ESMCS Returns to Speedway Miramichi‏ Saturday

Speedway Miramichi will play host to round 5 for the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series on a full moon Saturday night this weekend. Patterson Sales & Service Night will be on tap, with a 10 lap heat, semi, and then capped off with the Patterson Sales & Service 20 lap feature. Drivers are eager to get back on track after nearly a month off!

The headlining story this week is a result of the 4th race in 2015, which took place at Petty Intl’ Raceway. A big wreck, which occurred on the 17th lap of the race, is still on everyone’s minds. But after some long nights in the shop, Mark Ferguson is expected to have his #41 car ready to race Saturday. Ferguson will be looking to turn his season around, after he has started to experience a mid-season sophomore slump. He has maintained 4th place in points despite this, but the rest of the field is closing in. We have not received official word as of press time, but the other driver involved in the incident, the #24 of Derek Goodwin, is not expected to be ready for this race. Work is ongoing on rebuilding the #24 car, and we should see it back on track before seasons end.

A rookie driver will be making his debut on Saturday. Former Oyster Bed Speedway Street Stock driver Dave Griffin has purchased the #3 car from Don Gaudet. Dave is excited to make his debut on Saturday at Miramichi. Prince Edward Island drivers have won the last 11 consecutive feature races, and Griffin, who hails from Summerside, would love to add his name to the list very soon.

Petty Raceway Mini Stock point’s leader Mike Weagle is a series contender to be the first driver to dethrone Matt Watson from victory lane in a feature race Saturday. Weagle has had strong runs all year, including a 3^rd in Miramichi. Now that he has 3 races under his belt, he will not have to start at the rear of the field. While a championship in the ESMCS is out of reach after missing one race, Rookie of the Year honours and a top 5 in points are within reach for the driver of car #16.Be sure to watch the 4 cylinder race too, as Mike will once again be pulling double duty Saturday.

We will have another driver pulling double duty Saturday, as Chris Wilson will be racing his #19 Street Stock and #2 Mini Cup. Last time in the Street Stock, Wilson picked up a grand slam, after being the only car to start. In the last mini cup race at Miramichi, his home track, Wilson had an epic duel with Matt Watson for the victory during the feature, and ended up finishing 2nd. He will be seeking redemption this time around. Wilson is having a career best season, with 3 checkered flags, and sits just 18 points back of 1st.

Of course, Matt Watson will be back and looking to extend his points lead, with just 3 races to go. Watson did win a grand slam in his last Miramichi start, and has gone undefeated since in feature races. Watson was able to find grip on the high line last time the series ran Miramichi, on a night where many drivers struggled to find grip. If he can do that again, he could be tough to beat.

The quietest driver in 2015 by far has been Jared Tozer. With top 5 finishes in all feature races, he joins Watson and Wilson as the only driver to finish top 5 in every feature race. Tozer also sits 5th in points, but could be much higher had he gotten to start a heat race back in June. He is hoping to improve on the 4th place finish at his home track at the Season Opener, and continue what has been an impressive season.

Steven Curtis scored his first ever win in a mini cup car in his first start, which was in a heat race at Speedway Miramichi. That remains his only career victory, and Speedway Miramichi hasn’t been kind to the nearby South Esk driver since. That doesn’t mean that the #12 won’t be in contention Saturday. The 12 car showed speed back in June, but spun early in the feature, before rebounding to finish 7th. A top 5 in the feature would be considered a successful day for Curtis, since he hasn’t finished in the top 5 at Speedway Miramichi since July 2012.

One of the pleasant surprises from Petty was the speed Kirk Sheasgreen showed. The #43 has always been a fast car, but the last year and a half haven’t gone so well. At the last race at Petty, we seen signs of a rebound, with speed we haven’t seen from the 43 all year. Unfortunately, the car broke early in the feature, but Kirk Sheasgreen will be a contender this weekend. He picked up a semi win back in 2013 at Miramichi, so he knows his way around his home track.

Kyle Maher will also be back after what was thought to be a blown engine at the last race at Petty. The car is back together, and ready to go. Kyle has been having a very respectable rookie year, there have been some ups and downs, but the 78 car improves every week. It’ll only be a matter of time before the 78 grabs a top 5 feature finish, or maybe even a win!

This race will also be the first for the series at Speedway Miramichi since Barry Richard and family purchased the Speedway. The new owners have already made some exciting new changes and additions, and we look forward to working with them in the future.

Among the new changes include an improved race day format which sees racing action take place first. Fans will also see 4 Cylinder & Street Stock racing as mentioned, as well as a visit from the Atlantic Modified Tour. Demo events will follow, after the completion of all the racing portion. Be sure to come out Saturday, and catch all the action at Speedway Miramichi! Admission is just $15 for adults, $10 for youth, and children 7 & under are free! The green flag drops at 6pm!

Expected Entries

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

About the Race Sponsor- Patterson Sales & Service

Serving the Napan area, LJ Patterson Sales & Service, located at 766 North Napan Road in Napan, NB, is your premier retailer of new and pre-owned vehicles. Our dedicated sales staff and top-trained technicians are here to make your vehicle shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous. For over 40 years Patterson’s has been proud to serve the Atlantic Provinces as the place to buy. Starting in the Miramichi and becoming the go to place for RV’S, Tractors, & ATV’S. Patterson’s has expanded to Nova Scotia, Fredericton, Bathurst and Dieppe. Be sure to check them out online at LJpattersonsales.com