Column By: BILLY HODGES / RPW – WATERFORD, NY – Stinger Autosport and 47 Motorsports are teaming up for the 2023 season and will be a Teo Pro Car-only team.
Walter Cook, driver of the 47 in the Limited Sportsman on Friday nights at Albany-Saratoga, will be the pilot.
This coming season, Cook would love to win a race at Fonda Speedway, his Saturday night home, or at Malta.
“Getting a victory would mean a lot to me and this team,” Cook said. “However, I know that it’s very hard to do but we’re going to work hard to achieve it.”
The team would also like to go back to the Dirt Track at Charlotte because that’s one of Cook’s favorite speedways.
In 2022, Cook, a Service Manager for Lia Nissan of Saratoga, finished in seventh in points at the “Track of Champions” while coming home 21st on Friday’s at the “Great Race Place.”
Is it championship or bust in 2023 for Walt?
“No it isn’t,” he said. “We just want to go out there and do our best. Obviously, we want to win but also keep getting better ever week.”
At both tracks last season, Cook and the 47 team had some chances to visit victory lane but, unfortunately, just had bad luck creep in.
“We had motor problems and a flip at Fonda,” he said. “That set us back but we persevered and worked to rebound.”
This season, the Waterford, NY native is going to focus on getting back on track at Malta.
“We have unfinished business there,” he said. “I want to show people that I can finish better.
Also new for this season will be a team car to the operation. Ben Balzer of Stinger Autosport will driver the #57 as a teammate to Cook.
“Teaming up with Stinger was the right decision,” he said. “Ben has been a huge help, racing for years so 47 Motorsports is glad to have him on the team.”
Balzer started Stinger Autosports last fall due to people not knowing how to say his last name. He’s been around for a long time and hopes to race at Albany-Saratoga but it is up in the air due to work.
“I would like to run Malta, being so close to home, but Friday’s are bad due to work,” Balzer said. “Glen Ridge, where I enjoy racing immensely, would get me home too late for a 3am workday.”
Balzer did finished fifth in Limited Sportsman points at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park last season. In talking to Ben, he’s excited for 2023 and what’s on the horizon.
“I’m planning on a full season this year,” he said. “We’re just waiting on practice at Lebanon Valley to finalize our home track plans, but we’re planning on a full year.”
Stinger Autosport is currently looking at product lines and putting together manufacturing contacts. They would like to provide parts then do outright sales and raffles.
The future is bright the pairing of Cook and Balzer.
“This should be a fun year,” he said. “Walt and I are up for the challenge and ready to make a impact for the 2023 season.”
Stinger & 47 Motorsports are having a racing benefit Saturday, April 1st, from 6pm-9pm at Knights Of Columbus 76 Grace St, Waterford, NY 12188. Head out and support the upcoming racing season for this new duo.
Tickets are $15 admission for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under. Kids 5 and under are free.
They will have:
- Silent Auction
- Ziti dinner
- Cash bar
- Soda and water provided
- 50/50
- Music entertainment
Walter Cook and 47 Motorsports will also be at the Fonda Speedway car show At Viaport Rotterdam, March 23-26.
Sponsors for the the #47 include Lia Nissan of Saratoga, JGS Recycling, CEZ Keys, Primeau’s Autobody, DAB Towing and Recovery, Ideal Nutrition, The Nutrition Hive, Empire Chemical Services, Scrubs “Partners in Grime” Home Cleaning, TCE Inc., DH Graphx & Clayton Racing Fabrication.
For Marketing Partnership Opportunities to get your business in the fast lane, you can contact Walter via email at wcook47c@gmail.com. The team does community events to grow their fan base, including car shows & parades.
