Hi,
This is Jason Jarrett, driver of the No. 11 Rayovac Maximum Racing entry in the NASCAR Busch Series.
I'm glad I got the chance to say goodbye to all of you before the Future Watch columns wrapped up for this year.
I don't really know what to say about this season, except that it's been an incredible learning experience for me. In the final race of the season, we qualified 18th, which was a great confidence boost, but we finished back in 36th, which was not what we had hoped for.
I knew coming into this season that we had an uphill battle ahead of us, but I had no idea how difficult it would be. I quickly came to realize that the old saying is true, "don't get too high during the high periods, and don't get to low during the low periods." You have to maintain an even keel if you want to survive in this sport, because it can really do a number on your self-confidence.
I'm now focusing on 2001, although I'm not really sure what's in store for me at this time. We're looking for sponsors to continue the Busch Series racing, but our primary sponsor from this year didn't decide not to come back for 2001 until very late in the season. What that means is, it's a little harder to find sponsorship the later in the season you go. Let me say how much I do appreciate Rayovac and everything they did for my team and I. They were a first rate sponsor, and they always made me feel like family, so I have no complaints.
We'll keep digging to find some money to help us go racing for next year, but I really don't know at this time which series I'll end up in. As long as I get to keep racing, I don't mind which series I'm in, as long as I can be competitive. I'm in this sport for the long haul, so I'm not going to let one bad season get me down.
My dad struggled for a long time when he first started out, and look where he's at now, so I'm keeping the faith.
Thanks to all of you for listening to me throughout this up and down season. It's been nice to have somewhere to vent my feelings and to tell the fans directly exactly what's on my mind. I think that the Internet has really opened up the channels of communication between the drivers and the fans, and for that, I'm very grateful.
As Hank and Lyndon did, I also want to remember Adam Petty before I sign off. Adam was a wonderful spirit, and he always brightened my day whenever I came in contact with him. It would be nice if we could all do the same for everyone we meet, so keep Adam in your hearts and remember the joy he brought to others.
I wish all of you a very happy holiday season, and I hope you get everything you wish for. I hope to be back with you next season, telling you about what a wonderful year 2001 is going to be.
Happy Holidays!!
Sincerely,
Jason Jarrett

(cbs sportsline...future watch)