Craig Goess, Jr. Sets His Sights on Iowa
After a Break in the CW East Schedule, This Youngster is Ready to Race
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After nearly a month off after the series opener, the NASCAR Camping World East Series returns to action next Sunday, May 18 at the Iowa Speedway. Craig Goess, Jr. is one competitor who is anxious to get back behind the wheel and is looking for a strong race with his No. 2 Greenville Toyota/ESR Development Toyota Camry after a rough start at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
Goess tested at the 7/8-mile tri-oval last month and had positive results that will carry over to the race.
“I'm ready to get back to racing,” said Goess. “I'm definitely excited to return to Iowa Speedway. We tested there last month and have a good car. I tested with the rest of my ESR (Eddie Sharp Racing) teammates and it went extremely well. The car we built is one we built specifically for Iowa and it seemed to adapt well to the track. The guys at the shop have been burning the midnight oil and working really hard preparing these Toyotas, so I'm hoping their hard work pays off for me with a good finish at Iowa and it should be a definite improvement over Greenville.”
The recent test at Iowa Speedway will help Goess when he makes his return, as he is now acclimated with the racing surface.
“It's a great facility,” Goess states. “It's really wide and has lots of grip. It's a larger track which also means we're going to be running faster speeds. With the progressive banking, you should be able to run two-wide around the track all day long. It's going to be exciting. I had a blast when testing there and it should be no different when we return with the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/ESR Development Toyota.”
There will be a large contingent of competitors vying for the victory at Iowa Speedway, as this is also a combination event with the NASCAR Camping World West Series. As many as 55 cars are expected to be on hand for the race, including NASCAR Nextel Cup star Kasey Kahne. With larger than normal entries filed, Goess' goal remains the same.
“We try to run the best we can every race,” Goess explains. “I will do the best I can do and everything will fall into place. I know these cars are prepared the best they can be and I can't concern myself with what others do. It's going to be exciting for sure.”
Goess also will be going to the New Hampshire International Speedway to test the Monday prior to Iowa's race. Goess' test session will at least give him more seat time and ready him for the US Cellular 200.
“We're flying to New Hampshire to test on Monday,” Goess said. “It will be good to be in a car again to help me get ready for the weekend's race at Iowa. It's been a long four weeks and I'm eager to get behind the wheel again.”
Goess' return to action is Sunday, May 18 at the Iowa Speedway, located in Newton, Iowa. The U.S. Cellular 200 takes the green flag at 4:00 p.m. local time.
