Driven: Nathan Dawson is focussed on his race driving career and is currently enjoying good success Photo by Dan Costello - Racing Wrap
Nathan Dawson is a young man in a hurry.
And fast.
Dawson, 19, is currently enjoying great success fresh into the new season but this humble young reinsman is not resting on his laurels because he knows what he wants and how to get it.
And it’s simple, hard work.
That’s right, the no nonsense approach has come with rewards but the blood, sweat and tears are still fresh in his mind which keeps him grounded.
Nathan is one of three boys for Glenn and Wynetta Dawson and grew up surrounded by standardbreds at their Glamorganvale property, west of Brisbane, with his older brother Mitchell and younger brother Ryan.
Both Nathan and Mitchell enjoy the horses while Ryan is happy to give them a wide berth.
Like many, Nathan competed in the mini-trot races growing up and had success with ponies like Goldilocks and Supreme Joe before graduating to the big stuff.
“When born into a racing family, it’s hard not to take an interest in the sport and my earliest recollections are with horses so it’s a natural progression really. Mitchell and I always enjoyed helping dad out while Ryan never got bitten by the bug, he can’t even put a headstall on but he’s real handy at other things that I’m not, so it all evens out.” Dawson said.
In recent weeks, Dawson has landed multiple doubles at both Albion Park and Redcliffe while he continues to rise up the premiership ladders, both statewide and concession.
Not bad considering he never drove a winner or a placegetter in his initial season of race driving back in the 2011/12 season.
As a result, he made changes, and for the better.
Originally starting his working life with his father and older brother, Nathan soon took up an opportunity to work with his uncle, John McMullen and he hasn’t looked back.
But he made sacrifices; he gave up eating junk food and stripped his weight down while becoming fully devoted to his business as a professional race driver.
More time was spent watching his rivals who also double as his role models; guys like Grant Dixon, Shane Graham and Mathew Neilson have all been studied closely by Dawson.
“All those guys have special skills and I want to achieve their success in time, so the best way to start is by watching what they do on a racetrack. Firstly, I decided to get into shape while making better choices with my meals and that’s working.
“Grant Dixon, Luke McCarthy and Chris Alford are all strong guys for their size and I know my strength has improved. I enjoy working at the McMullen stables and although it’s busy, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“John and I get cracking early and the morning is gone before you realise and then we’re off to the races. John only has two rules with the first being the boss is always right and if in doubt, refer to rule number one again. He’s always got a story to tell while mum and dad are always there for support.”
Currently, Dawson sits inside the top 10 on the statewide premiership while he’s equal second for concessional drivers.
With 20 victories against his name already this term, Dawson is happy with his current momentum but has not set goals.
Except one, he’s keen to get his first Saturday night winner out of the way.
“Yeah, I’m yet to drive a winner on a Saturday night program at Albion Park but I’m sure it will come. The best horse I’ve driven to date is Stirling William for Shawn Grimsey.
“Hopefully I might get a few opportunities before Christmas; it would be great to get that winner before then.”
With only two full seasons of driving behind him, Dawson has driven more than 50 winners to date while having over 125 minor placings to his credit.
The likable young horseman also dabbles with a pacer of his own in Cruisin Luxury, which he leases but has no plans of expanding at this stage.
Cruisin Luxury, a veteran pacer, has won three races under the care of Dawson while also running nine minor placings to date.
“He’s been a neat little horse for me to start with and hopefully I can win a few more before finding a replacement. Ideally, I would like to find a maiden type with gate speed for those better prizemoney races at Albion Park.
“At this stage, I’m happy to muck around with one of my own but concentrate more on my driving.”
With his dedication and desire, Nathan Dawson is on the right track for future success.