(MIRAMICHI, NB – July 12th, 2021) – Chris Wilson (South Esk, NB) survived a final green-white-checkered finish to capture his first win of the 2021 Atlantic Modified Tour season. Wilson took home the All Star Auto Center 35 on Saturday evening at Speedway Miramichi, Round Four of 12 on the Atlantic Modified Tour championship chase. Wilson had to outduel Travis Conroy (Miramichi, NB) on a two lap dash to the finish after a caution on the white flag lap would ultimately push the race one lap past scheduled distance.
For Wilson, it is his third career point paying Atlantic Modified Tour victory but first at his home track of Speedway Miramichi. Wilson is a former Street Stock champion at the North Shore oval. Wilson was the winner of two events in 2020, including a non-point event at Speedway 660 and the Krown Rust Control 50 at Petty Raceway – both in September of last season.
The final caution and subsequent restart shook up the finishing order. As Wilson was chased by Conroy to the finish, Zean Dutcher (Miramichi, NB) developed mechanical problems on the bell lap as he made a bid for the final podium position. Braxton Stafford (Miramichi, NB), who led several laps in the opening stages of the race before being passed by Wilson, was able to keep third at the finish and fend off all challengers behind. Joe Hoyt (Waasis, NB) was challenged prior to the final restart by Steven Curtis (South Esk, NB) for what was the fifth place position but through the last two laps, Hoyt would inherit fourth with Doug Matchett (Miramichi, NB) racing by Curtis for a fifth place run in the All Star Auto Center 35.
The All Star Auto Center 35 featured two cautions, both within the final five laps of competition, and took just 18 minutes to complete. Heat races for the All Star Auto Center 35 were won by Conroy and Matchett.
For Wilson, it is his third career point paying Atlantic Modified Tour victory but first at his home track of Speedway Miramichi. Wilson is a former Street Stock champion at the North Shore oval. Wilson was the winner of two events in 2020, including a non-point event at Speedway 660 and the Krown Rust Control 50 at Petty Raceway – both in September of last season.
All Star Auto Center 35
Round Four of 12
1st – #2w Chris Wilson
2nd – #7 Travis Conroy
3rd – #91 Braxton Stafford
4th – #17 Joe Hoyt
5th – #75 Doug Matchett
6th – #12 Steven Curtis
7th – #55 Zean Dutcher
8th – #00 Michael Savoie (R)
9th – #58 Yves McCray
DNS – #97 Kim Hallihan
DNS – #05 Brody Levesque (R)
Heat One – 7 12 91 12 05 97
Heat Two – 75 2W 58 55 00
Conroy will assume the Atlantic Modified Tour point lead after a quarter of the 2021 season following a ninth place finish in the All Star Auto Center 35 by reigning champion Yves McCray (Neguac, NB). Full point standings are now available at AtlanticModifieds.com.
Did you miss the All Star Auto Center 35? No problem! Atlantic Modified Tour media partner Tim’s Corner Motorsports TV was at Speedway Miramichi on Saturday and captured flag-to-flag coverage of the event. The race is available now with an Event Pass purchase or on Monday evening with a Monthly Subscription at www.timscorner.tv. Tim’s Corner Motorsports TV is a member of the Speed Sport TV family.
The next event for the Atlantic Modified Tour is a double header weekend on Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st at Speedway 660. The Saturday feature event is presented by Chess Piece Café. Full information on this event will be available as the event draws closer.
For more information about the Atlantic Modified Tour, please visit AtlanticModifieds.com.
About the Atlantic Modified Tour:
The Atlantic Modified Tour is a New Brunswick based open wheel modified touring series. Founded in 2003 by Jim Duke, the Atlantic Modified Tour continues to thrill fans across the Province. You can keep up with the Atlantic Modified Tour by liking the Series on Facebook and following the Tour on Instagram (@AtlanticModifieds) or by visiting their website at AtlanticModifieds.com.
Photo by Brittany Hoyt
