Watson. It’s a last name that comes up in racing conversations on a regular basis with multiple championships and victories attached. One of the names mentioned in those conversations would be Jake Watson.
“I’m blessed to be a part of a big racing family, but it doesn’t come with any pressure,” he said. “I just stick to doing my own thing and pave my own path for myself.”
Looking to do his own thing, Watson admits being excited to be behind the wheel of his OSCAAR Modified this season, with hopes of putting together a full season.
“My goals are definitely to improve on my best finish of sixth last year at Flamboro,” he added. “Score as many top fives as I can and hopefully secure a win along the way.”
Given not only his success, but history, it’s not a surprise to see he has Flamboro Speedway circled on the calendar for the 2022 campaign. Watson knows how to get around the Hamilton-based oval, as evident by previous go-karting and mini stock success.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from Mini Stocks is definitely car handling,” he commented. “I raced mini stocks for a while and it definitely taught me a lot about driving and being respectful.”
When it came time to move to the modifieds from four-cylinder competition, Watson says the biggest surprise was the amount of grip compared to a mini stock and super stock.
Now knowing what to expect, the focus is “definitely being more consistent with the car and the adjustments we make.” He also hopes to avoid getting into trouble, something he unfortunately knows about being a part of one of Flamboro’s biggest mini stock wrecks.
“Worst wreck I’ve had was a couple years ago at Frostoberfest in the Mini Stock,” he recalled. “Coming out of turn four me and the No. 76 (Shawn Taylor) touched wheels and cut my Right Front down and went straight to the wall, and he ended up rolling.”
Now heading into 2022, Watson hopes to avoid any similar incidents, rather focusing on checkered flags and top-fives.
Be sure to keep up with OSCAAR by staying tuned to the series website at http://www.oscaar.ca. Also, make sure to “like” the official OSCAAR Racing Facebook page, while following both the Twitter and Instagram accounts (@OSCAARRacing) to keep up to date on everything you need to know.
By: Ashley McCubbin
The post Jake Watson “Pretty Excited to Get Back on Track” in 2022 appeared first on OSCAAR Racing.