If such a thing as a racing gene existed, then Jason Rood (Turtle Clan) would certainly have it.

As a boy, he accompanied his father to car races. Later, his older brother Lonnie started racing, further enticing Jason into the sport, as the younger brother helped the elder maintain his car.

For the past 14 years Jason has raced, and now he seems to have passed that urge down a generation — his 4-year-old son, Jayce, has expressed an interest in following his dad’s lead onto the race course.

And that’s fine by Jason… maybe.

“I’m not sure I can deal with the pressure,” admits Jason. “It’s more nerve wracking sitting in the stands than it is when you are the one inside the car. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to let him race. But my son is hooked, so there is a good possibility he will race.”

Jason knows the draw of racing intimately; and he’s good at it. This year, he took home the Sportsman Track Championship at Utica/Rome, beating 30 competitors. The award is given to the racer accumulating the most points during the April-to-September season. Further adding to Jason’s pride in his accomplishment is the fact that the Nation now is a major sponsor for his car.

“Two years ago, my sponsors said they were pulling out,” said Jason. “They said I was bad for business. It wasn’t said, but it was inferred that it was because of my race. Then the Nation stepped in. I couldn’t have gotten the championship without their help. They helped us buy the best for the car.”

And an added plus to the Nation’s involvement is that Jason’s fan base has grown considerably. Already blessed by a contingent of avid family members following his races, recently fellow Oneidas have begun getting in on the fun. Comps were given to Oneidas for several of the track events, with Jason donating some of his free passes, too.

“It’s nice having them support me, and I think it makes them feel good to see Turning Stone Casino Resort on the car along with the Nation-owned retail stores, “ said Jason.

Next year, Jason moves up to the next racing level — Northeast modified — an elite class.

But as Jason ascends in the sport, reaching another milestone, will Jayce climb the first rung, racing a go-cart at 5 years old?

Weighing the issue, Jason is looking at the plusses to Jayce entering into the family passion. Looking back on his own experience, Jason said, he knows racing helped keep him out of trouble; there’s no time to party when you race. Plus, if Jayce is bound to race, Jason would rather be the one to teach him while he’s young. And maybe, someday, he could reach NASCAR level, mused Jason.

“If he wants to race, he’ll find a way; it’s in our blood,” said Jason. “I could see us racing together. That would be awesome.”