Catchfence

No. 81 Toyota of Greenville N.C. Toyota Camry

Race: Weis Markets 125

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards: 11 of 20

Track: Pocono Raceway

Date: July 31, 2010

Craig Goess is ready to return to the track where he captured his first career ARCA Racing Series Presented by RE/MAX and Menards victory. Goess will tackle the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono Raceway in his Eddie Sharp Racing No. 81 Greenville Toyota of N.C. Toyota in the Weis Markets 125 on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

“Pocono Raceway was a special place to get my first win,” said the 29-year-old driver. “There is no other track like it, and I think it is one of the coolest tracks that we go to. It was an honor to get my first win on ARCA’s 50th running at Pocono Raceway.”

After his first win, life has not changed much for the driver of the No. 81 Toyota of N.C. Toyota. “Of course, when I’m at the track, I’m a racecar driver,” explained Goess. “During the week, however, I go back to my job at Greenville Toyota, and I turn into Craig Goess, Jr., the Sales Manager. For now, I’m working hard on the track, then working hard selling cars to earn a living. If we race well enough and can put together a championship run, I’d love for racing to be my full-time focus. Until then, I’m selling cars when I’m not at the track.”

In his sophomore season in the ARCA Racing Series, Goess continues to impress his competitors as he shows consistency and determination. He has racked up five top-fives and seven top-10s in 10 races this season.

A week after his win at Pocono, Goess grabbed his first career pole award at Michigan International Speedway. “My next goal is to win the pole and the race in the same weekend,” explained Goess.

As for the ARCA Racing Series Championship, Goess is looking at the season one race at a time. “There are still 10 races to go. A lot can be decided between now and then.”

Craig Goess Pocono Fast Facts:

Last Race: Mansfield: Goess continued his streak of consistency on July 17, 2010 at the Tim Richmond 200 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Qualifying third for the main event, Goess fought at the front of the pack the entire race. He was able to drive the car to a second-place finish behind Max Gresham.

Rewind: First Win at Pocono: Going into the June 5 race at Pocono Raceway, the No. 81 ESR Greenville Toyota of N.C. team knew they built a good racecar. Goess qualified third and did not waste any time moving to the front of the pack when the green flag waved. Behind leader Mikey Kile for much of the race, Goess’ determination to bring home his first ARCA Racing Series victory outweighed the competition.

Crew chief Johnny Allen’s strategy and clean pit stops from the No. 81 team helped Goess gain the lead on lap 68. He held the lead until the checkered flag on lap 80, celebrating in victory lane for the first time in the ARCA Racing Series.

ESR Success at Pocono: In three starts at Pocono, Goess has one win, two top-fives and three top-10s. ESR is the defending winner of the last two races at Pocono. Goess won the race at June, and former ESR teammate Justin Lofton won the August 2009 Pocono race from the pole.

In the Points: Goess continues to climb up in the points as he moved up another spot to the second position. He is 50 points behind leader Justin Marks. In the past four races, Goess has moved up four positions in the standings.

SPEED Broadcast: The Weis Markets 125 will be the seventh of 10 races on the ARCA Racing Series schedule to be broadcast on the SPEED channel. The race coverage begins at 3 p.m. Live streaming audio will be featured on the ARCA Racing Network when the green flag drops at 1 p.m.

Craig Goess Jr.

Goess on running at Pocono:

“I am really looking forward to going back to Pocono. Of course after winning, I feel more confident at the track. I am hoping to get back on the track right where we left off. The No. 81 Greenville of N.C. Toyota team has been working together really well to put together great cars, and I can’t wait to get back in action.”

- Activ8 Communications Press Release