(February 12, 2020)- Through OSCAAR’s 30 year history, fans have grown used to hearing the last name Watson as both Glenn Watson and Brandon Watson have been crowned Super Late Model Champions.
Another Watson hopes to write his name into the record books, as Jake Watson will be one of the Rookie of the Year Award contenders in the Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modifieds presented by Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd, Touchwood Cabinets, and The Fyre Place & Patio Shop.
“Entering the 2020 season, I just want to learn as much as I can,” Jake Watson said. “To be in a new car and new class, we are going to be patient and just get our feet wet and try and learn a lot and hopefully have a lot of success along the way. “
The third generation racer is keeping his goals in check entering the season, recognizing the learning curve that is ahead of him, but ready to “get the hang of it fast” to be a regular front runner.
Certainly part of that learning curve will include adjusting to the schedule, as this will be the first year that Watson has been part of a touring series.
“I’m looking forward to all the tracks,” he commented. “I haven’t ever been a part of a ‘touring’ series so it’s all going to be new to me. If I had to pick one though, it’s definitely Jukasa (Motor Speedway).”
Watson is entering this new chapter in his career following a solid campaign in 2019. The year saw him grow as a driver, gaining experience behind the wheel in both a mini stock and a super stock.
“The 2019 season definitely had a lot of ups and downs,” he reflected. “I think my most favourite highlight was driving the 31w Super stock at Jukasa. It was just so new and unique to me. We also had four wins at the start of the season in the Mini Stock then had a few bad nights and we just decided to run the specials for the rest of the year. So I’d say it was just a laid back year for us and our team.
“But in 2020 we are going all in and leaving nothing on the table.”
For Watson, his initial start behind the wheel came at the age of eight after seeing his grandpas, uncles, cousins, and dad all compete at different levels.
“My dad decided to get me into racing by buying me a go kart that we ran at Flamboro (Speedway),” he said. “Then I jumped into a Stock Car at the age of 11 and it just went up from there.”
Since getting behind the wheel, Watson has made a name for himself, with multiple wins in both mini stock and super stock competition. Though for him, he says his most memorable moment was his first career victory.
“It took years to win my first but everyone says, once you get that first win, the rest come easier and they did for sure,” he commented.
By: Ashley McCubbin
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