Jerry Coons Jr.

Jerry Coons Jr. Bio

Jerry Coons Jr. is an American racecar driver born on April 21, 1972, in Tucson, Arizona. He currently competes in the United States Auto Club sprint car, midget, and Silver Crown divisions. Coons has established himself as one of the most accomplished open-wheel racers in USAC history.

He is one of only six drivers to win the USAC Triple Crown, claiming championships in the USAC Sprint Car, Midget, and Silver Crown divisions. At the close of the 2017 season, Coons had accumulated nineteen USAC Midget wins, seventeen USAC Sprint Car wins, and seven USAC Silver Crown wins throughout his distinguished career.

Early Life and Background

Jerry Coons Jr. began his racing career at the age of five, driving quarter midgets with his father Jerry Coons Sr. This early introduction to racing laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in open-wheel competition.

In the late 1980s, Coons began racing midget cars at the age of fourteen. He competed at various Arizona racetracks including Manzanita Speedway, Raven Raceway, and El Paso Speedway Park. These early experiences helped develop his driving skills and prepare him for national competition.

Path to NASCAR

Coons focused his career primarily on USAC open-wheel racing rather than NASCAR competition. His path led through the USAC ladder system, where he developed expertise in midget, sprint car, and Silver Crown divisions. This specialization in short-track open-wheel racing became his signature and led to his historic Triple Crown achievement.

His success in USAC competition earned him recognition as one of the premier drivers in American open-wheel racing. Rather than transitioning to NASCAR, Coons built his legacy through dominating performance in dirt and pavement open-wheel events across the United States.

Jerry Coons Jr. Career

Early Career (1980s-1990s)

In 1987, Coons finished second in Arizona USAC Midget points, with one win at the Pima County Fairgrounds track and four second-place finishes. This early success demonstrated his potential and set the stage for his move into national competition.

By 1992, Coons was named track champion at El Paso Speedway Park, accumulating 475 points from nine races. His breakthrough moment came at the Belleville Midget Nationals in 1996, where he caught national attention by winning the Friday night preliminary feature over Billy Boat while driving for car owner Rusty Kunz.

USAC Midget Breakthrough (1998-2010s)

Coons moved from Arizona to Indianapolis in 1998 and teamed up with CED Motorsports to begin racing more regularly. That same year, he appeared in his first USAC Silver Crown races, including the Sumar Classic at the Terre Haute Action Track and Eldora Speedways Four Crown Nationals.

His accomplishments in midget competition were extraordinary. He was named National Midget Driver of the Decade for the 2000s, starting 282 features and claiming 56 wins over the course of the decade. He won the USAC Midget championship in 2006 and 2007, and was named National Midget Driver of the Year in 2007. He reclaimed the NMDOTY title in 2012 with four feature wins including the $12,000-to-win Belleville Midget Nationals.

USAC Sprint Car and Silver Crown Success (1999-2010s)

Coons first USAC Sprint Car win came in 1999 in the Friday preliminary night for the Terre Haute National Open at the Terre Haute Action Track while driving the CED Motorsports car. He ran part-time in the series until 2005 when he joined Hoffman Dynamics in the No. 69 car and finished seventh in the standings with a win at Manzanita Speedway.

In 2008, Coons achieved a historic double championship by winning both the USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Car titles. He secured wins in all three USAC series classes at Eldora Speedways Four Crown Nationals, winning in Silver Crown in 2007 and 2014, Sprint Cars in 2009, and Midgets in 2010.

CED Motorsports and Hoffman Dynamics Era (1998-Present)

Coons partnership with CED Motorsports beginning in 1998 marked a significant turning point in his career. This collaboration provided him with competitive equipment and opportunities to showcase his talents on a national stage. Later association with Hoffman Dynamics further elevated his status in USAC competition.

During this period, Coons established himself as a force to be reckoned with across all three USAC divisions. His consistency and ability to win on different track types made him one of the most versatile drivers in open-wheel racing.

Driving Style and Strengths

Coons excels on both dirt and pavement surfaces, demonstrating exceptional car control and race craft across varying track conditions. His strength lies in his adaptability and technical understanding of race car setup, allowing him to perform well in midgets, sprint cars, and Silver Crown machines. His experience at legendary venues like the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Terre Haute Action Track showcases his prowess on historically significant tracks.

Notable Races and Milestones

Coons is a two-time Hoosier Hundred winner at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Speedway in 2011 and 2012. He is also a two-time Hulman Classic winner at the Terre Haute Action Track in 2010 and 2013. Between 1994 and 2018, Coons made seventeen main event starts in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals, with a best finish of fourth in 2009, 2010, and 2016. In 2005, he made a brief appearance in the IRL Infiniti Pro Series at Nashville Superspeedway, where he started 10th and finished 9th driving for Hemelgarn Racing.

Jerry Coons Jr. Career Wins

Jerry Coons Jr. has compiled an impressive record of victories across USAC competition. As of 2017, he has accumulated forty-three total USAC wins across three divisions, establishing himself as one of the most successful drivers in the organizations history.

USAC Midget Highlights

Coons career in USAC Midget competition includes nineteen wins and two championships in 2006 and 2007. He was named National Midget Driver of the Decade for the 2000s, with 56 feature wins across 282 starts during that period. His 2012 season included four feature wins and the prestigious Belleville Midget Nationals victory.

USAC Sprint Car and Silver Crown Highlights

In USAC Sprint Car competition, Coons has earned seventeen wins and the 2008 championship. His Silver Crown resume includes seven wins and the 2008 championship, making him one of the few drivers to excel in all three major USAC divisions. His victory at Eldora Speedways Four Crown Nationals in all three series classes stands as a unique accomplishment in USAC history.

Jerry Coons Jr. Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Jerry Coons Jr. was introduced to racing at an early age by his father, Jerry Coons Sr. The two began racing quarter midgets together when Jerry Jr. was five years old, establishing a family tradition that would launch a remarkable racing career.

2025 Season Performance

Jerry Coons Jr. brings decades of experience and proven success into the 2025 racing season. As a veteran driver with championships in all three USAC divisions, his presence in competition adds veteran leadership and championship pedigree to every event he enters.

With his track record of success at historic venues like the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Terre Haute Action Track, Coons remains a threat to win on any given race night. His versatility across different track types and racing conditions positions him well for continued competitiveness in the 2025 season across USAC sprint car, midget, and Silver Crown competition.