INNISFIL, ON- ‘Livewire’ Nick Goetz enjoyed strong runs in practice and qualifying at the first 50-lap Limited Late Model ‘Super Series’ event on the 2014 schedule. Unfortunately, bad luck would strike Goetz for the second straight week, resulting in a multitude of damage and a frustrating 18th place finish.
“I’m really not sure what happened out there, tonight”, said a visibly upset Goetz. “Guys were driving over their heads virtually from the start of the race. We missed a couple wrecks early on, but got tagged just past halfway”
Goetz’s night ended just before lap-30, after contact with another driver exiting turn-2. After the initial contact, Goetz’s No. 24 lay prone across the back straightaway and was struck on the driver’s door by an oncoming car.
“That one hurt”, admitted Goetz. “I haven’t had too many bad wrecks in the 3 years I’ve been doing this, but that one was definitely the worst. It shook me up”
‘Livewire’ would spend his evening being examined at an area hospital, where it was discovered he suffered a fractured left ankle in the incident.
“I have to give kudos to Mike McColl and McColl Racing Enterprises. They build some incredibly safe racecars. My ankle’s in quite a bit of pain, but it definitely could have been a lot worse”
Despite the injury and the damage to his equipment, Goetz is adamant he will not allow his season to be derailed.
“We’re not going to let this run of bad luck get us down”, said the Southampton, ON driver. “This car was great at the Spring Derby, and that’s what we’re hoping to get back to. We had a week of engine troubles and a week in which we were treated like a pinball, and now we’re looking to get past that”
“I hate it for my guys more than anything”, Goetz continued. “They work awfully hard on this car and they deserve a strong run for their efforts. Graham [Annis] puts a lot of hours into this thing at the shop, and [Crew Chief] Brandon [Watson] made some awesome adjustments for me tonight. We just have to regroup from this. Onward and upward. We’ll be back next week even stronger”
‘Livewire’ Nick Goetz will return to action this Saturday, May 24th for another 50-lap Limited Late Model event at Sunset Speedway. Gate times and ticket prices can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca
Goetz’s 2014 campaign would not be made possible without the support of his marketing partners: 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.
Be sure to follow Nick on Twitter @NGMotorsports24.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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