin Illustrates Why Family, Support and Love Are Just as Important as Speed and Winning
There was joy and sadness in Denny Hamlin's win Sunday: He was happy for his 61st Cup win, but sad because it was the first without his dad.

Why Several New Events This Year Could Become Game-Changers for NASCAR’s and IndyCar’s Respective Futures
After years of selfishly staying as far away from each other as possible, NASCAR and IndyCar now believe it's better to be one for all and all for one.

Why This Season Could Be Bubba Wallace’s Best in His NASCAR Cup Career
Off to the best season start in his Cup career, Bubba Wallace feels like he's just getting warmed up for even bigger and better things.

Hungry for a Win, Brad Keselowski Ready to Do Some Gambling This Weekend in Las Vegas
After winning 36 NASCAR Cup races, Brad Keselowski has managed just one win in his last 173 starts. He hopes to break that streak on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney’s Continued Success at Phoenix Isn’t a Surprise, It’s True Mastery
Ryan Blaney likes racing at Phoenix, and it's clear the raceway likes Blaney back. His record on the one-mile flat oval speaks for itself.

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
