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"Goodenough Fights Back and Prepares For Monadnock Opener"
When the 2006 True Value Modified Racing Series got underway last season, little did veteran driver Rob Goodenough know he would have something in common by seasons end with two Boston sports stars, a Red Sox pitcher, and a top draft choice of the Boston Bruins.
Goodenough, Sox hurler Jon Lester, and Bruins center Phil Kessell, were diagnosed with cancer. The shocking news came hard when reported, Lester with lymphoma at age 28, and Kessell at age 19 with testicular cancer.
Last July, Goodenough, age 39, a mainstay on the traveling racing circuit, started feeling uncomfortable. He tried too not let it affect his home life, his work efforts at his family auto repair and tow shop, and his weekends driving the # 01 modified. But over time Goodenough realized something was not right. "Some weeks I would be racing in agony and some weeks it would not be that bad, I hoped whatever was going on would stop but that was not the case," said the former pro stock racer.
Privately concerned, Goodenough kept his worsening medical condition to himself not wanting to share it with friends, his race team, and those that surround him. In November, it was time to face reality. The pain had become unbearable. Doctors determined that he had testicular cancer. One of the most curable forms of the disease, it is generally found in young men in their late teens to mid 20’s. Each year 8000 men are diagnosed. Said Goodenough, "I thought to myself I’m too old for this, it really can’t be happening." Rob will turn 40 in July, a year after his ordeal started. He underwent surgery in November and followed up with four weeks of radiation treatment. A couple of those sessions left him not feeling well, but he was able to pull through it, stay working, and continue to focus on the upcoming season. The best news is he has a 98% chance of full recovery.
The 2007 season will feature a whole new look for the second generation driver. He will pilot a former Bruce Batchelder racer, last owned by pro stock standout Russ Hersey. A deal was done in an off season swap, the Goodenough pro stock for the Hersey Troyer modified. Todd Patnode has been tabbed to drive the Tim Creamer # 01. "They decided to make a change, so we’ll do something different." said Goodenough. And different it will be. Gone will be the familiar car number 01, Creamer/Patnode will carry those digits. Goodenough contemplated the # 1NH but computerized scoring will not recognize letters so his new racer will be numbered 6, an old uniform number from his hockey playing days.
Longtime friend Roy Blake will join the new effort as crew chief this year. "I’m really glad to have him with me," Goodenough said. "Rusty Ball has been a big help ordering parts and helping me get ready for practice day at Monadnock."
Goodenough hopes to run most, if not all, of the 2007 season. Sponsorship money will be the deciding factor. "I am attached to modifieds now. I don’t see me in anything else," he stated, adding that he looks forward to opening night at his home track, Monadnock Speedway April 14.
When Goodenough takes the green flag for his new season, he won’t be alone in terms of a fresh start. Phil Kessell is back on the ice in Boston and John Lester is in training camp with the Red Sox. Family, prayers, support, and friends made sure of that.
