Jeff Goodale Sets His 2015 Plans!
By Matthew Wiernasz
Jeff Goodale will kick off his season next weekend in racing in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. He is also planning to run for the Tour Type Modified championship at Riverhead, and the World Series at Thompson. He feels confident that he and team can be a contender for the championship at the quarter mile oval.
Goodale ran in the Sunoco modified division during the World Series last Oct. at Thompson.
“You know we did a lot better than I thought. Crew chief gave me a ton of confidence and gave me a great car”, said Goodale.
Thompson being a 5/8 mile oval left Goodale and his team feeling hesitant about their first visit to the track.
“We spun out during lap 10 but it ended up helping me. I was able to follow the leaders around to learn their line”, said Goodale. “One of my favorite tracks for sure.”
The biggest factor for his success at Thompson that weekend was speed, sponsors, and his relationship with his crew chief.
“With a new car this year and a determined team I’m confident we will make the race. The tour has really talented drivers. You have to go there and act like it’s any other race”, said Goodale. “Despite the spin the Sunoco Mods, we weren’t far off with lap times. That gave me a ton of confidence going into this race.”
Eric Goodale, Jeff’s cousin, also runs in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Jeff looks up to Eric as a role model, and they’re always discussing racing advice. Eric’s team offered an ample amount of help to getting Jeff’s team started. Jason Sheppard, Eric’s crew chief, has provided mechanical suggestions a number of times.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has scheduled two events during the 2015 seaon at Riverhead Raceway. Jeff Goodale is highly anticipating the two races.
“I love Riverhead. People think I’m nuts but for me I love short track racing. I look at my teammate Kyle Ellwood who debuted at Riverhead last year and qualified 11th. If he can do that well there’s no reason I can’t”, said Goodale. “I’m not sure how I’ll finish, but I feel pretty good at the face I’ll at least be able to make the race.”
Goodale is also looking forward to racing in the tour type modified division at Riverhead. Some legend drivers such as Brendon Bock and Kyle Soper are moving up to the modified division this year. He feels they will be contenders.
“I love how the field is growing and hopefully it will make for some exciting racing”, said Goodale.
Previously Goodale ran in the legend division.
“Never had success to be honest; always ran up front but just couldn’t get a win. I’m hoping to change that in the modifieds”, said Goodale.
He feels transitioning to the modified division will be better than he imagined, but still has a lot to learn.
“The biggest thing was getting used to having a wider and bigger car. I scrapped the wall a few time coming off the corners. Wasn’t use to the size but I love the mods”, said Goodale. “Modifieds have a lot more grip and power than a legend.”
He hopes to run more NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races in the near future. Finding crew members to run full-time and resources is his biggest challenge. Goodale would like to race at Bristol and Loudon one day.
Goodale gained confidence while racing an SK car against the tour cars. Placing in the top five meant the world to him.
“People couldn’t believe we were running with an SK Motor. My crew chief had that car running well toward the end”, said Goodale. “To finish Thompson with somewhat decent lap times was just the icing on the cake.”
His goals for the 2015 season are to finish the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races and the tour type modified championship at Riverhead. At the same time learning and enjoying while he races.
“What it all comes down to I get to race these awesome cars. Having an awesome opportunity this season”, said Goodale. “Gotta soak it all in and at the end of the day make sure you had fun!”
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will kick off their 2015 season April 12 during the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, and May 2 at Riverhead Raceway.
