Evan Goetz Seeking to Add To HIs Success at Wenatchee Valley

On Saturday April 27^th, the Northwest Super Late Model Series presented by RaceCals (NWSLMS) will return to the Wenatchee Valley Super-Oval (WA) for the “Leonard Evans 150”, for the 21^st time in series history. When the #42 of Evan Goetz rolls into the back gate, he will be looking for his third touring series victory in-a-row at the ¼-mile facility, after closing 2023 with a win in both the NWSLMS and Tri-State Challenge Series Pro Late Models. The 2022 Pro Late Model track champion will look to bounce back after a 14^th-place finish at season opening Apple Cup “Pollock 125”, looking to put the disappointing result behind him.

“I’m going in with the same mindset into the next race, a positive mindset is key”, Goetz explained about his approach to Round #2 of the series schedule. “Jeff Jefferson told me a few years back “if you think you’re gonna win, you will, if you think your gonna lose, you will”, and that stuck with me.”

It helps that Goetz has a history of success at the East Wenatchee, WA paved oval. In addition to his track championship, he became the youngest driver in history to win a NWSLMS race at the age of 14. He also added a second Tri-State Challenge Series Pro Late Model win in 2021 to his list of accomplishment. If it wasn’t for a motocross injury in 2023, he may have added a second track championship, after winning all three Pro Late Model events he entered last season. There is no doubt the 16-year-old will be one of the favorites on the 27^th.

“I have a lot of laps around WVSO, and it’s such a picky track, you have to hit your marks every lap if you want to be consistent”, Goetz replied, as to his success at WVSO.

In recognition of his success at WVSO, and other facilities throughout the Northwest, Goetz was selected as a finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) in 2024. It is the fourth consecutive season that a KDDP finalist has competed with the NWSLMS, with Haeden Plybon earning the series championship in 2023. Goetz hopes to follow up that effort in 2024, looking to win the series championship, as well as the Rookie-of-the-Year title, as one of the seven KDDP finalists.

The program emphasizes both on-track and off-track success, while representing the memory of Alan Kulwicki. Community engagement, social media activities, and race results are all equally important to succeed in the program. It is something Goetz looks forward to, as he grows as a young man and racer.

“I have learned a lot from the KDDP team so far, and I’m really looking forward to learning more”, Goetz stated.

Goetz would like to thank all those involved with the Kulwicki Program, as he heads to Round #2 at WVSO for the NWSLMS. He will seek to add to his already impressive resume at the facility in his Jefferson Racing Super Late Model and jump back into the championship hunt for 2024.

The “Leonard Evans 150” will pay $5,000 to the winner, where Haeden Plybon is the defending race champion. Goetz finished third in last year’s edition, behind Kole Raz and ahead of Jan Evans. The event will also be broadcast LIVE on Racing America.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST SUPER LATE MODEL SERIES

The Northwest Super Late Model Series is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued partners including RaceCals, Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, Gibson Diesel Performance, AR Bodies, Penske Racing Shocks, Five Star Bodies, AFCO Racing / Longacre Racing Products, Franks Racing Radio, Jefferson Racing, Impel Motorsports, The Fan’s Connection LLC, Northwest Road and Drive, and The Ti Company. For more information on the series visit www.nwslms.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

-Story and Photo Credit: Kevin Peters, NWSLMS Media