Raceway ready to rock

Qualifying today for Montana 200

According to Kalispell's Micah Sampson, patience truly is a virtue - even at 100 miles per hour.

Sampson is one of more than two dozen Super Late Model drivers competing at this week's Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park.

With a $40,000 purse at stake, including $12,000 for the winner, those who qualify for Saturday night's main event may be tempted to sprint toward the checkered flag and a pile of green.

But even Raceway Park's young standouts know success in the 200 takes fortitude and perseverance, especially while directing a 600-horsepower machine.

After crashing last year in his first go at Montana's biggest auto race, Sampson said his No. 7 team looks to land a spot in Saturday's front 12 based on today's qualifying, and make a clean run toward a top-10 finish.

"You've got 200 laps, so patience is the main thing," said the 26-year-old Sampson.

"Physical condition is a lot more critical than people think. You really have to be in decent shape because the cars are so hot. It's probably 150, 160 degrees inside the car."

Alex Lessor's 2006 goal was simply to qualify for his first 200. He finished third that year and seventh last summer, rendering Victory Lane a realistic parking spot for his No. 53 car.

But the typical assembly of out-of-town talent hints that the 18th annual 200 will be just as tough as years past.

Washington drivers have won eight of the last nine 200s, 10 of the last 12, and 11 overall. 2007 champion Gary Lewis of Bothell, Wash., is back, as is Erick Hargraves of Yakima, Wash., who took second in the closest finish in race history.

The 200 also has crowned two champions from British Columbia.

"I think this is probably the hardest race to win in the Northwest," Lessor said.

"There's so much money involved, and that brings some of the bigger-name drivers over."

Kalispell's Lessor, 27, is one of several Raceway Park regulars who look to break the Evergreen State's stranglehold.

"A lot of the guys who come from out of the state are kind of at another level of racing than some of the local guys, but I think we're getting closer every year," Lessor said.

"A lot of the guys coming over are ex-tour drivers, but we're getting closer every year. It would be nice to do a bit more traveling and get some more experience."

Kalispell's Mark Owens is as experienced as they come. He's raced in every 200, winning the 1995 edition while living in Libby.

Ken Kaltschmidt was the most recent in-state champion, claiming the 2003 race while living in Marion. Kalispell's Bob Schweigert took first in 1992, and Ronan's Cory Wolfe was the 1994 victor.

Sampson said home-track advantage may aid Raceway Park veterans, but it's not enough to leave elite visitors in the dust.

"That has a lot to do with it, but they get their stuff figured out real fast, too," Sampson said. "It works for a little while, but they're really competitive. It's hard to even run with them.

"You learn a lot. You get a lot of experience racing with those guys. They're a real good, clean class of drivers to race with."

Upwards of 35 drivers are expected at the track today. The 7 p.m. time trials will determine the front-12 alignment for Saturday's 200-lap A main, while the next six will be settled by tonight's B main. Saturday's last-chance main will fill the final six slots in the field.

The Flathead Legends also will run a 40-lap main on Saturday, in between Super Late Model action.