Jerry Kobza: Craftsman Truck

Biography:

Jerry Kobza has faced many difficult obstacles in his racing career, including life threatening illness and surgery. The Sacramento , California native contracted a pulmonary infection that required seven months of intense IV therapy, and ultimately, surgical removal of the upper lobe of his left lung in 1997. Determined to succeed as a race car driver, Jerry moved to Charlotte , NC just two months after surgery to begin his return to racing. A year of strenuous physical rehabilitation led to his return to the cockpit in a USAC race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1998,

History:

For 20 seasons, Jerry Kobza has competed throughout the United States in motor sports. He operated his own successful USAC and BCRA Midget team, as well as driving for team owners the last seven years.  As an independent without financial backing, he has competed and been successful against the best in the business: Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart, Kenny Irwin, Sleepy Tripp, Jeff Gordon, Billy Boat, etc.

For the past seven seasons, Jerry competed in AOAS, USCS, and ASCS sprint cars driving for Steve Young Racing, Stapp Racing, and for National Sprint Car Hal of Fame owner Steve Stapp. He competed in USAC National and ARDC midget series, driving for Walker Racing, and 1998-99 ARDC Championship team of Starrett Racing, respectively. He also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Team 23 motor sports, and Shenandoah Valley motor sports.  Racing at the top levels of the sport with a minimal budget, he has competed in the major national events, i.e. ESPN's Thunder Series, Midget Pavement Nationals, Tulsa Winternationals, NMMA National Championships, Gold Cup Championship, finding success in every event.

In addition to competition in weekly races, Jerry worked as the marketing manager and general manager for companies that worked with the NASCAR Nextel Cup series, where he built relationships with some of the top NASCAR teams.

Jerry has the winning attitude that makes his on track and off track programs a success.

Experience: