By Reed T. Tobol
Montana Raceway Park Media Relations
KALISPELL, Mont. (May 27, 2011) - Despite a cool wet week in northwest Montana, racetrack officials have spent countless hours preparing, and are in high hopes that Mother Nature will cooperate by allowing the Reiner Beer Late Model 100 to happen this Saturday night at Montana Raceway Park.
With a full field of Kalispell Toyota Super Late Models scheduled to take the green flag, there is no doubt defending 2010 champion Bodie Morton will now have his hands full in his Carlson Law Office Chevrolet. Just two weeks ago in the season opener, Morton came out of the shop very fast and clinched his first victory of the 2011 season. This weekend, Morton will look to extend to three main event wins in a row, dating back to last season.
In the May 14 opener, Morton had a strong start of the race battling Mark Owens for the lead up until the first caution. After the restart, Morton laid off the throttle temporarily while Spokane Wash., driver Dave Garber and Owens fought for the number one spot. It wasn’t until the last fifty laps that Morton regained the lead and kept it to the checked flag.
With high confidence the veteran driver will join the field this weekend with great team and fan support looking to put himself back into victory lane.
“Our team comes into each season looking to win at least one race a year, Morton told the media in victory lane on May 14. “Now we’re just going to see if we can make it two for 2011 when we come out here on May 28.”
Along with the Late Models, the Pabst Blue Ribbon Hobby Stocks, Flathead Beacon Hornets, Wanna Race Bandoleros and MRP Compacts will be in action.
Though the Compacts have yet to debut in 2011, each of the other three classes have turned laps in previous weekends.
Young Bryce Denney picked up a victory in the Bandolero division while Tyler Volkman kicked his season off right in the Hornets.
Josh Davis and won his first Hobby Stock main event this season, but had his back bumper full of Brandon Martel.
The Compact drivers will see their first laps of the year this weekend. Ernie Cahala, Fran Rehn and Tim Davis are just a few drivers returning in the division.
To avoid the long lines at the gate, fans have the availability to purchase tickets in advance online by going to montanaracewaypark.com. Also online, fans and drivers can print out a full schedule of events for the entire 2011 season and view the latest point standings, photos and much more. For any additional questions, contact a racetrack representative during regular business hours at 257-RACE (7223). Don’t forget to add Montana Raceway Park to your Facebook fan page. Qualifying starts at 6 pm, with the first green flag set to drop at 7:05 pm.
Looking past this weekend, the next race is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. NOS Energy Drinks presents Night at the Races, featuring the CHS Legends, Lukas Oil Super Stocks, Wanna Race Bandoleros and Compacts.