The 2012 racing season kicks off Saturday night at Montana Raceway Park.
Local classes, including the Super Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Bombers, and Hornets, will take to the track for over 100 laps of main event racing.
Time trials start at 6 p.m. and the action begins at 7 p.m. on May 12.
“We are looking forward to kicking the 2012 season off. Our focus this season is on the hometown racers and fans.” Track Manager Marie AuClaire said in a statement. “This season the Super Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Bombers will all feature three larger races that will pay the highest purses that these divisions have ever seen.”
Brandon Sickler returns to the high banks as the defending champion of the Lucas Oil Super Stocks. Sickler will be challenged this year by a number of new comers to the division. Tyler Corpron, Casey Brandt and Cory Reum will be making their debuts in the series. Previous Limited Sportsmen driver Zack Mongan will make the change to the Super Stocks and return to racing after a two-year hiatus.
Dustin Martel returns to the Don K Hobby Stock division as reigning champion and looks to stand his ground. Martel will have some tough competition from Ed Linn, Josh Davis, and Mike Rowe. Fans will also want to keep an eye on the Young brothers, Jason and Ray, as they both plan to challenge Martel for the crown.
In the Flathead Beacon Bomber division 2011 rookie, driver and champion of the year Kyle Koehler is eager to defend his titles. Strong competition from Chris Warburton, Josh Norris and Bill McCallum will be what Koehler has to look out for on his way to a second championship. Two lady drivers will be making their debut in the Bomber series. Jessica Berglund and Lisa Hartman are both looking to have some fun with the boys and fight for wins this season.
A battle for the Hornet Division Championship is already brewing as Kyle Basler, Josh Brinton and Ryan Krause return to the track. Basler, the reigning champion, looks to keep his title in 2012. Krause had his eye on the championship last season, but a mid-season accident spoiled his run. Look for Krause to give Basler a run for his money.
New changes have taken place over the winter. This season fans will be able to take advantage of knowing where their favorite driver is on the new 10 position scoreboard and get more in-depth information on timing and scoring by purchasing and downloading the “Race Monitor” mobile app on their smart phone.
For more information and tickets, go online or call (406) 257-RACE (7223), or log onto the park’s Facebook page.