By Cheryl Licklider, Staff Writer

James Goldman Jr. has been chasing checkered flags on the 3/8 mile high-banked oval for more than a decade at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. According to this weekend warrior, he enjoys both the competition and his adoring young fans.

“Racing is a hobby and having fun is all that matters,” said Goldman. “I especially enjoy the kids who sit in my race car, ask for my autograph and take trophy pictures with me.”

Quenching his need for speed on the local dirt track has kept this adventurous driver out of mischief.

“I had a number of tickets from reckless to careless driving before I started racing,” said Goldman. “During the last ten years since I’ve been racing, I haven’t even had a speeding ticket. Racing keeps me out of trouble and it’s something that my whole family enjoys.”

Goldman belted into his first stock car in the late 1990s when promoter Curly Hill brought the racing phenomenon of cruisers to Enid Speedway.

This innovative class put two drivers into each car. The driver had control of the steering wheel and brakes with a throttle man on the right who had sole control of the gas.

“We started out here in a cruiser and had a blast,” said Goldman. “In fact, we had so much fun that sometimes I kind of miss it. Taking that first checkered flag in cruises is a feeling that I will never forget.”

After the local track canceled the cruiser division nearly five years ago, Goldman said he decided to try his luck in a pure stock.

Goldman found he had a natural aptitude for the competitive sport and has posted numerous “A” feature wins during a stint that spans three seasons. Last year he made his way to victory lane nine times, including seven sweeps for an overall fourth-place finish in the point standings.

“We had a fun season last year,” said Goldman. “We had a few rough nights at the start of the season, but I always come out of turn four looking for another win.”

Goldman pilots the quick No. 316 Chevy, which sports a skull on the hood in honor of its namesake WWE wrestling celebrity “Stone Cold.”

Sponsors of the quick ride include A & L Graphics, Dirt Performance, El Charro, J & J Tire Service and Last Honkey Tonk. Tony Bruno heads up the team as crew chief, along with Justin Hobson, and Goldman’s sons James, III and Jaytn.

“I couldn’t be out here without my crew,” said Goldman. “They are great. My family is very supportive too. My wife Jamie and daughter Jamie are both behind me 100 percent. My daughter polishes the car every week.”

Goldman has high aspirations for this season.

“I’ve won a lot of races but I’ve never won a championship,” said Goldman. “My goal is to win the championship this year, and hopefully, it will end my racing fever. We are building a new car right now. But I can’t announce who my new sponsor is until we reveal the car.”