Return to Short Track Excites Goess

Thompson International Speedway Awaits Goess

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Craig Goess, Jr. hasn’t had quite the success he hoped for this year during his rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World East Series. But this weekend’s event at Thompson International Speedway excites the 27-year-old driver because of his prior experience and success at the short tracks. Goess’ best start and finish this year have come on a short track and Goess hopes the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota can better those marks this Saturday night in the Pepsi Full Fender Frenzy 100.

“I’m looking forward to returning to a short track,” said Goess.  “I’ve heard Thompson is a lot like Kenly (Southern National Raceway Park), but times one and a half. It has similar banking and similar corners, but the straight-aways are longer. At least, I’m more optimistic than heading to a road course.  Hopefully, we’ll wind up with a good finish.”

Knowing Thompson is similar to Southern National plays well for Goess, who has competed there numerous times in late models and Legends cars.  Goess and Team ESR also tested there on Wednesday in preparation for this Saturday’s event.

“It went pretty well,” Goess describes.  “We did some fine tuning and got the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota to the point we were pretty comfortable.  It’s the same car I raced at Loudon and the guys have done a lot of work with it.  The test also allowed me to work with my new crew chief, Johnny Allen, some

more.  He reminds me a lot of the first guy who taught me to drive.  We’re getting better with the communication and me being able to describe how the car is driving and he’s being able to understand me.  It’s going to take some time, but we’re getting better on being on the same page. He has lots of experience and we’ll just continue to learn together.”

Goess’ best start and finish came earlier this year at the South Boston Speedway. He started 10th and finished 13th, after an altercation forced him to battle from the rear to regain his lost spots.  Goess hopes to stay out of trouble this weekend and be able to battle for the top spot by the conclusion of the 100-lap race.

NASCAR Camping World Series East practice begins at Noon on Saturday and runs until 12:45 p.m.  Final Practice will be from 1:30 until 2:15 p.m. Qualifying follows at 5:15 p.m. The green flag for the Pepsi Full Fender Frenzy 100 at Thompson International Speedway waves at 8:30 p.m.