Jerry Kornemann, of Rockledge, Pa., says that he has been car crazy, ever since he turned 16-years-old.  Three days after his sixteenth birthday, Jerry got his hands on a driver’s license and was off to the races. Literally.

He had always been a big fan of drag racing, even before he was able to drive; and, he says that his passion for cool cars evolved all around that fascination with racing.

The year was 1956, and with his license in hand, Jerry was eager to get a ride.

A $50.00 1948 Studebaker would do.

“It was really a piece of junk,” says Jerry, with a laugh. “But, I just wanted to get some wheels.”

It was not long before he was able to raise the bar, with his choice of vehicle.

In the early 1960’s, Jerry was cruising the streets in a 1940 Mercury Coupe.  He was also bringing the car out to the drag strip. In fact, Jerry adds that he was at Atco Raceway the very day the track opened. Atco Raceway, one of the first drag strips in the state of New Jersey, is a quarter mile drag strip that is sanctioned by the NHRA, the world's largest auto racing organization. And, Jerry says that he was there for the beginning of the fun times at the South Jersey raceway.

Jerry spent the following years enjoying the fun and excitement of racing a variety of super fast, super cool cars. And, to this day he continues to race.

“Once it’s in your blood, it just stays there,” says Jerry, about his involvement in the car hobby.

And, his involvement is not limited to just racing.  While Jerry owns a race car and a motorcycle, he is also the owner of two collector vehicles—one being the photographed 1971 Chevrolet El Camino; the other is a 1930 Model A Ford that he has owned since 1960.

Throughout his time in the car hobby, he has also owned a 1957 Chevy Sedan Delivery and a 1957 Chevy Cameo Pick-Up—both rare vehicles. He says that he is especially drawn to uncommon vehicles, including his El Camino, which is classified as a truck.

“I like everything that is different,” explains Jerry.

He also enjoys showing off his “different” vehicles.

Jerry’s cars have grabbed the attention of many, while cruising around the Philadelphia area and bringing them to cruise nights and car shows.  He says that he goes to between 10 and 12 events each year.

Jerry is a member of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and the Philadelphia Modifiers. He regularly attends the events held by both clubs, and he also frequents shows that are held by the Northeast Cruisers, Northeast Muscle Car Club, and the Far Northeast Cruisers-- all clubs that are based in his area. Jerry also attends cruise nights in Harleysville, Pa.

Just yesterday, May 14, 2009, Jerry brought the El Camino out to a cruise-in at Chickie’s & Pete’s, located on Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard. He also has plans of heading up to Goodguys’ Great American Nationals, Presented by Grundy Worldwide, that is held in the Pocono’s, in September.

“I love everything about the hobby,” he says. “The speed, the power, the ‘thumbs up,’ the attention… I’m just a car nut.”

Jerry’s truck was recently photographed by Grundy Worldwide and will appear in the company’s upcoming line of posters—Keep your eyes out for the new poster series that will hit shows all over the country, starting this summer!

Story by: Becky McLaughlin