ESMCS Returns to Miramichi for Chi City Showdown

The penultimate race in 2015 will take place Saturday night under the lights for the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series, as the series heads to Speedway Miramichi for the 2nd Annual Chi City Showdown. A competitive entry list of drivers are expected to make the trek to Speedway Miramichi for a 25 lap feature. This will be the 3^rd and final stop at the track considered to be the series’ “home base”, and if the previous races were foreshadowing anything, it will be a dramatic show!

Among the stories to watch will be points leader Matt Watson as he chases history. He will be aiming to score his record tying 6th consecutive feature win, and yet again add his name to the record books. Watson will be the favourite to pick up the win, after his dominating performance that occurred when the series last visited Miramichi in August. Not only did Watson win a Grand Slam, but he lapped all but the 2^nd place car en route to victory. The stats are in Watson’s favour to return to victory lane, as 1 driver has swept every race in a single season at Speedway Miramichi, historically speaking. Those drivers (James Matchett; 2012, 2013 & Amanda Wheatley; 2014) went on to win the championship after completing the season sweep at Miramichi.

At the last race, Watson seemed to have his work cut out for himself if he wanted to win the feature. There was some stiff competition, but that all changed when tempers flared in the feature. Mike Weagle & Kirk Sheasgreen finished top 3 in the Heat & Semi, keeping Watson honest and making him earn those wins. But the 2 made contact on an early restart while battling for the lead, then took each other out on the ensuing restart. That would relegate them to the back, and ultimately ending their shot to win. This rivalry that is forming does not seem to be over yet, and with both drivers being very tough competitors, aggressive drivers, and both are seeking a win to earn redemption.

Weagle & Sheasgreen weren’t the only drivers that looked to be strong enough to contend with Watson last race. Mark Ferguson looked to be en route to a strong run, with a shot to challenge Watson, but the sophomore slump continued for the driver of car 41 after he got caught up in a wreck. That wreck was the 2nd race in a row where he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. While Fergusons suffered unfortunate luck, fellow Saint John competitor Kyle Maher scored his first career top 5 run by finishing 4th when the series last visited Speedway Miramichi. It has now been proved that these 2 drivers have Speedway Miramichi figured out, and expectations are for them to be serious contenders at the Showdown.

The sole driver that Matt Watson did not lap last race was Steven Curtis. Curtis, who had failed to score a top 5 in over 3 years at his home track, grabbed a career best 2nd place finish. Curtis is having a stellar season minus a few miscues, and all that’s missing is a checkered flag. Curtis had been known as a driver who ran well at ¼ mile tracks, however, he is now a contender anywhere the series travels!

Leading up to the previous race, Chris Wilson and Jared Tozer had finished every feature in the top 5. But the 2 Miramichi area drivers both admitted that their cars just weren’t right, as they struggled all day before scoring the worst finishes of their respective seasons, and first finish outside the top 5. Both drivers have proven their resilience in the past, and without a doubt should be back in the top 5 this weekend.

Of course, you can’t forget about newcomer Dave Griffin. Dave’s first mini cup race went well, as he picked up a 7th place finish and gained some valuable experience. The former Street Stock driver has a car that’s proven to be fast, and he is expected to be a threat for wins as early as this weekend.

Watsons dominating run in August allowed him to open up a 36 point lead over Chris Wilson, the largest gap between the point’s leader and 2^nd place we’ve seen all year. Watson has 248 points, while Wilson has 212 points. It’s a large margin, but not impossible to overcome. Rounding out the top 5 in points is Steven Curtis with 195 points, Mark Ferguson with 186 points, & Mike Weagle with 175 points.

Action gets underway at 6pm Saturday night as part of the Chi City Showdown. The Mini Cups will contest a 25 lap feature, 12 lap semi, and 12 lap heat. Highlighting the card will be the final round of the New Brunswick Short Track Challenge. The 100 lap Sportsman race will crown the champion for this 3 race series. Street Stocks, Atlantic Modifieds, and 4 Cylinders will also take part. Admission is just $15 for adults, $10 for youth, and kids 7 & under are free! Prior to the big race Saturday, there will be an open practice Friday from 3-9pm at the Speedway.

Expected Entries

#2 Chris Wilson
#3 Dave Griffin
#12 Steven Curtis
#16 Mike Weagle
#22 Jared Tozer
#41 Mark Ferguson
#43 Kirk Sheasgreen
#78 Kyle Maher
#88 Matt Watson