INNISFIL, ON- In just his second start as a Sunset Speedway regular, 12-year old sophomore Jake Watson dodged a multitude of mid-race cautions, for an 8th place finish on May 10th.
“I’m so happy right now”, grinned an elated Watson following post-race celebrations. “Our goal this season was just to improve as a team, and learn from the more experienced drivers on this roster. To earn a top-10 this quickly is just amazing”
‘The Derringer’ came within inches of his first career Sunset Speedway checkered flag earlier in the evening, after a highlight reel battle with fellow sophomore Shawn Gerrior in the Consolation race qualifier.
“I was fired up after the consi”, said Watson. “The car felt great, and I felt confident enough to do anything”
“The feature felt like survival of the fittest”, continued Watson. “We barely missed a couple of wrecks in the middle of the race. With all that was happening around us, this is the sort of night where you feel lucky just to load up in one piece”
When asked about his ability to make it through the 25-lap contest with minimal damage, Watson is quick to credit his Spira Fire Protection teammates.
“After week 1, I talked to Billy [Schwartzenburg] and Sam [Shaw]”, said Watson. “They just reminded me to always keep my composure, and always leave myself an ‘out’. Try to keep an eye on what’s going on 2 or 3 cars ahead of me. That helped alot tonight”
The third-generation driver will be back in action on Saturday May 17th at Sunset Speedway, as he looks to tally back-to-back top-10 finishes in one of the province’s toughest Mini Stock divisions.
Jake Watson’s 2014 season has been made possible thanks to 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.
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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