Photo Credit: Ashley McCubbin
(April 30, 2016)-INNISFIL, ON – On an afternoon in which it appeared as though his NG Motorsports team would be fortunate to simple roll off of their pit pad under their own power, Nick Goetz rallied from early engine troubles to earn his first victory of the 2016 season.
The Southampton, ON driver’s opening night triumph came after his Lake Huron Rod & Gun-backed entry secured ‘fast time’ honours in afternoon time trial qualifying.
After tallying a frustrating 13th place finish in the evening’s opening 35-lap feature, Goetz returned to the track for the second feature with renewed focus, battling through the race’s duration to earn the emphatic win.
“If you had asked me this afternoon how I saw tonight ending – this would have been my last guess,” joked Goetz post-race. “This was such an up and down today. I really can’t thank my guys enough. This team never stopped working, they never gave up and they never slowed down. I’m nothing without the people around me. I couldn’t ask for a better team”
Entering the 2016 campaign, Goetz made it known that his Rick McColl-led outfit had their sights set on their first career Sunset Speedway championship. With a win already under them, Goetz is confident that team is headed in the right direction.
“We wanted to start this season with a win more than anything in the world,” said Goetz. “Our goal is to win a championship, and to do that we know that we need to put together strong runs. A win in the opener puts us in a great place as far as the points standings go, but it puts us in an even better place mentally”
Through the dying laps of the event, Goetz put forth a spirited effort racing alongside longtime friend – and NASCAR Pinty’s Series star – Jason Hathaway. When asked about the battle post-race, Goetz was quick to praise his veteran adversary.
“Jason Hathaway was one of my first mentors in racing,” explained ‘Livewire’. “Running side-by-side with him was an awesome experience. I have so much respect for him and his team. He’s one of the best short track racers in Ontario – beating him means something. He’s a quality driver and a great friend. He taught me a lot about this sport and racing with him tonight was a blast”
Despite his obvious excitement, Goetz maintained that his team must find the consistency that has eluded them in previous seasons should they hope to produce an extended run towards a division championship.
“It’s not enough for us to just do this once,” said Goetz. “I want our team to have a legitimate chance to do this every single weekend. One podium isn’t going to win us a championship. We’re going to go back to the shop and get back to work, because as hard as it was to win tonight, it’s probably going to be even harder next week.”
Nick and the rest of the Sunset Speedway Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park NASCAR Late Model competitors will return to action this coming Saturday, May 7th. For information, including gate times and ticket prices visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Nick Goetz’s 2016 season is supported by Lake Huron Rod & Gun, Mondo Car Wash, Boston Pizza, Super 8 Motel, Lord Elgin Fish & Chips, Rosener’s Service Centre, Roberto’s Pizzeria, Great Lakes Concrete, Austin Graphics, Pierson Motors of Kincardine and ImageWraps.ca
By Brendan Doherty
