Corey, Peter J.

Peter J. Corey

United States Navy

1944-1945
 
 
Born October 5, 1929, Peter John Corey enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 14 to serve and defend his country at the height of World War II. Like the truly patriotic young men of his generation, Peter Corey purposely inflated his young age so that he could enlist and serve in America’s armed forces and fight the forces of tyranny. At the age of 15, after a naval doctor had finally discovered his true age, Peter Corey was honorably discharged from the Navy. Peter Corey became a beloved stock car racing champion over an accomplished career that spanned four decades, racing from the late 1940s until 1973. Adored by racing fans with his popular moniker of the “Crescent Hillbilly,” Peter Corey won countless races, championships and universal praise for his mechanical innovation, unyielding competitive fearlessness and incredible skill on the track and generosity with his legion of fans off the track.

In 1955, Peter Corey won the Langhorne National Open, which quickly became the nation's most prestigious race for Sportsman and Modified cars from 1951 until 1971. Peter Corey also has the distinction of winning the inaugural NASCAR Dirt Modified race at Stafford Speedway on May 22, 1959, and the last NASCAR Dirt Modified race held at Stafford Speedway on October 2, 1966. In honor of his incredible achievements and successful racing career, Peter Corey was inducted into the DIRT (Drivers Independent Race Tracks) Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1992. From 1968 until his passing in 2000, Peter Corey owned and operated the Crescent Auto Body Shop and also was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of the West Crescent Fire Company. Upon his passing, Peter Corey received full military honors at his committal service at the Saratoga National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Corey; daughter, New York State Senator Kathy Marchione; son, Peter Corey, Jr.; and daughter, Dorothy Corey.