TJ Cook: DragChamp Racer Spotlight

TJ Cook is in this week’s DragChamp Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!

BLACKSBURG, VA- TJ Cook has been racing for seven years, getting his start thanks to his parents, who were both involved in the sport. Racing quickly became a passion, and TJ began his journey behind the wheel of a street car. Over time, he has tightened up his skills and has upgraded his equipment, and now competes in the Sportsman and Footbrake classes. His home track is Elk Creek Dragway, where you can find him most weekends.

Throughout the years, TJ has made many final rounds and earned several wins. His first victory came in 2018 at Farmington Dragway.

Learn more about TJ below!

His Race Car

Currently, TJ drives a big-tire S-10 pickup equipped with a blueprint 383 crate motor and a Powerglide transmission. The truck runs 7.10s at Elk Creek, but he runs 7.60s in second gear for the Sportsman class.

Outside of Racing

When TJ isn’t behind the wheel of his race car, he works as a truck driver for a small company that is contracted by FedEx. TJ also enjoys kicking back with some of his favorite TV shows like NCIS and the classic racing film Days of Thunder. His taste in music is broad, he’s good with just about anything except the newer stuff. Like many racers, TJ spends a lot of time on Facebook, keeping up with racing news, friends, and events.

Outside of racing, he’s a NFL fan and roots for the Philadelphia Eagles. In his downtime, he likes playing video games and prefers a quiet evening at home over being in a big crowd. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with a good hamburger, its his favorite go-to meal.

TJ’s Q&A

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

To compete in bigger events and try to win a big money race.

What is your favorite race car, and why?

I really love my S-10; it’s the first big vehicle I’ve owned.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

Everyone who has helped me improve and shown me the right way to do things.

How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.?

Myself!

Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why? 

I really don’t like racing my good friends.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

Trusting the truck/ car you are in.

What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?

“Don’t suck!”

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

It’s my getaway—it’s my escape. When I’m at the track, I’m not worried about anything. Honestly, that’s what I love most about it.

Do you love to win or hate to lose? 

I hate to lose—especially when I know it was my own mistake.

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line? 

Depends on the day!

What motivates you to continue racing? 

The thrill of victory.

How often do you use a practice tree? 

None.

What is your daily driver?

Dodge Ram/ Chevy Silverado

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

Mike Willard, TimBo Blevins, Hannah Blevins, and Rodger Spencer

What is a piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring racer?

Follow God and never give up—this sport can humble you real quick.

For more DragChamp racer spotlights, click here.

Want to become a DragChamp Pro Member like TJ? Check out the details here.