GRAHAM, Washington -- On July 1 & 2 the fifth and sixth race of the Late Model Challenge Series ten scheduled races take place. The series moves to the east with a double header weekend starting Saturday at Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, MT. and winding up on Sunday at Mission Valley Speedway in Pablo, MT. The best of the West’s Late Model drivers will be making the long tow to challenge the ¼-mile high banked oval at MRP and the 3/8-mile high banked tri-oval at MVS.
With the weekends two 100-lap events, the chase to the 2006 championship will take shape as to who will be in the final race for the coveted crown. Current point leader Troy Conrad (Tacoma, WA) has a slim 31-point margin over Shelby Thompson (Spokane, WA). The next five drivers in the standings are within 94-points of the leader.
The twin Firecracker 100’s will feature drivers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Canada and Montana. Point leader and two time winner this season Conrad’s strategy will be interesting as he vies for his LMCS Championship. The question is will it be to win and or preserve the point lead. Conrad’s weekend will not be easy as local favorite and winner of last year’s Firecracker 100 at MVS Cory Wolfe (Ronan, MT) will use his local knowledge at both tracks.
Over thirty cars and drivers are pre-registered for the two holiday weekend events. Notable local Montana drivers registered are: Agni Howell (Kalispell, MT), Micah Sampson (Kalispell, MT), Mark Owens (Kalispell, MT), Mike Keogh (Missoula, MT), Rocky Erickson (Columbia Falls, MT) and Alex Lessor (Kalispell, MT).
The race day schedules for both events: Saturday practice begins at 3:00pm, qualifying at 6:00pm, with racing to start at 7:00pm. Sunday’s practice begins at 2pm, qualifying at 5pm, and racing at 6pm. Large crowds are expected at each event, arrive early for best seating.
For additional information, contact: LMCS: Jerry Losch, director 253-312-1080 or see: www.LateModelChallenge.com
Montana Raceway Park: Michelle Siderius, owner 406-257-7223 or see: www.MontanaRacewayPark.com
Mission Valley Speedway: Bob Lulow 406-675-2277 or see: www.MissionValleySpeedway.com
