NEW HAMBURG, ON- As the majority of Ontario’s Mini Stock division has begun preparing for the opening round of Summer Rush’s Mini Stock Nationals at Kawartha Speedway on June 1st, sophomore Jake Watson is doing all he can to learn about the spacious 3/8 mile oval in advance of his first career Kawartha appearance.
“I know it’s going to be fast”, says the 12-year old. “We’ll be racing at speeds higher than I’ve ever hit behind the wheel of a racecar”
‘The Derringer’ is likely to be the youngest of the 50+ competitors expected to make the haul to the Fraserville, ON speedplant, a fact that does little to intimidate the third-generation competitor.
“Honestly, I’ve gotten so used to it that it doesn’t even bother me”, responds Watson when asked of his youth when compared to some of the veterans on the Nationals entry list. “Our cars weigh the same. The asphalt doesn’t know how old I am. When you’re out there, it doesn’t matter”
Watson admits formulating a strategy is difficult with no experience to rely on, but is confident that a strong practice and qualifying session will be paramount.
“Every lap of practice is going to be important for us”, explains Watson. “I’ve never raced Kawartha before, so figuring out the fast line around and finding where the car feels most comfortable is going to be our focus in practice”
“Just looking at the entry list shows how many fast cars are going to be there”, continues the middle-school student. “The heat races are going to be tough, but the last place we want to end up is in one of those B Mains”
The Karting graduate remains confident in his program when asked to evaluate his chances at the $500 to win event.
“I think our chances are just as good as anyone’s. We race at Sunset every Saturday against some of the best competition in the province. We’re definitely used to being up against tough competition”
“I’m just excited to get there, hit the track and find out what we have”, closes Watson with a smile.
Jake’s Kawartha debut will be made possible thanks to sponsorship from Spira Fire Protection, HYPE Energy Drinks, Fast Eddie Racewear, Process Group, Race2Way.ca, Expressway Ford, Cloverleaf Farms, Stewart’s Equipment, Artik Ice, WIX Filters, Gunk, Chetty’s Hot Sauce, Cambridge Source For Sports, Oktane Productions and Lucas Oil.
The inaugural Mini Stock Nationals is scheduled for June 1st at Kawartha Speeedway and will be presented by Summer Rush. Gate times and ticket prices can be found at www.SummerRush.ca
Fans can follow ‘The Derringer’ on Twitter @JakertWatson and be sure to visit the all new Jake Watson – WWR page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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