Maritime Racing
Watson Drives Away With ESMCS Patterson Sales and Service 20
Series Release
Matt Watson put on one of the most dominant performances in ESMCS history Saturday night at Speedway Miramichi, lapping all but 1 other car en route to victory in the Patterson Sales & Service 25 lap feature. Watson grabbed the lead on a restart with 20 laps to go, and never looked back as he drove away with the win. In addition, Watson won the Heat & Semi to pick up a Grand Slam. Steven Curtis finished 2nd, which is a career best feature finish for the South Esk driver. Curtis was the only other car to finish on the lead lap, and he grabbed his first top 5 finish at Speedway Miramichi since July 2012. Mike Weagle had an eventful night, and ended up finishing on the podium in 3rd after he tangled with Kirk Sheasgreen early in the feature.
Things started to unfold on a full moon Saturday night after a string of yellows on lap 4. Sheasgreen and Weagle were 1st and 2nd, and had had top 3 cars all night. On the restart after the 2nd yellow, contact was made coming off turn 4 sending Sheasgreen around. The race restarted, with the two drivers running side by side, door handle to door handle. Contact was made between the 2 drivers several times, resulting in both cars spinning into the infield, collecting Mark Ferguson in the process. Things got heated during this caution period, as both drivers expressed their displeasure with each other multiple times.
In the end, Sheasgreen rebounded to finish 5th, and get his first top 5 run of the year, while Weagle ended up 3rd. 4th place went to Kyle Maher, which was well deserving considering the night the #78 team had. While the motor was not the problem at Petty, the motor did indeed blow, however it was just before first practice. Using a spare motor compliments of Mark Ferguson, the team got the car ready in time for the heat race, only to blow a tire. The chain would also come off before the night was over, but it was a rewarding night in the end as Maher claimed his first career top 5 finish.
Chris Wilson came close to winning back in June at Miramichi, but this time around didn’t go as well. A poor handling car caused Wilson to score his first finish outside the top 5 all year, as he finished 6th. Dave Griffin had a solid night for his first time behind the wheel, with a 7th place finish. Mark Ferguson had a strong car during the feature, but he finished 8th with a DNF after damage from the wreck. Jared Tozer also ended up with his first finish outside the top 5, as he finished 9th.
The Patterson Sales & Service 25 lap feature was slowed by 4 cautions, all on lap 4 and 5. The other 2 were for a miscue by rookie Dave Griffin, and a spin by Chris Wilson. There were 2 leaders; Sheasgreen led 5 laps while Watson led the final 20.
The 12 lap heat race was one of the best races in series history. The top 3 cars; Watson, Weagle, & Sheasgreen battled the entire race for the lead. The last half of the race saw the battle for the lead go side by side between Watson & Weagle the entire time. It came right down to the wire, but Watson used the outside lane to beat Weagle by inches. Sheasgreen, Mark Ferguson, & Steven Curtis rounded out the top 5.
The 12 lap semi also produced some close racing, as Matt Watson won over Mike Weagle, Kirk Sheasgreen, Steven Curtis, & Mark Ferguson.
The next race on the 2015 calendar is slated for Saturday, September 19th, as the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series returns to Speedway Miramichi for the Chi City Showdown. If this race was any sign, it promises to be an exciting battle. You won’t want to miss this!
Finally, a big thank you to Patterson Sales & Service for sponsoring this race! Be sure to check them out if you’re in the market for a new ATV, Travel Trailer, Boat, Snowmobile, etc.! With locations in Napan (outside of Miramichi), Fredericton, & Dieppe! Or, check them out online at ljpattersonsales.com!
Patterson Sales & Service 25 Results
1. Matt Watson #88
2. Steven Curtis #12
3. Mike Weagle #16
4. Kyle Maher #78
5. Kirk Sheasgreen #43
6. Chris Wilson #2
7. Dave Griffin #3
8. Mark Ferguson #41 (DNF)
9. Jared Tozer #22*
*22 Failed to Report for Technical Inspection
