Goess Collects Top-15 at CW East Season Finale

Solid Run in First Trip to Stafford Despite Chasing Track Changes

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Craig Goess, Jr. wrapped up his rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World East Series on Sunday.  Goess, piloting the No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota, finished 15th in the CARQUEST Fall Final at Stafford Motor Speedway.  The finish was Goess’ eighth top-15 in the 12 races he competed in on the NCWES schedule. 

“If we had been able to race after we unloaded, we would’ve been a top-three,” said Goess, a resident of Greenville, N.C.  “We were third fastest in practice and had a really good car.  The track changed and I don’t know if it was because of the Hoosier tires from the Modifieds or what.  We made some changes to the car for qualifying and the car just didn’t like those.”

Goess qualified his No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota in the 12th starting spot on Saturday, but would have to wait another day before tackling the legendary Connecticut short track.  On Sunday, the teams arrived at the track to a beautiful autumn day, perfect for racing action. 

The green flag waved shortly after noon and Goess maintained his position throughout the day.  He went a lap down around the 100-lap mark, but was able to regain his lap during the sixth caution period on lap 132 when he was awarded the “Lucky Dog.” 

Goess restarted his No. 2 Greenville Toyota/Team ESR Development Toyota in the 18th position and was able to pick up three more spots before the conclusion of the 150-lap race.

“The track was dramatically different the next day,” explains Goess.  “Those that were good early on Saturday weren’t good for the race.  We didn’t anticipate the track changing so much and we just continued to get worse throughout the race.  We missed wrecks and didn’t tear the car up though.  That was a bright spot in the day.  I didn’t want to have to give the guys any extra work after all the hard work they’ve put in this season already.  I had a lot of fun racing out there.  It was perfect racing weather.  I could’ve raced 400 laps because I was so comfortable in the car.”

Goess might’ve wanted to race a few more laps because the season concluded with this past weekend’s event.  Goess finished the season with eight top-15s, two top-10s and one top-five finish.  His best start of the season was a 10th, which he achieved at three different tracks.  Goess wound up 16th in the final points standings, just three points shy of the 15th position.

“It’s been a pretty laid back season with only 12 races,” said Goess.  “We’re still putting together what we’re doing next year, but I hope to be racing a lot more.  I’m looking forward to what the future holds for 2009.”