With the temperature hovering around 12-degrees (Fahrenheit) and the winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour, Dennis Watson was undeterred by the weather conditions and confidently reined Allys Delight to a 2:04.2 victory in the 13th edition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday, January 22.
The annual event honours the legacy of the great civil rights leader and features the talents of African American drivers. It was also the first of eight legs in the 'Mighty M’s Heritage Drivers Series 2013.
Watson and Allys Delight started from Post 4 and sat fifth early. The duo were out and gunning three-wide at the half-mile pole. They cleared to the lead before the three-quarters of a mile marker and came home one and three-quarter lengths the best. The fractions in the race were recorded in 30 seconds, 1:01.2 and 1:33.4, respectively.
For Watson, who travelled in from the Freehold, New Jersey area, it marked his second victory in the Dr. King Pace.
“I’ve raced in nearly every one of the Dr. King races here, but it’s been about five years since I won my first one and I was getting to wonder if I’d ever win another one,” Watson said with a smile in the winner’s circle after his victory. “They tell me it’s cold out here today, but right now I can’t feel anything but delight.”
Watson’s initial victory in the Dr. King Paces came during January of 2008 when he guided BJs Jetstream home first in 2:00 which, by the way, is still the event’s fastest winning time.
The trophy and blanket presentation was made by General 'Bubba' Washington Jr., himself a Dr. King Pace winner in 2005. Although Bubba no longer drives, his sons, Cedric and Dennis, represented 'Pop’ in the race this year.
(With files from Monticello)