Dean Goforth may have been the runner-up in Extreme Pro Stock at the recent U.S. Drags V at Virginia Motorsports Park, but he didn’t feel like he lost. No, Goforth felt determined and it’s carried over to next weekend’s Summer Drags VIII at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan.
After taking out son and teammate Cary in the first round, David Schorr in the second round and Todd Hoerner in the semifinals, Dean was ready for the final against Richie Stevens. Dean left the line first but wasn’t able to hold off Stevens when the car slowed down.
“I might not be taking home the trophy, but I think I proved that even at almost 68 years old I’m here to win races, and I’m chasing the championship this year. With only 185 points between the first 3 spots, I’m more determined than ever,” said Dean. “I believe in our team, we have been to 2 final rounds this year and I’m third in points, so let this be a warning to all the other extreme Pro Stock competitors: I am on a mission and I’m going to knock over anyone who gets in my way, and that includes my son, Cary. I want the championship.”
While Dean is determined he is not alone in the hunt for the championship and standing between Dean and Stevens, the current points leader going into Martin, is Cary Goforth, who is just 105 points in front of Dean and just 80 points behind Stevens.
“I had to run against dad in the 1st round at Virginia, and the car shook in the middle slowing us down. Our goal this year is to meet in a final round. I know Dad is more determined than I have seen him in years past, so we have to be on our toes,” Cary said.
“This year has been all about the family. Dad’s off-season illness really showed us what is important, losing Bert Jackson last year also drove home the fact that we never know what will happen in the future. Dad will be turning 68 this month, (and) if he could pull off winning the championship it would make John Force look like a kid.”
(Photo by ADRL/Richards)
