FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): This afternoon, leaders with the Bear Field Speedway released the following statement after the passing of Speedway “Hall of Fame” member Al Cook Jr.

Baer Field Speedway is saddened to announce the passing of Speedway “Hall of Fame” member Al Cook Jr. A two-time Track Champion, Cook (54) passed away this morning, surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer.

The oldest of what would be four racing brothers (Al Jr., Dean, Tommy & Randy), Al followed his Speedway Hall of Fame father Al Sr. into racing as soon as the rules allowed. Starting his career at the Avilla (IN) Motor Speedway, he would branch out to, and find success at all the area short tracks, both pavement and dirt.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and friends. Arrangements are pending and will be posted once they are known.

Al Cook, Jr. was recently inducted into the Baer Field Speedway Hall of Fame and had raced the whole last season fighting cancer and racing around trips to the doctor getting chemotherapy treatments.

Al was in contention for the track championship and lost it by only 4 points, even though he was victorious in the last race of the year.