Montana Raceway Park ready to roll
Drivers, pit crews start with a test, tune and tech session today
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Or just sit back, relax and watch some talented local drivers tweak theirs.
Kalispell's Montana Raceway Park prepares for its 17th season of short-track racing today with a test, tune and tech session from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
"It's the time where (drivers) get out there and see what they need to be doing before that first race," MRP co-owner Michelle Siderius said. "It's testing, tuning, teching. They're able to have our tech personnel out here to go through the cars. It's an inspection time so that they are ready to go for that first race."
That first race is the Coca Cola Spring Opener on May 5, featuring Limited Sportsman, Hobby Stock, Bombers, Compacts, Flathead Legends and Bandoleros.
July's Montana 200 features a $12,000 first prize. It highlights the season once again as Super Late Models from across the Northwest and Canada compete for a total purse exceeding $40,000.
Legend Thunder has grown exponentially during its first five years. June 23's sixth edition - which includes a $15,000 purse - should be no different.
"That's where we bring in cars from all over the United States and Canada - as far as North Carolina," Siderius said.
Thunder Roadsters make their MRP debut May 12. The 1,500-pound open-wheel cars are powered by 1,250 cubic centimeter Yamaha engines, reaching top speeds of more than 130 miles per hour.
The track's most significant new event is the 2007 Grudge Match Drags on June 29, leading into the Late Model Challenge Series Firecracker 125 the next day.
Today's event, which includes free admission and a complimentary chili feed, is an opportunity for fans to watch preseason action from the pit area while experiencing the track's recent face-lift.
MRP has added a state-of-the-art public address system, including speakers facing the bleachers. The track has drastically upgraded its lighting system as well.
The track has made racing more convenient for drivers and crews, too, rewiring the entire pit area to accommodate generators.
Drivers will eventually enjoy a 60-inch TV on pit side, allowing them to easily spot their lap and practice times. Siderius said the system should be installed by Legend Thunder.
Fans and drivers alike can still study precise lap times relayed by transponders by visiting MRP's Web site at www.montanaracewaypark.com.
Some of MRP's changes are more subtle, intended to make races more enjoyable for fans. Bathrooms have been gutted and renovated with new fixtures and colorful murals. The track has added new concession outlets, including a machine for making fresh donuts.
"If you're going to keep the venue going, and you want to keep people coming back, you've got to give them something to bring them in the door," said Siderius, who operates MRP with fellow owners Aaron and Marie AuClaire.
"It takes a village to pull a venue off like this," Siderius said. "It takes anywhere from 30-50 employees every race night to pull it off."
USA Today listed MRP among the best 10 tracks in the country in 2000.
"Our goal is not to be one of the best - our goal is to be the best, and to bring the valley a state-of-the-art motor sports facility," Siderius said. "We do house some of the best drivers in the Northwest, and it's because of the track that they have to race on."
MRP's seating capacity remains about 5,000 for now, but additions are possible in the near future.
"We have the biggest fan base anywhere - not just in Montana but throughout the Northwest - on a weekly basis," Siderius said. "And that has something to say about the facility and how it's run. (You) toot your horn a little bit because you do put your blood, sweat, tears and guts into something like this."
Fans may purchase single-event tickets at any time, including race day. Season passes are also available at the following prices: $200 for adults; $140 for seniors 62-and-over; $130 for students between 12-and-14; and $80 for juniors between 7-and-11.
Children 6-and-under are admitted free, and transferable family passes for two adults and three children 15-and-under cost $475.
"Our focus is bringing the family unit together," Siderius said. "Our focus is family entertainment."