At the April Tribal Monthly Meeting, long-time racing legend and sports enthusiast Billy Cook, was honored with the Community Recognition Award, given to Tribal members who go above and beyond in service of their community. Council formally recognized Billy for his contributions to racing, his dedication to family, and the inspiration and mentorship he gave young drivers and crew members throughout his years on the track.
Chief Michael Conners shared, “The Racing season brings generations of families together at racetracks throughout the week from spring to autumn every year. Bill has been a major part of bringing people together and has had a significant impact on the racing community for almost 60 years.”
As a constant source of support, Billy remained surrounded by family at every racetrack. He has four children, who he shares with his wife Martha, named Lee, Karen, Ellen, and Julie. His family has long been a part of Billy’s pit crew, from his very first race and still today.
Billy started his racing career in 1970 in the street-stock category, quickly progressing to the modified category. He made his first victory lap at the Cornwall Speedway in 1972 and continued his winning ways at that same track up until 1997. In 2023, he received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Airborne Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY. His talent for racing and the love he has for his racing community has forever solidified Billy’s status as a legend in Akwesasne, the North Country, Seaway Valley, and Northeast DIRT Modified and Sportsman racing.
As a “pioneer of racing” Billy is an ambassador to all motorsports, inspiring racing enthusiasts and drivers of all ages. To date, he’s mentored and teamed with crew members such as Derek Comins, Junior Barnes, Brian Casey, Kyle Jacobs, Richard Powless, Marty Jock, and Boo Boo Herne among many others. He has been racing teammates with drivers such as Randy Conners, Brian Herne, Gabe Cyr, and legendary Hall of Famer Marcel “the Hammer” Lafrance. His most notable mentee to date includes his grandson Thomas Cook, who has grown up around racing his whole life, learning the ropes from his grandfather Billy. Thomas has since joined his own racing team, going up against his grandfather on the track a number of times.
Before his racing career, Billy was a phenomenal multi-athlete on community and varsity teams for basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and football. Lending his skill and ability years later, he was suited as coach to teach Akwesasne youth to play basketball. In a Dirt Track Digest article, Billy shared he once had the opportunity to play college football at Dodge City Junior College in Kansas, but his love for the sport of racing has led him to the dirt track lined with checkered flags instead.
Remarking upon her father’s career as a racecar driver, Billy’s daughter Julie shared a story her dad likes to tell of his first time in the car. “He had been a car owner for a while but had never driven. One night in Fort Covington, his driver never showed, and everyone was telling him to get in. He didn't have a helmet; someone gave him one, and he barely made it out there for the green flag. He had promised my mom that he'd never get behind the wheel; he'd just be an owner. She wasn't there that night, so he did it. He was supposed to start up front, but he started last and finished fourth! He was on such a high and everyone congratulated him and surrounded his car. Then the crowd parted, and my mom was hanging back. He hung his head and thought he was in deep trouble. But she came up to him and told him, 'Good race.' And he's been racing ever since."
At 82 years old he plans to continue his legacy of racing. He is currently preparing for his 57th racing season and is showing no signs of stopping any time soon.