Tracking the Short Tracks: Sunset Speedway Competitor Jake Watson

Age is just a number – or so they say. Jake Watson made his debut in Mini Stock competition last year at Flamboro Speedway at the age of 11. Watson put together a solid season, including a heat win, on his way to finishing 14th in points. 

Now at the age of 12, Watson makes the move from Flamboro to Sunset Speedway for the 2014 season as he goes up against some of the top Mini Stock drivers in the province including Warren Paxton, Eric Yorke and Brandon McFerran.

In the midst of school and racing, the third generation driver took some time to tackle the 15 questions that we’ve all grown to love.

1. How did you get started in racing?

I first started in go karts with the Waterloo Regional Kart Club.  My first race was the very last race of the season, the Oktoberfest Race.  Rob Neely was kind enough to let me borrow one of his karts to give it a try.  I loved it!  My dad then bought me the kart and we began a full season of karting the next year.  We raced at Flamboro Speedway.  I raced in karts for a total of 3 years.

At the end of the 2012 race season at Flamboro, I raced my first race in a stock car.  It was in November at Frost Fest.  My dad had raced his Ford Mustang Mini at Flamboro for the season but decided to let me give it a try.  I was hooked on asphalt stock car racing!  My dad gave up driving and handed the ride over to me. I raced the entire 2013 season at Flamboro and raced a few races at Sunset Speedway.

2.)           First racing memory.

When I won my first heat race in the Mini Stock division at Flamboro Speedway (2013 race season).  I remember someone handing me the checkered flag on the track and stopped for a few pictures.  The best part was when I pulled into the pits and headed for the tech garage.  There were so many family and friends waiting there for me, congratulating me and “high fiving” me!  It was awesome!

3.)           If you could be sponsored by any beverage, which beverage would you be sponsored by?     

I am sponsored by HYPE Energy.  HYPE is an energy drink.

4.)           Story behind your car number.

My original number was 22. That was my dad’s number.   Since moving to Sunset Speedway for the  2014 season, I had to change my number.  I chose #88 because Dale Jr. is my favourite NASCAR driver.

5.)           If you have a nickname, what is it and why.

My nick name is The Derringer.  Spencer Lewis gave me this nick name.  The Derringer is a tiny gun that fits in the palm of your hand.

6.)           If you could race against any NASCAR driver, who and why?

It would be Dale Jr.  He is my favourite NASCAR driver.  Maybe he could give me some pointers over the radio!

7.)           What’s your life outside of racing?

I enjoy longboarding, road hockey, basketball and working out.  Most of all I enjoy working at the race car shop.  In the summer time (when I’m not racing!) I love to swim and ride the roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland!

8.)           If you could be any animal, what would it be?

I would love to be a cat! I have a fat, orange cat named “Rusty”.  If I was a cat, Rusty and I would lay around all day and just be lazy!!

9.)           Favourite pizza topping

I am a very picky eater!  I like lots of cheese and pepperoni on my pizza.  That’s it, nothing else!!!

10.)        Dream Vacation Spot.

Mooresville, North Carolina

My dad and I have been to Mooresville twice now.  For the last 2 years we have gone down to watch the Easter Bunny 150.  We have toured many of the NASCAR shops and met lots of drivers and crew members.

11.)        If you were stuck on an Island, what would you have to have?

My family, my race car,  my cat “Rusty”, food and my phone.

12.)        Favourite Book

Inside Track Magazine

13.)     Favourite movie

Talladega Nights

14.)        Favourite piece of technology?

Camera

15.)        Sponsors / people you would like to thank.

My dad – Wade Watson, my mom – Wendy Watson, all my family.  My crew and teammates – Billy Schwartzenburg., Sam Shaw,  Scott Simmons and Rich Schwartzenburg, Randy Shaw, Ken Spira, Dave Haggedorn, Adam Ivany, Jim Simmons, Steven Simmons, Steve Laking, Mark Dennis and Carol Spira.

Primary Sponsors:

•  SPIRA Fire Protection
• Process Group
• Expressway Ford
• HYPE Energy
• Cloverleaf Farms
• Stewart’s Equipment
• Race2way.ca

Secondary Sponsors:

• Chetty’s Hot Sauce
• Lucas Oil
• GUNK
• WIX Filter
• Plasti-Kote
• Dominion Sure Seal
• Woolsey
• NUCO
• Artik Ice
• TIRECRAFT
• Falken Tires
• AR Bodies
• Victaulic

Keep up with Jake Watson all year long by liking his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jakewatson88wwr.

Previous Tracking the Short Tracks Pieces…

April 2nd: Hanover Holiday Modified Competitor Bobby Tolton

April 7th: Varney Motor Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Scott Schuleter

April 8th: Sunset Speedway Super Stock Competitor Coltin Everingham

April 10th: Sunset Speedway 2013 Rookie of the Year Nick Tooley

April 14th: Peterborough Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Donovan Price

April 16th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Brandon McFerran

April 18th: Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup/Outlaw Modified Competitor Tim Tolton

April 22nd: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Samantha Shaw

April 24th: Peterborough Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Rob Gosse

April 28th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Lisa DeLeeuw

April 30th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Brian Love

May 2nd: Sauble Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Morgan Robson

May 5th: Barrie Speedway Thunder Car Competitor Robbie Sikes

May 7th: Capital City Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Robert Hill

If you would like to be featured, send me an e-mail at ashleymccubbin@speedwaymedia.com.