Sunday

Craig Goess Finishes 13th in Rain-shortened Tire Kingdom 150

Craig Goess Jr.

The No. 81 got caught up in a lap one incident, causing the Eddie Sharp Racing driver to fall from 10th to 22nd position. As he battled back, the first yellow flag of the race was waved on lap six finding the No. 81 in the 20th position. Although rain started to drizzle, Goess did not pit yet to change from dry to wet tires. When the green flag waved, Goess showed the decision to stay with dry tires was worth the risk as he climbed to the 12th position by lap 15.

As the rain started to fall more heavily, the second yellow flag came out on lap 21. The No. 81 pulled into the pits, and the crew put on the Hooiser Short Track Radial “Slick” tires. This is the first time in the 58-year ARCA Racing Series history that a “wet” tire compound has been used.

Goess competed against the rain, bobbling between the 15th and 16th positions for 25 laps, before eventual race winner Justin Marks passed the No. 81 on lap 50, putting him a lap down. He then pitted under green for fuel only on lap 57 and continued to hold his ground in the 15th position.

Just before the final caution of the race fell on lap 68, Goess gained key positions as the rain began to fall harder, and drivers complained of unsafe conditions due to not being able to see out of the windshield.

“I can’t believe how hard it was raining during portions of the race,” Goess said. “Towards the end of the race, it was getting difficult for me to see.”

The rain forced Series officials to end the race five laps short of the original distance, throwing the checkered flag on lap 70. Goess and the No. 81 Toyota of Greenville team finished the inaugural ARCA Series race at PBIR in 13th place.

“It was a good run considering the rough conditions,” said Goess. “I’m proud of everyone on the No. 81 Toyota of Greenville Eddie Sharp Racing team. They really helped me maintain composure during my first experience driving in the rain.”

Owner Eddie Sharp agreed the rain made it tough for all drivers, but he is excited about improvements he sees in Goess. “I think Craig did a great job, especially considering the weather and that he is not a road course racer. I’m excited for his next race at Salem Speedway.”

After a six-week break for the ARCA Racing Series drivers, Goess and the No. 81 Toyota of Greenville Eddie Sharp Racing team will race next at Salem Speedway on April 11, 2010 in Salem, Indiana.

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp set up shop in 2005 after several years of transforming young, talented drivers into ARCA championship contenders. Today, Eddie Sharp Racing has evolved into the rite of passage for any serious upcoming driver with an ambition for professional stock car racing. Located in Denver, North Carolina just north of Charlotte, Eddie Sharp Racing occupies a top-notch facility that closely resembles a five-star NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, both inside and out. The two ESR buildings each contain two teams where on any given day, championship contending cars are assembled, engines tuned and teams strategize to score the next race day victory.

- Eddie Sharp Racing Press Release