DISAPPOINTING WEEKEND FOR GOMEZ
The Spears Southwest Tour season opener in Madera, CA didn’t go as well as expected for Jonathon Gomez and the Century Motorsports and Marine Race Team. Practice for the” Melo’s Gas & Gear 151” presented by 51 FIFTY Energy Drinks began on Friday and for Jonathon Gomez and his team, it seemed like the bad luck poured out of the trailer as soon as they opened the door. “No matter what we did, we just couldn’t get the car to go fast.” says Gomez. “We struggled all weekend, but we we’re determined to make the best of what we had.” he adds.
The clouds gave way to full sun on Saturday and the Century Motorsports and Marine Race Team was back at it as soon as the pit gates opened. Improving his practice time by 3/10ths of a second, he was still far from where he wanted to be. The # 22 Century Motorsports and Marine Chevrolet Impala would eventually qualify and start in 20th position. “20th isn’t the ideal place to start a race, but we had 151 laps to get to the front of the field.” Gomez stated.
As the drivers made their way to the front stretch for driver introductions, team owner John Gomez was the center of attention after suffering a medical emergency. Mr. Gomez left the field and was transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution. He was treated for dehydration and later released. “My blood pressure was high, and I was dehydrated” Mr. Gomez said “I guess I was more stressed about having so many issues with the car than I realized, but I’m fine now” he added with a laugh.
As the green flag flew over the field of 26 cars, Jonathon Gomez went straight to work. After slicing through the field, with Gomez running in 13th position, the bad luck bug would bite again on lap 19. Gomez relayed to his Crew Chief Ron Copeland that something felt wrong with the rear end, and was quickly in the pits. After a look at the rear end, Jonathon returned to the track but would soon make the decision to pit again, where a broken bolt and trailing arm would end his night of racing. Upon learning of his dad’s medical condition, Jonathon Gomez left the track and headed to the hospital. “I didn’t know he wasn’t even at the race track, no one told me before the race. I’m glad he’s ok” Gomez said. “We’ll pack up, head home and get fast for the next race, my dad’s going to be fine, and that’s what matters right now.”
Jonathon Gomez and the Century Motorsports Marine Race Team will head to Monroe, Washington for the “Mark Galloway 150 Shootout” presented by Les Schwab, at Evergreen Speedway on April 6th.
Jonathon Gomez is supported by Century Motorsports and Marine, where in addition to meeting all of your boating needs, you will also find an impressive selection of Arctic Cat snow sleds and KTM motorcycles. With special thanks to J&C Custom Harvesting, United Oil, Eibach Springs, DJ Safety, MotoFX, Wrapped Graphix and Moving Objects Sports Photography for their continued support and invaluable contributions. Jonathon Gomez competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series from 2008 through the 2012 season and is the 2010 SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Champion. His most recent win was at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 17, 2012 with the Spears Southwest Tour.
For more information on Jonathon Gomez, including photos and 2013 race schedule, please visit “Jonathon Gomez Racing” on facebook.
