Northfield, OH — Prior to the weekend, Southern Ohio regular Cameron McCown needed just two victories to earn his 1,000th career driving win. He and wife Jessica made a special trip to MGM Northfield Park on Sunday (April 13), where he scored the career milestone aboard Rock With JK.
McCown is a regular driver at Scioto Downs, Miami Valley Gaming, and Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
A native of Washington Court House, Ohio, McCown began driving in 2014 at the Putnam County Fair. He started driving on a more full-time basis in 2015, where he drove Count On Anna to his first career victory at the Crawford County Fair.
McCown and wife Jessica teamed up to score both the victories needed to reach the impressive 1,000 win milestone. The first victory came with Heerz Popeye (Bit Of A Legend N), winning in gate-to-wire fashion to close out the early daily double.
His milestone breaking victory came later in the program aboard Rock With JK (JK Endofanera).
The victory, however, didn’t come easy for McCown as Dragthechipsmyway (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Lake Charles (Justin Irvine) both jostled for early position.
Irvine and Lake Charles, who were parked for much of a :27.4 opening quarter, finally were able to clear Dragthechipsmyway entering the far turn for the first time. Irvine was able to back down the pace in the second quarter, getting to the half in :56.4.
On their approach to three-quarters in 1:25.3, Silver Bentley (Kurt Sugg) made a first-over bid for the lead, leaving Rock With JK in the pocket with a ground saving trip. Turning for home, McCown guided Rock With JK to the passing lane, moving by Lake Charles in the final strides to win by a half-length in 1:54.
“It’s extremely exciting to get my 1,000th career victory. It has only taken me a month and a half since Brad Conrad took my photo at Miami Valley in preparation for this victory. I’m just glad to have gotten the win,” laughed McCown.
His wife Jessica echoed Cameron’s sentiments: “I am very happy for Cam, he started driving for my dad and Chris Beaver and has come a long way. I admire him, and his ability to get up and go each day.”
Live racing resumes at MGM Northfield Park on Tuesday (April 15) at 6 p.m.