Fielded cars for other drivers until 1963, when a “hired driver” wrecked twice. Cook then figured, “If I have to fix ’em, I might as well drive ’em.” Quickly showed a knack for winning.

On Feb. 10, 1940 — 85 years ago Monday — the first Tom & Jerry cartoon short and the first cartoon directed by the soon-to-be- famous team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera was released in ...