In the summer, Fallon welcomes people from all over northern Nevada to Rattlesnake Raceway. The oval dirt track has been in operation for generations. Drivers are often cheered on by family members retired from the sport or young ones getting ready to make their debut. No question about it, in Lyon County, racing is a family activity. During intermissions, children as young as 5 years old can be found spinning around the track buoyed by exuberant parents. In the case of the Royce and Rachael Goetz family, both dad and mom know the adrenalin rush brought on by the competition and the roar of a cheering crowd.
Rachael began racing while dating her soon-to-be husband, Royce Goetz. She had been a life-long race fan but only in her dreams had she toyed with the notion of taking up the sport herself. Royce, dashing and persuasive, inspired Rachael to give it a go. Between 2015 and 2017, she raced hobby stocks at Rattlesnake Raceway in Fallon. Rachael took a break from racing when expecting their first child. Although she loved the excitement, in 2019 she opted to postpone her racing career until her kids were self-sufficient. While every precaution is taken, there are risks in racing.
Royce’s passion for the sport is generational. In the1980s, his dad RD Goetz made a name for himself racing at T-car in Carson City. His fans were many, especially Chris, the gal working at the concession stand. Chris, undoubtedly RD’s biggest fan, eventually became his wife. The couple all but raised the three Goetz boys at the track.
It wasn’t long before Ronny, Rocky and Royce Goetz struck out on their own as drivers. Royce was the first brother, and arguably the most motivated, to take up racing. In 2005, fueled by longing and vision, young Royce bicycled back and forth from his part-time job just so he could fund the build of his first race car.
Royce’s enthusiasm for cars translated into a profession. He earned elite status in his field by achieving the title of World Class GM Technician, a prestigious accomplishment attained by less than 7% of GM service technicians nationally. When he isn’t perfecting other people’s rides, he is expanding his own fleet of race cars. Presently Royce owns five cars that are driven by a regular crew of local racers. With many wins to their credit, Royce and his crew aren’t about to slow down any time soon. And the next generation is counting on that.
Like Royce, the couple’s two children were raised in the race pits. They are already carrying on the family tradition. Cheyenne, age 8, and Johnathan, age 6, attend just about every race with their folks. They are not only there as spectators; the pair are racers too. Young John is highly competitive and when asked what he likes best about racing he is quick to reply, “Winning!” Last year at the tender young age of 5, John was track champion for karts. So far this year, Johnathan Goetz has won 3 out of 5 kart races.
Cheyene has won her share of races too. This season, she holds second place in every race. Enjoying a friendly rivalry, Cheyene is determined to pass her fiercest competitor, a 12-year-old girl, before the end of the season. Racing aside, Cheyenne has her mother’s entrepreneurial flare. She is happiest helping Rachael sell beverages at Easy Squeezy, the family’s lemonade stand, which operates at Rattlesnake all summer long.
Life as a race family is action packed, fast paced and exciting. But according to the Goetz, the best part is the connections formed with the exceptional people who share their love of the sport. The kids have tons of “aunts” and “uncles” while Royce and Rachael have the strong and loving support of like-minded adults who have become more than friends. They are their Rattlesnake Raceway family.
Sonia Hedrick is interested in YOU! Like to share your unusual story with our neighbors? Or do you have an interesting topic you would like to explore in Senior Sense? Send Sonia an email at: [email protected]
Comment
Comments