" Cory Lee "
In 1991 he had the opportunity to be in the drivers seat. He was working with European racer Harlan Thompson. Thompson let Cory put together a car he had in pieces in order for Cory to make his international license runs. After racing in Europe and Australia, Cory returned to the United States where he worked with a number of different teams including Ed McCulloch, Del Worsham, and Tom Hoover. In December of 1996, Cory assumed the position of crew chief and team manager for Tom Hoover’s Pioneer Electronics Racing Team . His first year as a crew chief was widely successful. The team improved their level of performance with new elapsed time and speed records, including breaking the 300 m.p.h. barrier. The 1997 season highlight was winning the Pontiac Excitement Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, the first team win in over 4 years and he was awarded crew chief of the race for the Funny Car class. In April of 1997, they needed a replacement driver, and for Cory it was a dream opportunity. He stepped in and drove in five events taking the team to its first 300 m.p.h run. Cory's quick reaction, elapsed times and fast speeds, combined with his tuning and management ability set the stage for a strong 1998 season.
The 1998 season began with Tom Hoover's 35th year of racing. This was commemorated with a new paint scheme, and was to be featured as Tom's retirement year, with Cory assuming the driving responsibilities in 1999. A turn of events at the Atlanta Race in April, once again put Cory back in the driver's seat. He drove at nine events in 1998 before Tom resumed the driver’s position in Brainerd, Minnesota. During this period Cory’s highlights include his career best speed of 308 m.p.h., and a semi-final finish in Denver. As the season came to a close, their combined points placed them in NHRA’s top ten performers for 1998. Cory never gave up his childhood dream. He has worked with many different teams and drivers and has learned something from every one of them. He is looking forward to a spectacular 2000 season driving the Pro Motorsports Stores/ Rat Fink™/Team Nasty Racing Nitro Funny Car. |
At
the age of six, Cory attended his first race with his Dad at Central Florida
Dragway. It was there and then he made his career choice. He knew that
one-day he would be the driver of a Nitro Funny Car. Through hard work,
dedication, and a commitment never to give up, his childhood dream came
true. Cory's
career in motorsports began in 1977 at the sportsman level, in 1982 he
joined the professional ranks. For the next
several years Cory worked with various teams. Starting out he did general
car maintenance then moved up to engine duties. Later, Cory helped developed
some innovative new technology that made him a respected Clutch Specialist.
