Demo Stars Ready To Tackle The Day of 8's
Get ready fans! Two weeks after the biggest Demo in years, The Day of 8’s is shaping up to potentially be even better! Upwards of 25 Demolition drivers have indicated their intentions to compete with the Speedway as of press time. Some drivers have told management to PREPARE FOR ANOTHER POTENTIALLY 40 CAR FIELD. The follow-up act to the wild and crazy COVID Crash for Cash, The Day of 8’s is shaping up to be a can’t miss show! Throw in stock car action highlighted by the TCM Bando Blast-Off, the burnout competition, and a fireworks show, and the excitement will be non-stop from start to finish.
The grand finale at The Day of 8’s is unique – and the type of finale where no driver can hide from the competition. The action will be contested in 2 parts - the first being a Figure 8 Enduro. Drivers will have to survive a war of attrition making many on edge trips through the centre of the “X” during this part, which concludes after the completion of 48 laps or when only 8 cars remain. Once either of these marks have been hit, the remaining cars will head to the centre of the X for a Demolition Derby finale to settle the winner of The Day of 8’s!
To qualify for the grand prize, which is once again $2000 if 40 cars show up, drivers/cars must start at least 3 of 5 preliminary races. The preliminary races will each be 8 laps in length, adding to the excitement of the show. As always, the Dash for Cash and Back-Up races will be thrillers, while the Powder Puff race may hit a double-digit car count. The Kidney race is sure to make things interesting, while for the first time in 2020, drivers will get to take on the Tire Race!
Championship points are on the line for this one, but things are getting interesting as the top 2 in points have yet to confirm their entries for Saturday. This could benefit drivers such as Lindsay Stymiest (#333) and Norm Robichaud (#666) who are both in the top 10 in points. Lionel Breau (#028) also sits in the top 10 in points and is coming off a podium performance last race. While his brother is not registered Alexander MacIntosh (#17) will look to keep victory within the family. Making his 2020 debut on Saturday will be former Demolition champion Joey Pitre (#20). Jonathan Dickson (#3) will pull double-duty Saturday as he makes his return to Demolition action. Jonathan Leclair (#10) will be returning to the track after his crazy roll-over in July. If beginners’ luck is to take the win again, look no farther than Tyler Manderville (#02x) and Blake Bransfield (#160) who will be making their Demolition debuts on Saturday.
That only begins to scratch the surface, throw in usual favorites such as Randy Girouard (#8), Sam Jardine (#12) Zachary L’huillier (#16), Dylan Storey (#85) and Mathieu Brideau (#99) and it promises to be a show. There are many more drivers registered, and even more expected!
The Day of 8’s – Possible Demolition Entries
#02x – Tyler Manderville #028 – Lionel Breau #3 – Jonathan Dickson #4 – Ashley Harris #8 – Randy Girouard #10 – Jonathan Leclair #12 – Sam Jardine #14 – Ashley Harris #16 – Zachary L’huillier #16x – Jonah L’huillier #17 – Alexander MacIntosh #18 – Matthew Sullivan #20 – Joey Pitre #24 – Tyler Chamberlain #33 – Tommy Morel & Mathieu Godin #69 – Jake Tweedie #85 – Dylan Storey #99 – Mathieu Brideau #160 – Blake Bransfield #333 – Lindsay Stymiest #666 – Norm Robichaud #758 – Miky Roussel
For the first time since 2016, Bandolero cars will be in action at Speedway Miramichi. These small-scaled cars are an entry level division with many of the drivers being kids between the ages of 8 to 16. Hosted by Tim’s Corner Motorsports, the Bando Blast-Off will see the Maritimes youngest stars compete in a 50-lap feature, run as twin-25 lap events!
A strong field is expected for the first Bandolero race in over 4 years, with none of the drivers having made a start at Speedway Miramichi before. The champion of the 2019 TCM Bandolero Blast was Chase MacKay (#71), and the second-generation driver will lead a nice field of cars into the North Shore. Defending Petty International Raceway Beginner Bandolero Champion Ayden Christensen (#24) will be making the trip to Speedway Miramichi for the first time, while former Scotia Speedworld Beginner Bandolero champion Brooke Dowe (#22) looks to continue her strong 2020 campaign after picking up a triple feature win at Sydney Speedway a few weeks ago.
The depth of the field continues with drivers such as New Brunswick’s Teagan Dempsey (#23) who has scored 2 feature wins at Petty International Raceway thus far in 2020. He will be joined by multi-time Oyster Bed Speedway feature winner Tanton Wooldrige (#0) and former Scotia Speedworld feature winner Caden Tufts (#88). If experience is to pay off at a track no drivers have raced at before, then Dylan MacMillan (#92) who is one of the more experienced drivers in the field, will be a driver to watch. Rookie drivers Roary Coates (#13) and Brayden Wadden (#41) will look tackle the 52-year old oval for the first time as well.
For the first time since the late 90’s, Legends cars will be on the card at Speedway Miramichi. While not a big field of cars is expected for the return, those who are coming are excited to try out a new track and put a show on for the fans. Legend drivers will contest twin-20 lap features on Saturday.
After a successful and thrilling debut in July, the Bombers class will be back on track for The Day of 8’s. The debut of the class saw young Demo star Jacob Smith (#29) sweep the day winning the heat race, then making a late pass to take the feature. Adam Plourde (#52) and Jonathan Dickson (#3) each picked up a podium finish in July and will look to better their finish. Riley Harris (#1) and Mike Burns (#28) had promising runs plagued by various issues which they hope to recover from. Dawson Cripps (#25) has a top 5 points position after the last race and he hopes to climb the standings. Five-time track champion Robert Legere will be in the field of Bombers cars on Saturday, driving for Kevin Tucker (#87). Meanwhile Demolition driver Ben Jardine (#76) will look to make his debut in the class during Saturday’s show.
In Street Stock action, Chris Wilson (#2W) will be out looking to earn a modern era record. So far in 2020, Wilson is undefeated, winning all 3 features contested at the track. A fourth feature win would break a tie with Joel Clancy (2012) and Darcy O’Neill (2016) for most consecutive feature wins. O’Neill (#68) will be one of the drivers in the field trying to stop Wilson’s hot streak on Saturday. Another driver on a hot streak is Bryar Ellis (#95), who has joined Wilson on the podium in every feature thus far in 2020. Jamie Jardine (#10) was knocking on the door of a podium finish at the last race with a redemption run. Five-time track champion Robert Legere (#04) is having a good season and will try to take his first podium on Saturday. Multi-time Mini Stock track champion JR Lawson (#81) and local driver Jared Tozer (#51) have each indicated they will make their first Street Stock starts of 2020 on Saturday.
In Mini Stock action, last race JR Lawson (#81) found himself in a familiar place, parking his car in victory lane for the feature during the COVID Crash for Cash. Lawson made the late pass on his teammate Chantel Ackles (#30) to capture yet another victory. Early on, Lawson and Ackles are locked in a tight points battle with July’s heat winner Mathieu Mallet (#80), the latter of whom is the only driver to finish on the podium in every race thus far in 2020 Mini Stock action. An additional entry out of the Lawson stables will be on track Saturday, driven by Tom Ackles (#130), as the team looks to sweep the podium for the first time. Some stiff local competition will be amongst the field as well, with Mitchell Poirier (#28) and Guy Basque (#27) looking to score their first podium finishes of the season. A strong contingent of rookie competitors will be in the field as well, led by Conrad Murphy (#89) who is coming off his first career top 5 finish. Rookie drivers Tyler Lannan-McLeod (#24) and Michael Bouchard (#5) will also take the green flag on Saturday.
For the first time ever, the race will be broadcast live by Tim’s Corner TV (TCMtv). For approximately the same price as a single grandstand pass, you can watch a professional live broadcast of the action at Speedway Miramichi from anywhere in the world. You can pre-order your subscription now on timscorner.tv.
Grandstands open at 3pm on race day, with action getting underway at 6pm. Pit gates open at 2pm. Grandstand admission is $20 for adults, $10 for youth ages 8 to 17 years old and seniors 65+, while kids 7 and under are free. Pit passes are $25 and pit access is restricted to those over the age of 18, and those aged 8 to 17 with proper parental waiver forms. Grandstand passes can be pre-purchased before Thursday at midnight online at speedwaymiramichi.com/tickets or can be pre-purchased at the track from 3pm to 9pm Thursday. Last race sold out, so all fans are encouraged to pre-purchase to avoid disappointment.
A reminder to all on COVID-19 protocol at the facility. Fans are advised to come early as all patrons will be required to give their contact info, per the Government of New Brunswick. In addition, physical distancing in effect throughout the grandstands, and spectators are asked to abide by all signs and directives. Hand sanitization stations will be set up throughout the facility. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required. Staff are on site to educate patrons on procedures and answer any questions. Above all, everyone is reminded to use common sense. Safety is a top priority both on and off the track at Speedway Miramichi.
For more information, stay tuned to Speedway Miramichi’s social platforms, “Speedway Miramichi Inc.” on Facebook, “speedway.miramichi” on Instagram, and our website at speedwaymiramichi.com.
