Auto racing: Montana 200 pulls into town this weekend

The pit area at Montana Raceway Park was active and filled with super late model cars from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada on Thursday in preparation for this weekend’s 25th annual Montana 200.

Drivers and their crews had a chance to dial in their race cars with an afternoon session that began just after noon and ended some 4 1/2 hours later.

Gates open today and Saturday at 3 p.m. Qualifying for the big two-day event begins at 7 tonight.

On Saturday, opening ceremonies are set for 6 p.m. with the 200-lap main event starting at 9.

Drivers will be competing for a total purse of $50,000.

Washington drivers have dominated this event, taking the checkered flag in the main event 10 of the last 11 years.

Jonathon Gomez of Twins Falls, Idaho, spoiled a run of nine straight Washington winners with his victory in 2013.

Garrett Evans of East Wenatchee, Washington, was last year’s champion. He started in the 18th position.

The 2014 pole sitter, Owen Riddle of Naches, Washington,  finished 17th.

B.J. Tidrick of Yakima, Washington, was second and Kalispell’s Bodie Morton was third.

It was another strong showing by the fan-favorite Morton, who was fifth in 2013.

Gary Lewis of Snohomish, Washington, has had the most success, winning it four straight years (2007-10).

The last local winner was Ken Kaltschmidt of Marion in 2003.

Kalispell’s Alex Lessor finished second in 2013.

 Another full field is expected for this event, but a complete lineup was not available as of Thursday evening.

25th annual Montana 200

Montana Raceway Park

Main Event (200 laps) Purse

Saturday Night

1. $15,000; 2. $5,000; 3. $2,500; 4. $1,500; 5. $1,250.

6.-24. $1,000.

—————

Montana 200 Past Champions

2014 — Garrett Evans, E. Wenatchee, Wash.

2013 — Jonathon Gomez, Twin Falls, Idaho

2012 — Jeff Jefferson, Naches, Wash.

2011 — Shane Mitchell, East Wenatchee, Wash.

2010 — Gary Lewis, Snohomish, Wash.

2009 — Gary Lewis, Snohomish, Wash.

2008 — Gary Lewis, Snohomish, Wash.

2007 — Gary Lewis, Snohomish, Wash.

2006 — Jeff Jefferson, Naches, Wash.

2005 — B.J. Tidrick, Yakima, Wash.

2004 — Christian Roeder, Ephrata, Wash.

2003 — Ken Kaltschmidt, Marion

2002 — Tom Sweatman, Cosmopolis, Wash.

2001 — Ron Dexter, Selah, Wash.

2000 — Tom Sweatman, Cosmopolis, Wash.

1999 — Troy Conrad, Puyallup, Wash.

1998 — Tim Elliott, Creston, B.C.

1997 — Tom Sweatman, Cosmopolis, Wash.

1996 — Mark Groskreutz, Spokane, Wash.

1995 — Mark Owens, Libby

1994 — Cory Wolfe, Ronan

1993 — Mark Groskreutz, Spokane

1992 — Bob Schweigert, Kalispell

1991 — Lance Wade, Victoria, B.C.