MISCOUCHE, PE – May 22nd 2018) Mark Ferguson (Saint John, NB) picked up right where he left off in 2017 by winning the Doc Dawson’s Enterprises Season Opener on Monday at Oyster Bed Speedway for the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series (ESMCS). Ferguson started on the front row of the nine car, 20-lap feature but would only win the feature by inches after a spirited battle with reigning Series champion Matt Watson (Miscouche, PE).
The pair would put on an incredible battle for the victory after a late race caution placed them on the front row for a restart. While Watson took the quick advantage on the restart, Ferguson never relinquished the pressure on the No. 88 car. After an unsuccessful attempt to pass Watson, Ferguson was able to make the top side of Watson work. His final move was made coming off Turn Four as they passed under the checkered flag.
“I thought I was in trouble (on that final restart),” said Ferguson in victory lane. “I figured if I could keep Matt pinned down to the inside that it would be my only shot. With a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck it all worked out for me.”
Watson was a late addition to the entry list for the Doc Dawson’s Enterprises Season Opener. Don Gaudet (Miscouche, PE) drove in the heat race with Watson driving in the Semi, which he won, and the feature. Gaudet announced before the event his car had been sold with the new owner taking to the track for the remainder of the season.
Jacob Dunlop was the surprise on the day. Dunlop finished runner-up to Ferguson in the opening Heat Race on the day and was the bridesmaid to Watson in the Semi. The rookie to the ESMCS may have taken a back seat to the duel between veterans up front but his performance was not overshadowed on Monday.
Prince Edward Island drivers Dave Griffin and rookie Randy Wilson completed the top five in the 20-lap feature event.
UNOFFICIAL FEATURE RESULTS – DOC DAWSON’S ENTERPRISES SEASON OPENER
Monday, May 21st – Oyster Bed Speedway in Oyster Bed Bridge, PE
1st – #41 Mark Ferguson
2nd – #88 Matt Watson
3rd – #78 Jacob Dunlop ®
4th – #3 Dave Griffin
5th – #4 Randy Wilson ®
6th – #40 Kirk Sheasgreen
DNS – #12 Mike Wood
DNS – #18 Chad Jackson
DNS – #19 Donnie MacNeill
Special thanks to Doc Dawson’s Enterprises for partnering with the ESMCS for the Season Opener. Doc Dawson’s Enterprises is based in Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island and specializes in heat pump and ventilation systems with brands like LG, Keeprite and Daikin, among others. They service what they sell. Check out their Facebook page by searching Doc Dawson’s Ent.
The Eastern Super Mini Cup Series returns to action at Oyster Bed Speedway on Saturday, June 16th. It is the first night race at the track for the year and is Round Two of Seven on the Mini Cup schedule. Post time is 6pm.
For complete information on the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series, please visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/EasternMiniCupCar.
About Oyster Bed Speedway:
Oyster Bed Speedway is Prince Edward Island’s premier auto racing facility and features fun and excitement with weekly stock car racing special events throughout the season. The 1/3 mile paved oval is located in Oyster Bed Bridge at the intersection of routes 6 and 7, halfway between Cavendish and Charlottetown on beautiful Prince Edward Island. Phone: (902) 892-6684. Website: www.oysterbedspeedwaypei.com
About the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series:
The Eastern Super Mini Cup Series offers all the excitement of stock car racing in a small package! Formed for competition in the Maritimes in 2012, the Series will visit three ovals between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick over seven events in their 2018 season. To keep up with the Eastern Super Mini Cup Series, like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/EasternMiniCupCar or follow them on Twitter at @ESMCSeries.
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