Super Weekend Set for Fall Shootout in Miramichi
The next chapter in the 53-year history of Speedway Miramichi gets written on a jam-packed weekend on Saturday October 1st and 2nd. The Very Best Fall Shootout has been circled on the calendars of everyone since the dates were announced one year ago. The event is co-headlined by the Demolition Blowout and the 5th Annual Street Stock 100, both of which are prestigious in their own right. But there is so much more on the line – a total of 7 champions will be crowned in what is sure to be a monumental event.
Upwards of 20 competitors have pre-registered for the 5th Annual Street Stock 100, while upwards of 40 entries are anticipated for the Demolition Blowout. The Street Stock 100 will crown the inaugural Maritime Street Stock Series champion, which features a tight points battle between one of the Maritimes best and a local Miramichi star. The Demolition Blowout will see an incredible and chaotic season of action wrap up – with the points championship still very much undecided.
The story to be told doesn’t stop there. A record Miramichi field of Atlantic Modified Tour entries for the Keswick Kitchen Season Finale as a young Miramichi driver looks to claim his first championship. Modified drivers will have a second championship to battle for – as a Miramichi track champion will also be crowned. As a premiere grassroots racing event, the Mini Stock and Bomber divisions will contest double headers, with Saturday’s Mini Stock 50 and Bomber 30 serving as the championship races for these divisions. Even more history is set to be etched in track legacy, as the first ever Powder Puff points champion, the Queen of the Track per se, will be crowned.
With the amount of action, cars, and prizes on the line, this is shaping up to be a monumental event at Speedway Miramichi – and it sure to be among the greatest in track history!
Demolition Blowout
When the Demolition cars take to the track at Canada’s Demolition Capital, it is sure to turn into a warzone! A heated year-long points battle wraps up at the Demolition Blowout, with several drivers hoping to claim their first championship, and one looking to make it a repeat! Marc Andre Benoit (#81) is on top of the standings having won The Day of 8’s Demolition and a quartet of preliminary races. Benoit may have a much larger lead, but he and second place in points Riley Harris (#1) have made each others lives difficult all season long. Harris won the Figure 8 Trailer race and has a pair of final Demo podiums which have bolstered his bid for a championship in 2021.
Tyler Chamberlain (#24) consistently pointed his way to third in points and could shock the world and steal the title with a strong run. One year ago it was Mitch Brideau (#22) winning the championship, and sitting fourth in points, he hopes his experience of winning the title helps him go back to back. Ricky Boudreau (#764) is fifth after emerging as a star driver all season. While the top 5 have the best shot to win, don’t count out drivers like Dawson Cripps (#25), Matthew Sullivan (#18), Billy Pelletier (#333), Gary Caissie (#28) and Dylan Storey (#85) who all have a mathematical shot to win.
Who else is intending to compete this weekend? How about Norm Robichaud (#666) who looks to break his Dash for Cash curse after a roll-over and an oil shortage. Jeremy Faulds (#11) scored a Back-Up race win at the Back to School Smash and will return to the track. Stirling Anthony (#09) has been making a name for himself on track. The Nickel and Dime Racing team will field a Demolition car for Cody Lannan-McLeod (#04). Speedway 660 Sharp Shooter driver Daniel Atyeo (#15) will enter into the Demolition Blowout, as will former Street Stock competitor Courtney Barton (#21).
The entry list boasts thirty-four names for the Demolition Blowout – including one driver of particular interest. The most recent winner on the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour, Miramichi’s own Ashton Tucker (#2) has an entry for this weekends Demolition Blowout! Tucker is a top contender in the regional Pro Stock ranks, and has a pair of Re/Max 250 wins at Speedway 660 to his credit. This is a huge name and one who is sure to be a threat!
Drivers first have to qualify through the preliminary races to make it to the Demolition Blowout finale. The Dash for Cash, Back-Up, Kidney, and Figure 8 races will force drivers to try to survive, while others will look to gain points in these events.
Demolition Blowout Expected Entries
1. Marc-Antoine McGraw #007
2. Maxime Landry #013
3. Dylan Doucet #02
4. Kyle Hay #027
5. Cody Lannan-McLeod #04
6. Stirling Anthony #09
7. Riley Harris #1
8. Ashton Tucker #2
9. Dakota Wray #5
10. Jeremy Faulds #11
11. Daniel Atyeo #15
12. Matthew Sullivan #18
13. Mitch Brideau #22
14. Tyler Chamberlain #24
15. Dawson Cripps #25
16. Gary Caissie #28
17. Dylan Phillips #32
18. Tommy Morel #33
19. Alex Lawson #51
20. Josh Corcoran #64
21. Marc Andre Benoit #81
22. Dylan Storey #85
23. Mathieu Brideau #99
24. Brandon Duguay #101
25. Courtney Barton #121
26. Jean-rene Duguay-McGraw #140
27. Douglas Fearn #327
28. Billy Pelletier #333
29. Colby Walsh #506
30. Norm Robichaud #666
31. Ricky Boudreau #764
32. Alexander MacIntosh #777
33. Corey Barton #995
34. Gab Chaisson #TBD
Entry list subject to change without notice.
5th Annual Street Stock 100
A marquee event on the calendar in Atlantic Canadian Street Stock racing is finally here. The Very Best Fall Shootout Street Stock 100 boasts a nearly twenty car entry of quality competition, with the best in maritime Street Stock racing set to duel for the biggest trophy of the year and the lions share of the $5000+ purse!
This event marks round five of the inaugural Maritime Street Stock Series – Michael Cormier (#68) enters as the points leader having won round 1 at the Centre for Speed and round 3 at Speedway 660. Miramichi star James Matchett (#55) finds himself second in series points, seven points behind Cormier, after picking up a pair of runner-up finishes. Third in points is Jim Tingley (#37) who scored the win in the most recent round at Oyster Bed Speedway. Brad MacLean (#13) scored the victory in the second race at Petty International Raceway.
Being part of the Maritime Street Stock Series increases the hype and stakes for the 5th Annual Street Stock 100. The first four editions of this race have produced four different winners, with two of those winners registered to battle for a second big trophy. Justin Cole (#38) and Logan Power (#58) are the winners of the 2019 and 2020 running’s respectively, and are among the favorites for this years race. Brad MacLean and Luc McLaughlin won the 2017 and 2018 versions, but as of press time, neither have signalled an intent to compete.
A stout roster of Miramichi and Northern New Brunswick drivers hope to defend their home turf in the regional showcase. In addition to Matchett, who also was runner-up one year ago, fans will be cheering for the likes of Darcy O’Neill (#68), who enters with the momentum of being the most recent winner at Speedway Miramichi after claiming the September Shakedown. Defending Speedway Miramichi Street Stock champion Bryar Ellis (#95) has notched back-to-back top 5’s in this race, and should not be counted out. Bomber points leader Mark Kingston (#97) will make his first attempt at the big race, while another Bomber competitor in Justin Munn (#76) returns to the Street Stock division. Also on the entry list if five-time track champion Robert Legere (#04) who posted a very impressive top 10 run in the race last season.
There is a mix of championships, veterans, and rookie drivers amongst the entry list. Former Speedway 660 champion Shawn Hyslop (#99) wants to improve his runner-up finish from 2019. Former Petty International Raceway champion Kenny MacKenzie Jr (#85) brings his new Street Stock to Miramichi for the first time. Martin Landry (#29) and Jeff MacInnis (#29) have both found the podium in extended distance races on the North Shore, while Tristin Harris (#7), Kyle MacKinnon (#22), Tom Nicholls (#28) and Mitchell Arseneault (#51) have all shown speed in Miramichi. Moncton’s Drew Lewis (#61) and PEI’s Matthew Ford (#86) are both registered to try and make their first starts in Northern New Brunswick’s biggest race of the year.
5th Annual Street Stock 100 Entry List
1. Robert Legere #04
2. Tristin Harris #7
3. Kyle MacKinnon #22
4. Tom Nicholls #28
5. Jeff MacInnis #29
6. Martin Landry #29
7. Jim Tingley #37
8. Justin Cole #38
9. Mitchell Arsenault #51
10. James Matchett #55
11. Logan Power #58
12. Drew Lewis #61
13. Michael Cormier #68
14. Darcy O’Neill #68
15. Justin Munn #76
16. Kenny MacKenzie Jr #85
17. Matthew Ford #86
18. Bryar Ellis #95
19. Mark Kingston #97
20. Shawn Hyslop #99
Entry list subject to change without notice.
Mini Stock 50
An undercard to the Street Stock 100 is the Mini Stock 50. The spotlight going into this race is on a driver who is also chasing history. JR Lawson (#81) is chasing a third consecutive championship, and he and co-driver James Matchett enter as the points leaders. Nobody has ever won three championships in a row at Speedway Miramichi in the fifty-three-year history of the track. Lawson has a streak of fifteen wins in his last fifteen starts here, including the last three 50-lapper at The Very Best Fall Shootout. However, October always brings out some of the Maritimes top talent and perennial contenders.
Focusing on the points battle, a quartet of drivers can pounce should Lawson slip up. Rob Poirier (#0) has won a Mini Stock championship in Miramichi before, and he is stalking Lawson from second in points. Mathieu Mallet (#80) has been chomping at the bit for a win and a title and is third. Neil Miousse (#71) dominated much of the 2021 season, leading the points until issues dropped him to fourth last race - he has one opportunity at redemption in the finale. Guy Basque (#27) finds himself quietly in fifth in points and would love to make some noise.
Conrad Murphy (#89) sent a message in September, as the sophomore driver picked up his first heat win and almost scored a podium finish. BJ Gillespie (#69), the Speedway 660 Sharp Shooter points leader has earned a pair of podiums in his two Miramichi starts in 2021. Chantel Ackles (#30) has also found herself on the podium this year – with a runner-up in August’s 50-lap race. Mitchell Poirier (#28) has had a consistent season and would love to break into the top 5 in final points as the season wraps up. The Nickel and Dime Racing team of Tyler Lannan-McLeod (#24) and Calvin McLeod (#00) look to end their campaign on a high note, while sophomore driver Grayson Dutcher (#55) and rookies Jamie Turner (#26) and Billy Pelletier (#22) hope to put a bow on their 2021 seasons with some strong runs.
Some invaders will look to upset the Miramichi regulars. Mitchell Montgomery (#12) was runner-up at this race last year and has been hot all season through the Maritimes. Ricky Millar (#17) was just shy of the podium with a fourth place run last year. Ryan McKnight (#46) nearly scored a podium in Miramichi in May only to lose a tire, and he will be one to watch. Speedway 660 Gunslinger 50 winner Matt Martin (#33) is always a crowd favorite, and he will make his first start of the year in Miramichi. Scotia Speedworld competitor Jason Pickles (#0) is also expected to make the trip up north following the completion of his season at his home track on Friday night.
It will be a double header for the Mini Stock division, with a 35-lap exhibition race slated for Friday night in preparation for the 50-lap feature on Saturday. The action in this division is sure to be heated, and it will certainly be some exciting racing!
Bomber Championship Race
Heading into the final points race, all eyes are on Mark Kingston (#97). Kingston went from a relatively unknown driver to a powerhouse in less than a season. In fact, it was at this race one year ago he captured his first win. In 2021, Kingston has won in nine of his ten starts – the only race he did not win was a DNF. That DNF was enough to make the points battle close still, as Tyson Donovan (#63) has had a consistent season knocking off his first feature win, a pair of runner-up finishes, and a pair of fourth place finishes. He finds himself chasing Kingston, eleven points back of the leader. It may take a mistake by Kingston, but Donovan has a very real chance of coming away with the title.
Sitting third in points is Timmy Blakely (#69), who has pieced together back-to-back podium runs in the last two races. He has pulled away from Adam Plourde (#11) after Plourde encountered some late race issues in September. Plourde now finds himself within the line of sights of fifth-place Samantha Blakely (#96), who has been knocking on the door of a podium finish. Blake Bransfield (#60) put together his best performance with a heat win and a fourth-place feature finish last race. Casey Munn (#07) drove back into the top 5 last time too, bringing home a fifth place run. Riley Harris (#1) showed the most speed he has seen all year last race before a tire issue cut his race short. Jordan Campbell (#68) was another driver who had his best performance of the season last race.
The Bomber class has developed eleven rookies in 2021, and seven of those will compete this weekend. Dylan Doucet (#02) has been the top rookie all season long, and by starting this race he should lock up Rookie of the Year honours. Billy Pelletier (#18) and Kevin Kinney (#81) have had respectable rookie seasons to date. Four drivers made their debuts at the Back to School Smash, among those were second generation driver Axten MacLean (#13) who drove almost inside the top 5 before a tire failure. Stanson Donovan (#63x), brother to Tyson, was the highest finisher of the rookies with an eighth-plac