WEARNE COOK LOVES HIS DODGE AND CHRYSLER THUNDERCARS
by Brian Spaid

April 9, 2004 

   In 2002, one of the world’s largest automakers, Daimler Chrysler, plunged back into NASCAR Nextel Cup competition. In August of that season, Sterling Marlin won a race at Michigan Speedway, and the Dodge brand was back in victory lane. In 2003, Ryan Newman vaulted Dodge to new modern heights with eight victories.

   The return of the popular American brand to NASCAR glory thrilled many Dodge and Chrysler racers and fans. One man that remains loyal to the automobile giant rescued in the early 1980s by Lee Iacocca is Cooperstown racer Wearne Cook.

   “My dad and I have always supported Chrysler,” said Cook, who works at his father’s auto shop, Cook’s Garage, in the small northern Venango County borough. “It’s the only thing we drive, and we worked hard to put one on the track at Tri-City.”

   Cook’s father, who is also named Wearne, was a racer at Tri-City in the 1970s. Driving a Plymouth Roadrunner, the elder Cook scored a few wins at the half-mile track. Cook watched his father race back then and dreamed about racing himself one day.

   “Dad raced for years when I was little, and I’ve always wanted to race,” said Cook, 35. “I just could never afford to do it. Then, Tri-City added the Thundercars and they made it easy for guys like me to go racing.”

   In 2003, Cook entered his first-ever race in the new Thundercar division driving an immaculate red and white 1982 Dodge Mirada No. 38, which was identical in appearance to his dad’s racers.  The effort Cook and his father put into that car is a testament to their commitment to the Cook’s budding racing career and their love of the Chrysler brand.

   “When the rules for the class first came out,” noted Cook, “track officials would not allow uni-body cars. That took me out of the running right there.”

   The Thundercar rules clearly indicate that only full frame cars are permitted in the class. For safety reasons, a full frame car is sturdier from front to rear. A uni-body car has no separate frame. Instead, the frame is built into the body. The former Chrysler Corporation incorporated this design into its cars in the 1970s. Cook’s racing career appeared to be dead in the water when his favorite brand was outlawed.

   “After a couple of weeks, Dad told me to go talk to the head tech official at Tri-City, Larry Riffe. He told me no uni-body cars were allowed because he was concerned about the safety. I told him I could build a race car out of a uni-body car with a special roll cage that could pass inspection. He told me to build it with no other modifications, and he’d inspect it. If it passed, he’d allow it.”

   Working nearly non-stop for one week, Cook and his father tore apart the Mirada in the garage lot. Cook’s father knew they could get the job done after his own racing endeavors in the 1970s. They installed a specially-constructed roll cage welded to the front and rear subframe of the car. After long nights of hard and painstaking work, their efforts paid off.

   “Larry checked the car over, and was impressed with the work we did to it. He allowed it, and I was a race car driver in a Chrysler.”

   Cook scored two fifth place finishes in the car and a best finish of fourth in the final race of the season, the Apple Core 20, which was run in conjunction with the Applefest 100. Over the winter, Cook acquired another car. The 1978 Chrysler LeBaron is also a uni-body design with a special roll cage that will serve as Cook’s backup car.

   “I enjoyed the class a lot, and I’m looking forward to this year. We’re expecting more cars in 2004, especially because Mercer started to run the class. There are about 20 drivers with cars ready to run or still being built. I’m a little concerned about the number of cars on the track. It will be more competitive and crowded. There will also be more rookie racers out there.”

   Overall, Cook believes the Thundercar class is the way to go. The winner only receives a trophy and no purse is paid. For Cook and other Thundercar drivers, racing is a true hobby.

   “If you’re racing to make money, forget it,” said Cook. “Dad and I have about $3,000 total invested in both of our cars. That’s not bad. The Thundercar class is supposed to be a cheaper. With the amount of money some guys spend in the Pro Stocks, I think we’ve done well.”

   Driving one of the best appearing cars at the track, Cook believes he’ll follow the footsteps of his father to victory lane.

   “I felt I did pretty good for a beginner last year. We finished seventh in points. I’d like to get a few more top fives and maybe even a win this season.”

   For Cook, nothing would be better than to be a part of the winning Chrysler and Dodge race teams.