Auto racing: Fan Appreciation Night for Spring Opener

All that garage work put in during the offseason by area drivers and pit crews will be put to the test the next four months as Montana Raceway Park is set for another season of fast-action, short-track racing.

Super Stocks, Legends, Hobby Stocks, Bombers and Bandoleros will all be turning laps in time trials, heat races, trophy dashes and main events tonight for the Spring Opener.

The season will close Sept. 14 and 21 with championship nights for all the classes, which include Super Late Models and Hornets.

To celebrate the start of a new season, MRP has designated tonight as Fan Appreciation Night. Admission is just $10 per car load.

General admission season passes for adults (13-and-up) and juniors (ages 6-12) are $200. A family season pass (two adults and three juniors) is $400.

Pricing for most non-premier events are $10 for adults, $8 for juniors and $30 for a family pass.

Rick Crawford, who hails from Alabama, takes over as the new track manager and brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He has competed in more NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races than anyone, and has also been a track promoter and manager.

This marks the 23rd year of racing at MRP.

There will be 19 weekends of racing, highlighted by the 23rd annual Montana 200 on July 19-20. This event attracts Super Late Model drivers from all over the Pacific Northwest, Canada and other states in a battle for $50,000 in prize money.

The G.E.T. Rich at the Montana 212, another Super Late Model premier race, has a new date this year. Held last year in August, it has been moved up to May 18.

The top three drivers will be paid in gold.

For more information, call 257-7223 (RACE), visit www.montanaracewaypark.com, email info@montanaracewaypark.com or visit Facebook.