SOUTHAMPTON, ON- Through the first quarter of the 2014 season, third-year competitor Nick Goetz has shown a profound level of improvement with each passing week. ‘Livewire’s season has not been without its pitfalls, though the poise Goetz has shown whilst dealing with the ebb and flow of competition is nothing short of admirable.
Perhaps no performance has been a greater indicator of Goetz’s improvement than his battle alongside legend Stompin’ Tom Walters during the 50-lap May 31st ‘Super Series’ event at the Innisfil, ON oval.
The race saw Goetz storm to the race lead early, before coming under pressure from Walters. The pair would bring the Sunset faithful to their feet, as they battled side-by-side for over 20-laps.
“I’m not even sure what to say – that was absolutely incredible”, said Goetz post-race. “That man is a legend. He’s one of the best to have ever strapped into a racecar around these parts, and to say that we held our own and gave him everything he could handle is one of the highlights of my career”
After opening his season with a strong run in the inaugural Spring Derby 100 at Sunset, Goetz has struggled to find consistency. The up-and-comer has battled everything from mechanical issues, overanxious competitors and handling troubles en route to his May 31st start.
“If this was easy, everyone would do it”, joked Goetz with a smile when asked about the adversity the team has faced. “It definitely would be a lot more fun to stand here and talk about all the wins we’ve earned so far, but that hasn’t been the case this season. With every hurdle this team has faced, it’s brought us closer as a unit”
“This group of guys has really only been together for less than a season”, continued Goetz. “We’re starting to get to the point where we’re really gelling as a team. I’ve got an awesome Driver Coach in [Jason] Hathaway and my Crew Chief Graham Annis is one of the best in the business. Both have played a huge role in getting us to where we are now”
Unfortunately for Goetz, he continued to experience the polarizing nature of short track competition, when mere laps after falling out of the battle for the lead he was involved in a last-lap, last-corner melee that relegated his Great Lakes Concrete No. 24 to a 14th place finish.
“I hate that for everyone that was involved in that mess”, said Goetz. “The first thing I did when I got to the pits after the race was apologize to Billy [Zardo] for getting into him and starting it. The car started to tighten up late in the race, and I just overdrove the corner”
‘Livewire’ will take a week off alongside the rest of the Sunset Limited Late Model roster and return to competition on June 14th. Gate times and ticket prices for Round 4 of the Sunset ‘Super Series’ are available at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca
NG Motorsports is proud to carry marketing support from Lake Huron Rod & Gun, Mondo Car Wash, The Auto Spa, Shoreline Beacon, Kincardine News, The Ticket Line, Austin Graphics, Van Dolders Windows & Doors, TA Stewart & Son and Great Lakes Concrete.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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