Now that he's into his "slow" season, Jason Bartlett can make reservations for a couple of important events.

It's been a banner year for the Windsor native on the East Coast harness racing circuit and he's about to reap the rewards. He was recently selected for the U.S. Harness Writers Association's Rising Star Award, given annually to the sport's top young driver.

"He's stepped up to a more competitive stage and is rising to the occasion," said Ellen Harvey, executive director of harness racing communication. "It's for people who have made a major impression at a young age."

Bartlett, 27, finished as the top driver at Yonkers Raceway this season and has also excelled at other Northeast tracks, including Freehold and The Meadowlands. He ranks fourth in North America with 634 wins and 15th in purses with $6.4 million.

He'll receive his award at the harness writers banquet in February in Las Vegas. He's also been invited to compete at the 2009 World Driving Championships in May in Norway.

"It's kind of like the Olympics for harness racing," Bartlett said. "I'll be representing the United States."

Bartlett has since moved wife Kristen and son Kobe to New York after going there on his own last November to test a big-time circuit.

"There's a lot that's happened in a year," he said. "A couple of times on my way down here I wanted to turn around and go home."

Bartlett's schedule is slowing down, but all that means is he gets Sundays off. He still races six days a week -- five at Yonkers, Wednesdays at the Meadowlands and Friday and Saturday afternoons at Freehold, N.J.

It's not unusual for Bartlett to compete in 20 races on both Friday and Saturday.

"That keeps me in shape," said the former Erskine Academy basketball star.

It also increases the chances of injury. Bartlett has been in a couple of serious accidents, although his injuries weren't as serious as those of his fellow drivers. In one, he was leading the field when his bile, or sulky, broke in two.

"The horse behind me ran over me," said Bartlett, who was released from the hospital the same day. "I was lucky.

"It's always in the back of your mind. It happens so quick."

Bartlett's winnings this year are about five times his previous best of last year, and he continues to climb. A so-called "catch driver," who relies on owners and trainers to hire him, Bartlett has had no problem getting horses.

"He's very good with a horse, and he's got a live set of hands," veteran trainer Linda Toscano said on the occasion of Bartlett's 200th career victory earlier this year.

Bartlett's biggest win of the year was the $136,000 James Donner Memorial at Freehold, but then again, he experiences success nearly every night.

"Everything I've done this year has been a highlight," he said.

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com