Drivers gearing up for 16th season of auto racing
Auto racing fans can take in some Test, Tune and Tech action today at Montana Raceway Park as drivers and pit crew members start gearing up for a 16th season of competition on the quarter-mile asphalt oval north of town.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with drivers testing their cars with a few hot laps around the track. This event is free.
"A mellow day where people are allowed in the pits," said Marie Auclair, co-owner of the track.
"They must sign-in. Those under 18 must have a parent with them."
The day also includes a free chili feed.
The Coca Cola Season Opener is scheduled for May 6 and is one of 21 race dates on this year's ambitious schedule that concludes in late-September with the season championships.
The Flathead Legends, Limited Sportsman, Hobby Stock, Bombers and Compacts will all be in action for the opener. Qualifying that night begins at 6 with racing at 7.
Flathead Legends have the most race dates on this year's calendar with 13 followed by Limited Sportsman with 12, Compacts 12, Bombers 10, Hobby Stocks 10, Super Late Models eight, Bandoleros eight, and Hornets eight.
"It was an introduction class last year," said Auclair of the Hornets.
"We wanted to see how it would go. There was a lot of interest."
So much so that this year the Hornets will triple in size. Last year four cars finished the season.
Hornets are governed by "21 little rules," said Auclair.
"Must be front-wheel drive, four cylinder. We even have some mini vans. The radio has to work. It doesn't take much (money) to get into that class. Very cheap."
Several veteran drivers have their wives competing in that class.
Tiffany West will be breaking new ground by competing in the Flathead Legends. She will be the first woman driver in that class. West is a junior in high school.
Her brother, Wrango West, competed in the Bandoleros last year, but is moving up to the Legends this year.
"All the classes will have more drivers this year," said Auclair.
"We have more people in the valley and more interest in racing every year."
The season will feature six premier races starting June 10th with the Northwest Late Model Shootout 150. On June 24th it's the 5th annual Legend Thunder. The purse for both events is over $10,000.
The Fire Cracker USA will be the first weekend in July with the Late Model Challenge Series and the first annual Flathead Valley Car Show.
Then the biggest race of the season - the 16th annual Coors Light Montana 200 July 13th-15th. The purse is $35,000-plus with the winner of the main event, the 200, pocketing $10,000.
The Revolution is back for its second year on Aug. 5 with the Northwest Modifieds, Canadian Super Trucks and the Flathead Legends. There will also be a Harley Davidson motorcycle give-away that night.
On Aug. 12th it will be the Bill Clark Sr. Memorial Can/Am Shootout 150. That purse will also exceed $10,000.
A few weekends per month, the raceway's Kids Club will have special events for children such as pit tours, car rides, autograph sessions with the drivers and a super hero night.
"Really excited about the coming season," said Auclair.
"Each year it is getting a lot easier. We want to continue to make good decisions, be consistent and provide a good family atmosphere."
Auclair says pricing will remain the same for all the standard races - $8.50 for adults; $6.50 for students ages 12-16; $4.50 for children 7-11; and $7.50 for senior citizens, 60-and over. Children 6-and-under are always free.
A family pass is $23.50 for two adults and three children over seven.
For more information on racing or questions please contact the track at 406-257-RACE or log on to www.montanaracewaypark.com.