Southern Ohio regular Cameron McCown entered the weekend just two wins shy of the 1,000-win milestone—and he made it count on Sunday, April 13, at MGM Northfield Park.

Joined by his wife Jessica, the pair made a special trip to the track, where McCown reached the coveted milestone aboard Rock With JK.

A native of Washington Court House, Ohio, McCown began his driving career in 2014 at the Putnam County Fair. He began driving more regularly the following year, scoring his first victory with Count On Anna at the Crawford County Fair in 2015.

Fittingly, Cameron and Jessica teamed up for both milestone-securing wins. The first came with Heerz Popeye (Bit Of A Legend–Elm Grove Inarush), who went gate-to-wire to close out the early daily double.

Win No. 1,000 came later in the card with Rock With JK (JK Endofanera–Rock With Delight), though it didn’t come easy. McCown had to work for it as Dragthechipsmyway (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Lake Charles (Justin Irvine) battled for early position. Irvine and Lake Charles, parked through a taxing :27.4 opening quarter, eventually cleared to the lead entering the first turn and slowed the pace to a :56.4 half.

As the field approached three-quarters in 1:25.3, Silver Bentley (Kurt Sugg) launched a first-over move, forcing McCown to stay patient in the pocket. Turning for home, McCown guided Rock With JK into the passing lane, surging by Lake Charles in the final strides to win by half a 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.

(With files from Northfield Park)