KALISPELL, Montana — For defending Kalispell Toyota Late Model Series champion, Bodie Morton, the Kokanee 100 season-opener could not come soon enough. With the goal of winning at least one race a season just happening to come in the 2010 championship race that clinch the crowd favorites first premier title, Morton is set to make it two wins in his last two starts when Saturday night comes to a close.
Standing in his way will be a host of regional talent out to get their 2011 seasons off to a strong start including Mark Owens, Billy Salmonson, Cory Wolfe, David Garber, 2010 Rookie of the Year Ryan Wells and many more. All come for the chance to compete at the Flathead Valley’s only professional sporting venue while also aiming for bragging rights at one the region’s finest race tracks, according to Morton.
“I believe this is one of the toughest tracks to win a race at,” he said. “This little race track tucked away in Kalispell has a lot of top notch competition each week and a lot of talent in from this area plus we have this one little race (the Montana 200) that pays around $15,000 to win and it always draws a lot of competitors to our shows so they can try and get ready for it when the summer rolls around.”
While it sounds good to come into the weekend as the defending champion, Morton admits to something looming even larger.
“It would sound even better to start 2011 off with a win and be the defending champion.”
Knowing that each race draws the best of the best from the Northwest and Western Canada is the primary reason that Morton sets the simple goal of at least one win a season, he added.
“The competition is so tough in this class that it’s (winning at least one main event) is still the same for us this year. It’s quite an achievement (to win at Montana Raceway Park) as it seems that every race has a different winner from week to week.”
Also running this weekend at Montana Raceway Park will be the Pabst Blue Ribbon Hobby Stock division and the Wanna Race Thunder Roadsters.
Ed Linn is the defending champion in the Hobby Stock division but should be challenge this season as many new cars have built over the winter to compete in the class.
Scott Lee is back to defend his Thunder Roadster title but will face another season-long battle with Zach Havens for the crown. Add to the duo Legend driver Tyler Corpron and this division should provide plenty of excitement from week to week.
Tickets for the Kokanee Late Model Season Opener are on sale at www.montanaracewaypark.com or at the ticket office on Saturday. Gates open at 5:30 with qualifying set for 6, opening ceremonies at 7 and racing at 7:05 p.m. For more information call (406) 257-RACE (7223).
