Whenever Jason Merriman travels to a new track, he is greeted by the same question: No, he is not related to Aaron Merriman

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But that’s not to say Merriman is without family ties in harness racing. Although he is not related to Aaron Merriman, a well-known driver with more than 5,150 wins to his credit, Jason Merriman notes proudly that he is a fourth generation horseman on both sides of his family.

And after getting career driving win No. 1,000 this past Sunday, Merriman hopes he is starting to make a name for himself on his own. A 25-year-old native of Michigan, he notched his milestone triumph behind Durango Kid N in the seventh race at Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio.

“It’s an accomplishment,” Merriman said. “I wish I could’ve gotten it a little quicker, but I’m happy that I got it. Now I can work on 2,000.”

Merriman admitted to feeling some pressure to get win 1,000, even though he became aware of the milestone only a week prior to reaching the mark.

“But I realized you’re going to get your wins if you keep your head on straight and drive them like they’re supposed to be driven,” he said.

Merriman has won 121 times this year, which places him among the top 50 drivers in North America. He is tied for third in the driver standings at Hazel Park, was third at Northville Downs and fifth at Windsor Raceway.

Last year, Merriman set career highs with 291 wins, good enough to tie for 46th place in North America. Among his accomplishments was driving the Michigan two-year-old pacing filly champion Rei To Go.

“That was my best year,” Merriman said. “Everything fell into place.

“The toughest thing is getting recognized. You might have all the talent in the world, but you’ve got to show people you have the ability to put horses in the right spot. You have to keep showing up, no matter how many drives you’re getting, and hope for a break. I’m grateful to everyone that’s given me a chance so far. If you get a break, and do well, it snowballs from there.”

Merriman grew up in Michigan, but spent three years in Florida while his family raced at Pompano Park. He returned to Michigan in the hopes of getting that break, and recognition.

His parents, dad Terry and mom Robin, are racing at the Meadows in Pennsylvania and his family remains an important part in his life and career.

“My wife, Nichole, is my biggest supporter, and I have a daughter and son that are at the track all the time,” Merriman said. “My dad doesn’t miss a race. We talk every night after the races, or the next morning, and he’ll tell me what I did wrong and what I did right. He’s my biggest fan.”

If the wins keep coming, Merriman will create more fans --- and a name for himself.

“Since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to drive horses,” Merriman said. “I like racing two and three-year-olds, especially two-year-olds and teaching them how to race. I think that’s the most exciting part.

“Just winning races is a thrill. I just want to stay healthy and try to be on top wherever it is.”

This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.