Craig Goess, Jr. Turns Luck Around at South Boston

13th Place Finish Gets CW East Season Rolling

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Craig Goess, Jr. made his return to South Boston Speedway this past Saturday night for the NASCAR Camping World East Series' running of the Strutmasters.com 150. Goess had competed at South Boston in previous years during his time in the Legends Cars. Familiarity with the 4/10-mile track paid off for Goess and his No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development team as he brought home a 13th place finish, his best of the 2008 season.

Not only did Goess have his season's best finish, he also had his season's best start. Goess qualified his No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota in the 10th position, after practicing in the top-10 as well.  Goess held his top positioning until lap 22, when a competitor tapped him from the rear, sending the No. 2 Toyota spinning on the frontstretch.  Goess lost a lap in the process of trying to get his car turned around.

Fortunately, Goess received the “Lucky Dog” award, regaining his lost lap, during the next caution period on lap 37.  Goess restarted in the rear of the field and picked off cars one by one.  On lap 78, Goess brought the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota to the attention of his Eddie Sharp Racing team, fearful that the right front fender might be rubbing on his tire. The crew pulled the fenders away and sent Goess on his way.

Once again, the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota restarted in the back of the pack and even after a multi-car incident caused some minor damage to his vehicle, Goess was able to steer clear through the remainder of the race to bring home his first top-15 finish.

“We had a great car here tonight,” said Goess. “Even though this is our best finish of the season, it's disappointing a bit. I knew we had a great car to be able to finish in the top-10 and we almost got there. We definitely could have been there, had we not had that spin early. From then on, I was trying to stay out of trouble, which is a hard feat running back there. I was able to figure some things out though, which helped me work my way back up to the front. I'm proud of this team and hopefully this brings us some momentum to get those top finishes this No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development team deserves.”

Next up for Goess is this weekend's NASCAR Camping World East Series race at Watkins Glen International.