Dodson September 11th Story and Race Results.
By special correspondent Rodney Noone.
9-13-04
The AMX season finale at Dodson was filled with good racing. The mood in the pits was light hearted as all the drivers
prepared for battle.
With the parade of cars kicking of the ceremonies for this day of remembrance, the local National Guard presented the
colors. The National Anthem was sung and a moment of silence and words of remembrance and encouragement spoke. It was
time to race.
A Mini Stock race was not fielded due to lack of cars.
With 10 Stock cars on hand it was decided by race officials to run to heats of 5 cars with the top 3 finishers advancing
to the A main. The first Stock Heat got underway after the Novice Powder Puff. It was an eight lap battle for the top
three positions. I was sitting in my car awaiting heat 2 so I don’t know all the details what I did see was a great battle
for the lead with 471 holding off 312 for the win and gaining 5 bonus points putting him within 2 points of the championship.
Visibility through out the day was excellent due to the track officials not being shy about taking the time to keep the
track watered and allowing the drivers to see the track and their competition. I was a competitor in the second heat and
was running 2nd or 3rd on the first lap when I unfortunately got spun out and ended up finishing 4th . Getting spun around
started to foul my mood for the day but after the heat race the driver who got me around came over and apologized returning
my mood to having fun and enjoying the great day of racing.
The 9 Super Stock cars were also split into two heats of 5 and 4 with the top 3 advancing to the main. The first heat got
underway with 331moving quickly through the field finally taking the lead from 258. During 331’s charge to the lead 258
and 331 tangled and both went spinning of the track, excellent driving by both drivers allowed them to recover and maintain
their positions on the track. 258 lost a tire a little latter and that put him out of contention. Super Stock Heat 2 also
had a great battle for the win with 470 and 416 swapping paint and positions from the drop of the green flag. The win went
to 416 by a fender at the checkered flag.
During the intermission the small but enthusiastic crowd was entertained with raffles and a candy toss. One of the raffles
was for a “Mini Custom” Motor Bike.
On to the Stock B Main, I was in this race car #7, it was a two lap battle for me to get to the lead but once that was
accomplished I checked out from the competition. I stopped to collect my trophy and let the officials now I was advancing
to the A Main.
Stock A Main, with the top three drivers in the points only being separated by 2 points it wasn’t a matter of winning the
race it was a matter of finishing ahead of the other contenders for the Championship. Car 312 driver Dave McCoy put the
question to rest when he took off and lead all 8 laps to clinch the win and the title.
Super Stock B Main, was dominated by driver Rob Jaynes in car 258 who advanced to the A main.
Super Stock A Main, with the drop of the green flag this was a tight race with the first few laps having all the drivers
going around the track like they were hooked together. Little mistakes and miscues would separate the field and leave
#470 Ron Jacobs in the lead with #331 Larry Glidewell trying to catch and pass on every lap. It finally looked like
Larry was going to make his move on the last lap when a rollover in the east turn brought out the red flag. The field was
realigned and the green flag waived and Ron was able to hold off Larry in the short shoot out.
The after race party hosted by the local racers wives and Streches Pizza, had lots of great food. Dean Dunlap presented
the days racing while we enjoyed the food. We had to get back to Lewistown so we didn’t get to stick around for all the
enjoyment the evening had in store.
RACE RESULTS
Stock B Main
1st 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown advanced to A Main
2nd 628 Virgil Abrahamson
3rd 414 Jerry Roberts Malta
4th 425 Bobby Elam Malta
Stock A Main
1st 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
2nd 217 Scott Jaynes Stockett
3rd 354 Ron Sunford Malta
4th 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown
5th 116 Luke Brown Malta
6th 140 Tony Bibeau Havre
7th 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
Super Stock B Main
1st 258 Rob Jaynes Malta advanced to A main
2nd 234 Bill Jaynes Malta
3rd 409 Mark Newby Malta
Super Stock A Main
1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
2nd 331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown
3rd 332 Joey Glidewell Lewistown
4th 153 Russ Jaynes Malta
5th 416 Tom Pewitt Glasgow
6th 258 Rob Jaynes Malta
DNS 101 Mike Plouffe Malta
Havre September 4th Race Results
9-9-04
Mini Stock Money Race (racers earned points)
1st 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre
3rd 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown
4th 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown
5th 26 Larry Nitz Havre
Stock Money Race (racers earned points)
1st 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
2nd 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown
3rd 217 Scott Jaynes Stockett
4th 425 Bobby Elam Malta
5th 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin
6th 116 Luke Brown Malta
7th 354 Ron Sunford Malta
8th 40x Bobby Vanek Havre
Super Stock Money Race (racers earned points)
1st 409 Mark Newby Malta
2nd 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
3rd 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown
4th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
5th 101 Mike Plouffe Malta
6th 234 Bill Jaynes Dodson
7th 207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown
8th 258 Rob Jaynes Malta
Mini Stock Bud Cup Trophy Race (racers earned points)
1st 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre
3rd 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown
4th 154 Jeff hajenga Lewistown
Stock Bud Cup Trophy Race (racers earned points)
1st 217 Scott Jaynes Stockett
2nd 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin
3rd 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
4th 40x Bobby Vanek Havre
5th 116 Luke Brown Malta
6th 425 Bobby Elam Malta
7th 354 Ron Sunford Malta
8th 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown
Super Stock Bud Cup Trophy Race (racers earned points)
1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
2nd 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
3rd 409 Mark Newby Malta
4th 258 Rob Jaynes Malta
5th 207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown
6th 101 Mike Plouffe Malta
7th 234 Bill Jaynes Dodson
Novice Race
1st 381 Jason Nitz Havre
2nd 425 Christy Elam Malta
3rd 414 Jessica Roberts Malta
4th 40x Kelley Paul Havre
Specialty Race – for braggin’ rights only
1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
2nd 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
3rd 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
4th 386 Gary Couch Havre
5th 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
6th 40x Bobby Vanek Havre
Havre September 4th Race Story
9-8-04
A visible sigh of relief was on the face of Havre track manager Tony Dolphay when we pulled into the Lohman pit with two
race cars in tow. Others from Lewistown joined us as well as a number of racers from the Dodson/Malta area. Added to
the hometown racers, the car count measured up to what was a very good race.
The anticipated disappointment of another low car count was gone and good humor filled the pit. A few glitches were worked
out and the race was on.
With absolutely perfect race weather, fans expected great racing on an even more perfect track with conditions rated
as excellent.
It occurred to me that it took a lot of thought and a whole bunch of determination to turn an out-of-the-way,
at-the-side-of-the-road track into a great complex, but this handful of men and women from Havre are doing just that.
With only one full year of circuit racing, it’s plain to see that their goals are within grasp and that they are reaching
for all they are worth.
Local car support must be achieved and when that time arrives, the track’s life will be assured. It’s a difficult job,
but under the current leadership and the obvious support of local businesses, we look forward to a bright future for AMX
Racing at Lohman Motorsports Complex.
A total of eight races featured thirty one entries racing twenty-two registered cars. We were hopeful that the track
would hold up to the thrashing it was about to take.
Mini Stock Money Race
Five mini stocks took to the track in a flurry, hungry for a win and eager to claim their place in the winner’s circle.
But intensity turned to anxiety when Larry Nitz (26) rolled his car in turn one. Suspended upside-down for what seemed
an eternity, fans waited quietly to hear any word of his situation. Relief was wide-spread when the good news came. They
cheered mightily when he paraded, in tow, pass the bleachers.
Tony Dolphay (4) went on to win followed closely by Gary Couch (486). The duel that has developed between these two good
friends is not unique to this sport, but it sure is fun to watch.
It was evident early-on that the track could not hold up. As the warm sun baked it, the steady wind withered the water that
was amply applied to it. Certain areas of the track remained muddy while high bare spots were rutted and dusty. Track
maintenance was needed constantly, but it was losing battle. The dust consumed the racers at one end of the track and mud
was pitched at them at the other.
Stock Money Race
The guy with the lucky draw, how can you beat that? With a current history of burning up tracks, Travis Anderson (471)
drew pole position and ran straight-away with another win.
Rodney Noone (7) slid into the second place slot in lap one trying to challenge Anderson but came up short. Rodney held
on to second place earning him a piece of the cash-pot and Scott Jaynes (217) finished third.
Super Stock Money Race
A repeat of the stock money race, the pole sitter, Mark Newby (409) ran off with the win. Not the so easy for second
place winner Ron Jacobs (470). He had to fight his way through the snap-at-your-heels pack from the last position. What
a classic show of skill, knifing his way past each competitor, lap by lap until there was only one left, Newby.
Unfortunately, Ron ran out of laps and had to settle for second place. Rob Jaynes (258) struggled with a dying car and
gave it up in lap two. Stan Kuipers (207) stumbled in lap five leaving six cars to finish the race. Third place was
claimed by Bryan Tuss (221).
Eager for the trophy races to begin; the racers eyed the impressive “Bud Cup” Traveling Trophies. Distinctive in
appearance, every racer craved the chance to own one for the single year they would be entitled to.
Unfortunately for a few, that chance would have to wait for another year. Due to circumstances beyond their control,
Tuss and Nitz would not be able to race for the trophy. Others, with cars crippled or lame, still managed to make the
green flag.
Mini Stock Bud Cup Race
The father/son team of Jeff (154) and Wally (155) Hajenga valiantly raced against the hottest mini stocks currently on the
track. Jeff was unmerciful as he ushered his mini after the charging twosome of Tony (4) and Gary (486). Undaunted that
he was falling further behind with each lap, Jeff’s car finally spit-off a tire, sending it bouncing through the “rhubarb”.
The frontal assault by the two leaders was more than exciting. With Gary as the leader for the first six laps, Tony kept
closing by inches until in one swift move, he out maneuvered Gary to claim first place.
Gary tried in vain to retake his lead position but could not catch the high-flying Tony. The first of three Bud Cups went
to hometown racer, Tony Dolphay.
Stock Bud Cup Race
Eight racers started earlier in the day and eight still remained to race the challenge of the Stock Bud Cup. Each was more
than capable to win the cup, the luck of the draw might be the one deciding factor or it could be track conditions. It was
all or nothing in this struggle to win.
Bobby Vanek (40x) drew pole position with Kari McKeen (381) in outside pole. These two have been at each other before and
either one could come out ahead of the other. On the green flag, Bobby got the jump and Scott Jaynes (217) chased behind
him from row two.
Bobby held the lead that was constantly challenged by Jaynes. In the meantime, Rodney Noone (7) edged by McKeen to claim
third position. For several laps, the order remained the same until Rodney spun himself out in the muddy north end.
McKeen then moved into third easily.
Travis Anderson (471), who was unfortunate enough to start at the back of the pack, made his way to fifth and was holding
steady. It appeared in lap seven that Bobby had the race in hand and would be the winner, but the north corner was getting
really chewed up with huge holes large enough to swallow a car.
Sure enough, Bobby flew into that yawning mess with Jaynes hot on his bumper, his car sliding sideways to the left. In an
effort to make the left corner, he needed to bring his car to the right and he got just enough crossways in the track so
that Jaynes tagged him and sent him spiraling.
Scot went on to win the Stock Bud Cup, with McKeen in a close second followed by Travis in third.
Religiously the track crew worked to keep the south end wet and the north end free of holes and ruts. The areas in between
stayed intact. Flying stones on the hill was a constant hazard, face shields a must.
Super Stock Bud Cup Race
Somehow it seems unfair but then everybody takes the same chance in the draw for position. Ron Jacobs (470), by far the
hottest super stock currently on the tracks, found himself in pole position. All he had to do was break free cleanly and
no one on this day could challenge him.
And break free he did. Followed by Bill McKeen (380) who was positioned directly behind him, those two set the pace for
the others to follow.
Mike Plouffe (101) gamely tried to keep pace and for the first three laps kept the fans on the edge of their seats, while
he two-wheeled his car around the north corner. Those ruts and holes just kept popping him up on two wheels, higher each
time until he lost his right rear tire causing him to really dig in and over he went.
Mark Newby (409) found room to race on the extreme inside edge of the track, clicking along the tire wall above the mud
pits. Now that could make people nervous, especially since we have seen more than one car jump over that wall and roll
down into the pit.
Stan Kuipers (207), Rob Jaynes (258) and Bill Jaynes (234) left the track for unknown reasons leaving three of the original
seven to finish the race.
Super Stock Bud Cup winner was Ron Jacobs from Havre, followed by Bill McKeen of Moccasin and Mark Newby, Malta.
Novice Race
The Novice Race was a run-a-way for the winner Jason Nitz driving the 381 car. Kelley Powell in the 40x car gave good
chase for a short time until he ended up on a tire. The other two drivers drove a very steady and safe race. No
hot-dogging here, just good practice.
Lohman Specialty Race
The Lohman Specialty Race for the day was for Braggin’ Rights. The top two mini stocks, the top two stocks and the top two
super stocks, not of the day, but over the season would race head-to-head to see just who was the fastest. Fairness all
the way, they kept the original drivers and drew for position.
As expected, the super stocks with Ron Jacobs and Bill McKeen took the top two places followed by Travis Anderson in his
stock car. Gary Couch and Tony Dolphay finished in the last two places and Bobby Vanek in his stock car did not finish.
It was fun to watch and we cheered for the little mini stocks that did not win but certainly were not left totally in the
dust.
Tony Dolphay, representing Havre Racing, hosted everyone to super nachos at the Boxcars in downtown Havre. Our own Dean
Dunlap provided video footage. It was great to visit with everyone and I would like to thank Tony, his workers and the
Boxcars for an exceptional time. We hope to do it again next year.
Lewistown August 28th Race Story
9-8-04
For those of you who did not watch the AMX Championship Race, Saturday, August 28th, in an up-close and personal way,
(and there were plenty of empty seats) you did a real injustice for yourself.
By far the best AMX Racing ever, spectators were treated to a truly spectacular night of tough, gritty, dog-eat-dog, dirt
in your face motor-combat. Eagerly anticipated by the racers, this final season race for Lewistown spawned sixty-eight
cars, twenty-one motorcycles and twenty-three ATV’s, spread over twenty-seven races, in just short of five sensational
hours.
The track was rated as very good to excellent. And the racing was fabulous. The regular August race gave previous
non-qualifiers the chance to move on to the Championship Race. Locals raced furiously to hold off the hoard of out-of-town
racers who picked this race as their only opportunity to grab the cash and make a dash at the championship pot of money.
This was the last opportunity for those in the points race to make the Top Five and for the Team Racers to slide into the
top three places to share that cash pot. It was also a last ditch effort for those in the top three places to hang on to
what could be an extra payout.
Everything was at risk, yet everyone seemed to leave the worry-bone at home.
The heat races, as usual, singled out those who might have troubles for the night. Amid heated engines, smoking
transmissions, broken axels and flat tires, those destined to be winners found themselves in a position to be so.
Not everyone could make it to the A Main and just because racers find themselves in a lower main doesn’t mean that the
racing is less intent. There’s money to be won in the lower mains and the first place winners have the opportunity to
advance to the next main.
For those hoping to make it to the Championship round, then a decision must be made. If they keep their winnings in a
lower main, they’re then qualified for the Championship. If they advance to the next main, they forfeit their winnings
in the hope of earning more points and winning even more money. No one forfeits their trophy.
So sometimes, a C or B Main is raced more intently than an A Main. And when the racing is fast and furious, roll-overs
can occur.
It is especially easy to roll a mini stock. These light-weight 4-cyclinders can turn quickly, making the decision to
travel deep into the well of the corners very tempting. It is also the one place where the track becomes rutted quickly,
putting a mini stock at risk.
Les Bush (108) tipped-over his mini wagon in lap four of the B Main. Evidently sustaining serious damage, Bush, who had
qualified for the Championship earlier in the year with a win in a B Main, was unable to race this Championship Race.
Junior Driver, Wally Hajenga (155) experienced a slow-roll with his mini stock in the A Main. He and his car survived
the experienced and would appear later that night in the Championship Race.
Gary Couch (486) had troubles of a different sort. His right rear wheel was nearly twisted off causing it to point off
in a strange right angle to his car. He was sure that he would be unable to compete in the Championship race, but
undaunted, co-racer Tony Dolphay jumped in and did some handy welding to put the assembly back together with a hand full
of junk scrounged from other racers. Good job it was because Gary raced in the Championship Race.
C Main for the stock cars was more than entertaining. The great start and quick lead Kari McKeen grabbed at the start
was for naught. Seems other racers troubles just cascaded on to her. Bobby Elam (425) took the short route to the inside
on the treacherous east corner and just caught the edge of that big marker-tire perched on that high mound. His momentum
plus the fact that, that tire does not move, careened him over into a roll-over. Shawn Stringer (5) was right on his
bumper and suffered severe damage to the front of his car when, unable to stop, slammed into the underside Elam’s car.
He, however, did not cause Bobby’s car to roll.
Note the Rule: Any car that causes another car to roll is automatically disqualified for the remained of that race.
Because lap one was not complete, the re-start was side-by-side in the original order minus two cars. So McKeen was right
back where she started from. With the race underway, all appeared to be well. Ben Bush (204) rolled to a smoking stop
in the arena and Jene Rust (120) pulled off the track minus a tire.
Same east corner, different lap, Nona Knerr (481) chose her line deep into the well of the corner (the same well that was
rutted and victimized the mini stocks earlier). Bigger car, same result and Nona found herself turned over.
Note the Rule: Once a car is rolled, the driver cannot continue to race in that race. They can, however, race in a
following race that they qualify for.
A roll-over is cause for a red-flag condition. All the racing cars must come to a complete stop. For whatever reason,
Hank Slining Jr. (329) did not stop and slammed into the left side of Kari McKeen’s stopped car causing severe damage to
the left rear wheel, thus causing the tire to go flat.
Kari left the track to get a fresh tire and returned while the remaining race cars were being aligned. She now started
at the back of the pack in spite of the fact that before the rollover, she was the race leader. It may seem unfair but
check out the rule.
Note the Rule: Car repairs are not allowed on a red flag condition. If a car leaves the track for repairs prior to the
red-flag, they may return but they will be located at the back of the pack.
Because the tire damage was incurred after the red-flag through no fault of her own, track officials allowed her to change
her tire and return at the back of the pack or she could have take a green flag at which time she would get a rolled up
black flag indicating a flat tire and she would then leave the track to change the tire and end up in the back of the pack
anyway. Decisions…decisions! Somewhere in the confusion, Luke Brown (116) pulled out of the race for what problem, I
don't know.
The Stock B Main featured fast, side-by-side racing. As muddied-up as the C Main was, this race was comparably uneventful
with only two cars of the original twelve not finishing.
The Stock A Main was more or less the same. I did notice that a bouncing tire, probably from Travis Anderson (471) smacked
Sean McCracken’s car (170) dead-center. Sean never moved left or right and kept at top speed, I’m not sure if he even
seen it coming.
The Super Stock literally sizzled with speed. The side-by-side racing in the Super Stock B Main with abrasive contact
bought the fans to their feet. Ten grueling laps later, three of the out-of-town racers won money, giving them the
opportunity to advance to the Championship Race.
Anytime you match up Shawn Essex (187) and Kurt Erlandson (186) you can expect a side-by-side race than is purely
impressive. And when they both draw pole position in the Super Stock A Main, the race can be more than impressive.
A clear runaway it was not. Those out-of-town racers were here to make a point and the point was that they needed to win
some cash. Dave Elliott (007) showed early speed and determination but it was C.J. Yochum (451) and Ron Jacobs (470) who
made all the right moves.
Erlandson and Essex settled for third and fourth places respectively. This awesome display was just a taste of what was
to come in the Championship Race later in the program.
It’s always refreshing to know that the racers are not the only winners at an AMX Race.
Penny Schleining, Judith Gap was the winner of the 50/50. Chuck Ploof (ex-racer) won the $100 bucks in the Cash Give-away.
Ashley White and Nicole Redfield won themselves cool bikes and Traci Drube won the gas grill in the Season Pass Drawing.
Championship Race ~2004
Eleven brave souls in eleven mini stocks, challenged the track and each other in a duel fit to be called Championship.
Not every car was 100%, but the racers were ready and qualified at 110%.
Some were doomed from the beginning, others just had bad luck. Paul Granot (9) kissed a gate support and caved in the
front of his little red mustang. Others dropped out for a variety of reasons leaving seven to complete the A Main.
Winner was Gary Couch (486) Havre, in spite of the cobbled-up repair on his car earlier in the evening, proving once again,
that racers do not give up in the face of sure disaster.
The Stock Championship featured another eleven in their bid to win the A Main. Much was at stake and all seemed capable.
Sometimes poor decisions take over great driving, making for a two-car demolition derby center-staged in the arena. This
type of activity, regardless of the fact that the contact began prior to entering the arena, is taboo, earning the
participants a black flag.
Familiar name and number, Dave McCoy (312) Lewistown, was the enthusiastic winner and rightfully so. His race was
exceptional.
The race for the title of Super Stock Champion was chock full of blazing speed and daring drivers. Ten on the most perfect
of tracks, fans could not have expected less than a superb race. And superb it was.
Local racers had their hands full negotiating the track while dealing with precision driving from Billings, Colstrip
and Havre racers. A little too much power, finding the “line” crowded, a slight misjudgment by any one of these exceptional
drivers and the race is all but over.
You needed to be there to see it. Words cannot describe the incredible rush of power, speed and skill all wrapped up in
ten endless laps. Each of these drivers are truly champions but only one could come away with the title and the trophy
and that one individual was Ron Jacobs (470) Havre.
Congratulations to Ron, Dave and Gary … and to all those who qualified for this most excellent of all races, the AMX
Championship. I hope this race was as great for you as it was for me and the fans that stayed to watch.
Lewistown August 28th Race Results
9-7-04
Mini Stock B Main
1st 87 Alan Munch Lewistown
2nd 14 Bill Phillipi Judith Gap
3rd 80 Robert Kuipers Lewistown
4th 10x Josh Johnson Lewistown
5th 108 Les Bush Lewistown
Mini Stock A Main
1st 6 Stuart Mallo Helena
2nd 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
3rd 9 Paul Granot Lewistown
4th 22 Levi Kirkegard Lewistown
5th 182 Jace Barrett Hilger
6th 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown
7th 486 Gary Couch Havre
8th 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown
Stock C Main
1st 109 Brian Baumann Lewistown
2nd 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown
3rd 51 Sweet William Jones Lewistown
4th 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin
5th 10 Josh Sanderson Lewistown
6th 329 Hank Slining Jr. Lewistown
7th 116 Luke Brown Malta
8th 481 Nona Knerr Hilger
9th 120 Jene Rust Lewistown
10th 204 Ben Bush Lewistown
11th 425 Bobby Elam Malta
12th 5x Shawn Stringer Laurel
Stock B Main
1st 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown
2nd 225 Shelley Weikart Lewistown
3rd 13 Will Van Haur Hilger
4th 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
5th 112 Bo Young Lewistown
6th 126 Wes Deegan Moccasin
7th 105 Shawn Nicholls Bozeman
8th 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown
9th 417 Don Pallett Lewistown
10th 173 Carol Moody Lewistown
11th 198 Bill Moody Lewistown
12th 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown
Stock A Main
1st 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown
2nd 257 Bart Wilson Hilger
3rd 389 Roger Dengel Lewistown
4th 217 Scott Jaynes Malta
5th 40x Bobby Vanek Havre
6th 53 Jay Buffington Billings
7th 37 Jeff Swanson Glendive
8th 170 Sean McCracken Lewistown
9th 185 Tim Mauws Judith Gap
10th 271 Paul Kennedy Lewistown
11th 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
12th 210 Chris Miller Judith Gap
Super Stock B Main
1st 60 Tami Schutt Colstrip
2nd 66 Lander Novak Colstrip
3rd 409 Mark Newby Malta
4th 331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown
5th 207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown
6th 131 Sean Foster Lewistown
7th 195 Michelle Riley Laurel
Super Stock A Main
1st 451 C.J. Yochum Billings
2nd 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
3rd 186 Kurt Erlandson Lewistown
4th 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown
5th 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown
6th 007 Dave Elliott Billings
7th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
8th 328 Bryan Bawden Hilger
2004 Championship Race Results:
Mini Stock Championship Race
1st 486 Gary Couch Havre
2nd 6 Stuart Mallo Helena
3rd 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
4th 182 Jace Barrett Hilger
5th 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown
6th 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown
7th 22 Levi Kirkegard Lewistown
8th 80 Robert Kuipers Lewistown
9th 14 Bill Phillipi Judith Gap
10th 87 Alan Munch Lewistown
11th 9 Paul Granot Lewistown
Stock Championship Race
1st 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
2nd 389 Roger Dengel Lewistown
3rd 257 Bart Wilson Hilger
4th 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown
5th 109 Brian Baumann Lewistown
6th 112 Bo Young Lewistown
7th 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin
8th 105 Shawn Nicholls Bozeman
9th 217 Scott Jaynes Malta
10th 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown
11th 210 Chris Miller Judith Gap
Super Stock Championship Race
1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
2nd 007 Dave Elliott Billings
3rd 186 Kurt Erlandson Lewistown
4th 66 Lander Novak Colstrip
5th 451 C.J. Yochum Billings
6th 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown
7th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
8th 331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown
9th 409 Mark Newby Malta
10th 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown
Novice Race – Mini Stock
1st 6 Rikki Lammi
2nd 22 Corey Wickens
3rd 182 Nick Econom
4th 87 Jeff Fischer
Motorcycle and ATV race results are pending.
Dodson August 7th Story
8-24-04
Even though the Phillips County Fair was a few short weeks ago, I can't help but be intrigued with the AMX race. Apparently,
the first ever "Saturday Night at the Races" event proved to be the highlight of the fair followed closely by the sunday
afternoon Demo Derby.
We were totally impressed with the number of spectators who flocked to the Phillips County Grandstand. I'm not sure if
these people are true race fans or were just curious as to what was happening in the arena. But if they are race fans,
I wondered where they were during the earlier season events.
The Phillips County Racing Association did a more than fair job of setting up track lights. There are a few dim corners
that need to be addressed but for the most part; their efforts seemed well recieved by racers and fans alike. Those lights
are a very positive step towards improving racing and improving spectator count.
But I am still stymied by the dust. Nicknamed "The Dust Bowl", PCRA cannot be willing to settle for a less than great race.
The dust is a detriment to the whole event.
Now I don't want to be one-sided on this issue because Lewistown has had more than one dusty event. Even Havre has a
continuously dusty hill. The issue I had on race day was that the heat races wre horrendous, with thick clouds of
bellowing dust, yet, during the calcutta, the water truck made three water-laps on the track and the main events that
followed, were nearly dust free. At least, the dust was manageable, so my question is, if those three same water-laps
had been made prior to the heats, wouldn't the dust have been settled? Couldn't this have been the most perfect of all races?
I am aware that there was some issue about working the track versus the Indian Horse Race, but I'm sure that scheduling
could be worked out to everyone's satisfaction.
(By the way, the entertainment was very good and the hamburgers even better.)
The fair race is historically the most popular of all races in Dodson. Car count was a bit low but still decent. The
race program moved right along with few interuptions. I did notice that the office crew was well organized and very
comfortable with the job they were doing. When things run smoothly, everyone enjoys the event. I know I did. In fact,
we stayed over an extra night (Edgewater Inn, Malta) so we could watch the Demo Derby. And a good derby it was, a few
unpopular calls, but that is what makes a derby so much fun to watch!
Lewistown July 31st Story
8-11-04
Each year AMX Racing at the fair becomes more and more incredible. Race fans have come to expect premier racing in the
form of top-notch racers from throughout the state. Again this year, they were not disappointed.
Local favorites were challenged by past champions and rising stars. The stage was set for exciting and aggressive racing.
Again, the fans were not disappointed.
The intensity of the event was evident in the faces of the officials as well as the faces of the drivers. The hard-packed,
over-baked track was rated as good with dust being the biggest concern.
The steady stream of racers entering the pit was punctuated by another equally-steady stream of riders entering the
motorcycle and ATV events. By race time, a total of 134 entries were recorded, making this last-day in July race, the
biggest event ever by AMX Racing.
The heat races started quietly enough with the mini stocks putting on a good show. As numbers steadily increase within
this class, racers with experience and fuel-injected cars, clearly make their impact felt.
Stock heats were a mixture of steady, cool-headed driving and nervous rookie drivers making mistakes in a throbbing
cauldron of fast-cars on a fast-track. The super stock heats burst upon the track, tension apparent in every corner.
It was an indication of what was to come.
The kids in the motorcycle program once again gave the fans a great show. They take their sport seriously and they give
it their all. The fans favorite rider, at four years of age was Buck Haugrose of Great Falls. This tiny tyke started
riding his Honda CRF50 when he was just two years old. Ride on little buddy!
ATV Pro Class is rapidly gaining in popularity. These nimble riders have taken to the track like ducks to water.
Fans can expect to see a greater increase in entries as word is quickly spreading. With just one more race for this season
on the Fergus County Half Mile, race officials are set to receive an onslaught of four-wheelers on August 28th.
Leading off for the mains, the Mini Stocks took to the track for their B main. Un-beknown to the spectators, car #29 who
grabbed the lead early and held on to win, was driven by one exceptional guy.
Larry Nitz from Havre watched his first AMX race earlier this year at Lohman Motorsports Complex. Charmed from the very
beginning, Larry decided that mini stock racing was for him. However, there were obstacles to overcome before he could
race.
Larry quickly acquired a car, and with the help of a few dedicated friends, began the formidable task ahead, for you see,
Larry is paraplegic. Against all odds, the Ford Escort Wagon took on the look of the average mini stock with exotic
accessories designed to accommodate the disabilities of its driver.
Winning the B Main trophy was a triumph for Larry and for his friends and family who helped make his wish become reality.
In a way, it is also a triumph for every AMX racer, now and into the future, who might have certain hardships that they
could overcome on the track.
Sometimes the need to win is so great, so compelling that drivers lose the sense of sportsmanship. It was vastly apparent
that many incidents, on and off the track, were nearly ignored by race officials or that they turned a blind eye. In
the interest of fairness, the AMX has policies that address negative situations and just plain bad racing.
When a racer goes outside the guidelines for AMX racing, there are a number of actions that can be enforced against them.
For blatant disregard to the rules, the black flag will show its ugly color. Most times, a racer will automatically be
put down a lap. Of course, the spectator is unaware of the action and many times the racer is equally unaware until their
position for the next race is posted.
Another action is a letter of reprimand which includes a year of probation. At times, the AMX has disciplined a racer
by not allowing them to race at the next race or perhaps a series of races. The AMX policy also allows for fines to be
accessed. Most times, racers are given the choice of their penalty. These actions are done discretely and without
stopping the race.
Each driver has the right and are encouraged to write a complaint if they feel they have a grievance that the AMX should
know about. Spectators too, can write to the board if they have an issue. The AMX Board of Directors welcomes the chance
to review the concerns and to make decisions that make for better racing.
The AMX is not out to “cut the throat” of a racer, rather we want everyone to be safe, have fun and make AMX Racing the
“best show in town”.
Havre July 24th Story and Results
8-11-04
It was an unfortunate situation, one that I truly regret, and because of prior commitments, I was unable to attend the
July 24th race at Lohman Motorsports Complex. For various reasons, others found it impossible to attend as well, making
for a dismal car count at a very good track.
Under other circumstances, Lohman would be roaring with the sound of piping hot engines, but on this day the few who
could make it, made the difference in spirit and enthusiasm.
Tony Dolphay, AMX Track Manager for Havre, reported that for the Super Stock and Stock event, “We ran (#470 super stock)
Ron Jacobs with the stock class at the back of the pack. It made for a good race.”
Even though there were only four stock cars, track management made the best of the situation. “We ran two races, the
first race was for the money, the second race was for the points and the trophy. Both races finished in the same order.”
Stock/Super Stock
1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre Super Stock
2nd 471 Travis Anderson Dodson Stock
3rd 140 Tony Bibeau Havre ` Stock
4th 354 Ron Sunford Malta Stock
5th 40x Bobby Vanek Havre Stock (dnf)
Lewistown may have been the first to introduce the Mini Stocks to AMX Racing, but Havre is a hot-nest that just keeps
hatching out first-rate mini stocks. The newest to hit the track is #26 Larry Nitz. On his first race ever, Dolphay
reported that, “Larry Nitz has a car on the track, it was fun to help build. With a bit of experience, he will be a
strong competitor.”
Mini Stock
1st 4 Tony Dolphay Havre Rookie
2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre
3rd 26 Larry Nitz Havre Rookie
4th 54 John Gormley Havre Rookie
Track improvements seem to be the normal course of action at Lohman. Tony concluded his report with this track assessment.
“The track has been re-worked to be more car and driver friendly, watered heavily, but still a bit of dust with 105 degree
temperature and a slight wind.”
In addition, he noted that “the sand drags were awesome, Mega Horsepower + Mega Speed = Mega Fun!
Tony’s slogan:
AMX…Drive Fast, Drive Hard…Do It Often!!
Lewistown July 31st Results
8-6-04
HINT: If the results are askew go to view on your tool bar and choose
a smaller or larger text size.
ATV Pro ATV Farm
1st Carl Fowler, Vaughn 1st Stacy Wilcox, Billings
2nd Stacy Wilcox, Billings 2nd Dustin Mikkelson, Hobson
3rd Clint Fowler, Lewistown 3rd Todd Olson, Lewistown
4th Nathan Taylor, Lewistown 4th Andy Van Haur, Hilger
5th Justin Huberty, Hobson
6th Brian Logan, Lewistown
Mini Stock B Main Mini Stock A Main
1st 26 Larry Nitz, Havre 1st 4 Tony Dolphay, Havre
2nd 87 Alan Munch, Lewistown 2nd 486 Gary Couch, Havre
3rd 108 Les Bush, Lewistown 3rd 9 Paul Granot, Lewistown*
4th 182 Jace Barrett, Hilger 4th 154 Jeff Hajenga, Lewistown
5th 99 Genesta Luther, Judith Gap 5th 22 Levi Kirkegard, Lewistown*
6th 80 Robert Kuipers, Lewistown 6th 155 Wally Hajenga, Lewistown
dnr 14 Alex Spry, Judith Gap 7th 6 Stuart Mallo, Helena
8th 10 John Wright III
Stock C Main Stock B Main
1st 472 Brian Mauws, Bozeman 1st 178 Matt Hoiland, Great Falls
2nd 40x Bobby Vanek, Havre 2nd 112 Bo Young, Lewistown
3rd 116 Luke Brown, Malta 3rd 313 Duane Woodring, Lewistown
4th 204 Ben Bush, Lewistown 4th 170 Sean McCracken, Lewistown
5th 51 Will Jones, Lewistown 5th 126 Wes Deegan, Moccasin
6th 484 Caleb Herman, Hilger 6th 465 Randy Morris, Billlings
7th 414 Jerry Roberts, Malta 7th 329 Hank Slining Jr, Lewistown
8th 481 Nona Knerr, Hilger 8th 120 Jene Rust, Lewistown
9th 210 Chris Miller, Judith Gap 9th 271 Paul Kennedy, Lewistown
10th 13 Will Van Haur, Hilger 10th 173 Carol Moody, Lewistown
dnr 185 Tim Mauws, J.G. 11th 7 Rodney Noone, Lewistown
dnr 109 Brian Baumann, Lew
dnr 391 Matt Marynik, Lewis
dnr 390 John Otto, Lewistown
Stock A Main
1st 145 Nick Nowak, Lewistown*
2nd 389 Roger Dengel, Lewistown*
3rd 257 Bart Wilson, Hilger
4th 471 Travis Anderson,Dodson
5th 312 Dave McCoy, Lewistown
6th 417 Don Pallett, Lewistown
7th 198 Bill Moody, Lewistown
8th 311 Wanda Redfield, Lewistown*
9th 225 Shelley Weikart, Lewistown
10th 381 Kari McKeen, Moccasin
11th 229 Eric Bush, Lewistown
12th 105 Shawn Nicholls, Butte*
Super Stock B Main Super Stock A Main
1st 95 David Gwin, Billings 1st 470 Ron Jacobs, Havre
2nd 221 Bryan Tuss, Lewistown 2nd 187 Shawn Essex, Lewistown
3rd 60 Tami Schutt, Colstrip 3rd 328 Bryan Bawden, Lewistown
4th 207 Stan Kuipers, Lewistown 4th Ed Breckenridge, Lewistown
5th 131 Sean Foster, Malta 5th 310 Shayne Redfield, Lewistown
6th 29 Hank Slining, Lewistown 6th 72 Leonard Davis, Lewistown*
7th 234 Bill Jaynes, Dodson 7th 007 Dave Elliott, Billings
dnr 331 Larry Glidewell, Lewistown 8th 66 Lander Novak, Colstrip*
dnr 186 Kurt Erlandson, Lewistown
Novice, Mini Stock Novice, Stock
1st 9 Corey Wickens 1st 112 Pat Evans
2nd 22 2nd 481
Dodson July 10th Story and Results
by Dodson Correspondent Cheryl Roberts
7-21-04
On Saturday, July 10, the Phillips County Racing Association held their second race of the season at the Phillips County
Fairgrounds Raceway. There was a good crowd on hand to enjoy the races and the weather cooperated with lots of sunshine
and a gentle breeze to keep dust away from the spectators. The water truck were kept busy keeping the dust down between
races. Thanks guys!
We had 17 cars entered in the mini stock, stock, and super stock classes. Everyone from Malta/Dodson showed up with
repaired cars after our Havre mishaps, even Bill’s car made it. Cars were from Malta, Dodson, Havre, Lewistown, and
Glasgow. All trophy race winners were presented their trophies by our trophy girls Jessie Hould, Chelsea Roberts,
Bethanee Jaynes, Rachel and Tamrah Pewitt.
The drivers kept the crowd on their toes with spins outs and fast racing. No major mishaps occurred. The novice drivers
demonstrated the old adage, “…if you can’t handle the curves, make adjustments.” Gary Couch moved up to race with the
Stock class after winning his trophy race and Travis Anderson moved up to race Super Stock after winning his trophy race.
The race results are as follows:
Mini Stock Main
1st Place – Gary Couch, Havre
2nd Place – Tony Dolphay, Havre
Stock Main
1st – Travis Anderson, Dodson
2nd – Ben Bush, Lewistown
3rd – Dave McCoy, Lewistown
Super Stock Main
1st- Ron Jacobs, Havre
2nd – Travis Anderson, Dodson
Novice Race
1st – Bryan Raymond, Malta
2nd – Jessica Roberts, Malta
3rd – Tiah Sunford, Malta
Pitman Race
1st – Tory Lodmell, Malta
2nd- Jay Friede, Havre
3rd – Bob Shippen, Malta
The PCRA Kids Give-Away prizes were a Remote Control Truck, two T-shirts signed by all the drivers, and a stuffed
Teddy Bear. Prizes were donated by PCRA, Classy Threads, and Grandma Pewitt. The winners were Brad Perkins-Remote
Control Truck; Tarah Smith and Christina Jaynes-autographed T-shirts, and Brandon Tuma- Teddy Bear.
The next Phillips County Race Association AMX race will be Saturday, August 7, at 7 p.m. at the Phillips County Fair
in Dodson. Hope to see lots of cars to entertain the crowd!
Lewistown July 3rd Story and Results
7-7-04
Absolutely mind-boggling, Saturday’s AMX race in Lewistown was beyond belief. Over 100 entries competed in 20 races in
less than three hours. AMX officials and their race crew worked with timed precision, thrilling nearly 1000 spectators
to fast-paced, mud-in-your-face racing.
Enough cannot be said about Ike Waltari and the tremendous job he has done preparing the ATV and motorcycle segment of
our racing. Enthusiasm and great preparation makes for noteworthy accomplishment.
Spectators were on their feet, hardily cheering for the little riders on their micro-sized bikes. They were just as
excited for the ATV riders, show-boating their way to the checkered flag. Truly, AMX Racing is for everyone, six-to-sixty.
As predicted, the Mini Stock class is growing with numbers reaching into the twenties expected by the Championship Race,
August of this year. More and more numbers are being registered weekly as the interest in AMX Racing grows.
The apparent lack of entries in the Super Stock class is of great concern with the AMX. The high-profiled class of cars
can expect resurgence over the next few months. Several of our super stock racers did not have their cars ready to race
for last Saturday, but will be on the track at the Central Montana Fair Race on July 31. We can also expect to see several
more cars from Billings and Colstrip at that competition.
Track conditions for Saturdays race was good to very good. Well aware of the wet, dismal conditions of Lewistown’s
first race of the season (just a month earlier), the AMX raced against Mother Nature and her impending storm front.
Pressed for time and with one eye to the west, organizers paced the program and moved along quickly and smoothly. The
light rain late in the program created slippery conditions in the corners, making for some very creative driving.
Making a big noise, the seven competitors in the Over 60 to 80 cc class delighted the fans. The little kids in the Under
60 cc Class made an even greater impression. Winners, each and every one, the riders smiles were big as their families
and friends cheered them on.
The seventeen riders in the Open Class for ATV’s were the highlight of the night. Most spectators and fans rarely get
to see these talented and courageous riders, for their typical track is at an out-of-the-way location, many times in tough
mountainous terrain. Not only is speed a factor, but balance is critical as these speedsters literally skim the track
surface.
Close contact racing was the name of the game in all three classes of cars. The single roll-over in the stock “C”main
by #391 was Matt Marynik, bringing fans to their feet. The quick response by medics and tow allowed the race to continue
smoothly with just enough time to re-align the remaining field of cars.
It is apparent that the addition of the Novice Class of racing to our program is a huge plus. Last year we recorded
forty-one drivers in this class with twenty percent advancing to this year’s racing within the mini stock and stock
classes. At this race alone, we had eighteen drivers sign-up for the Novice Class. Our best estimates show that we can
expect another forty new drivers during this season and could have as much as thirty percent advancing next year. A driver
can only remain in this class for one season, then they must move up if they wish to continue to race.
AMX Racing is the stuff dreams are made of and where dreams can become reality. The impact that racing has on our community
is far-reaching, touching friends and family, for this sport is family oriented, family supported and family-bound.
The bonds that exist between racers become the bonds of an extended family. So if you feel as if you’re being left out
of the “family” circle, then join us for a true family experience.
It’s AMX Racing…
Race Results
65 - 85 motorcycle
1st #13 Jerime Granot Lewistown
2nd #54 Eli Bush Lewistown
3rd #96 P.J. Granot Lewistown
4th #601 Dillon Simons Lewistown
5th #20 Garron Seal Billings
6th #6 George Vogl Lewistown
7th #4 Shay Goettemoeller Denton
50 - 80 motorcycle
1st #24 Destan Miller Judith Gap
2nd #468 Tristan Seal Billings
3rd #89 Wayne Stevenson Hobson
4th #88 Yancey Fitch Worden
5th #98 Trey Brewington Billings
ATV Open
1st #4 Clint Fowler Lewistown
2nd #217 Ty Leary Lewistown
3rd #32 Carl Fowler Lewistown
4th #6 Nathan Taylor Lewistown
Mini Stock B Main
1st 108 Les Bush Lewistown
2nd 117 Keri Olsen Lewistown
3rd 22 Levi Kirkegard Lewistown
Mini Stock A Main
1st 6 Stuart Mallo Helena
2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre
3rd 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
Stock C Main
1st 51 Sweet William Jones Lewistown
2nd 173 Carol Moody Lewistown
3rd 484 Calub Herman Hilger
Stock B Main
1st 198 Bill Moody Lewistown
2nd 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown
3rd 271 Paul Kennedy Lewistown
Stock A Main
1st 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown
2nd 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
3rd 389 Roger Dengel Lewistown
4th 109 Brian Baumann Lewistown
Super Stock B Main
1st 332 Joey Glidewell Lewistown
2nd 95 David Gwin Billings
3rd 29 Hank Slining Lewistown
Super Stock A Main
1st 186 Kurt Erlandson Lewistown
2nd 328 Bryan Bawden Lewistown
3rd 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown
4th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
Mini Stock Novice
1st 9 Cory Wickens Lewistown
2nd 6
Stock Novice
1st 257 Paul Fisk Lewistown
2nd 417 Brad Yaeger Lewistown
Havre's Double Header Results
6-30-04
A nice breeze made our race weekend at Lohman Motorsports Complex at Havre, absolutely blissful. Track conditions were
near perfect, except for that troublesome north corner. Nineteen hopeful racers arranged themselves neatly in the generous
pit, each ready to race and then race some more, for this double-race date was a great opportunity for everyone.
The Saturday race schedule seemed to start slow, but the pace quickly picked up. “Sweet” William Jones (#51 stock) slammed
hard into the south corner on the green flag lap, causing his car to careen over the berm, landing hard into a ditch.
He struggled to get the car free but in doing so, suffered rear tire/spring damage forcing him into the pit.
The super stock class went absolutely berserk. Unlike most AMX tracks, Lohman is a duel-level track. This fantastic
design features a steep climb to the upper level, then offers the racers the thrill of a curving down-hill chute that
literally sling-shots the cars to the lower level. The edge of the “hill” and the “chute” is lined with an embedded
tractor tire wall to help keep the cars from tumbling over the edge.
In lap three, Bill Jaynes (#234 super stock) tested out the wall and found that he and his car could hop over it, resulting
in a roll-over of two complete turns. Just one lap later, rookie driver Zane Gray (#208) skittered over the same berm that
“Sweet William” attacked a race earlier and found himself in the same predicament but unable to crawl out of the ditch on
his own power.
Two laps later, the stalled car of rookie Bobby Elam (#425) created a situation which resulted in the #101 car of another
rookie, Mike Plouffe to roll. A bit of confusion was running rampant at this point, but the problems were worked out with
the remaining three cars finishing with blazing speed and close contact racing.
Best race of the day was the Lohman Specialty Race. Made up of two mini stocks, two stocks and two super stocks, this
race featured men, women, junior, rookie and experienced drivers. The cars were delay-started with the minis on the track
first, followed by the stock cars about 50 yards behind. The super stocks brought up the rear at another 50 yards behind.
This was an interesting and fun race to watch. Those mini stocks are not moving at the snail-pace one might think. It
took a few laps for the stock and super stock cars to catch them but the minis did not give it up. Check the official
results to see how this race turned out.
Roll over of the day was #208, Zane Gray of Malta. Of course, it was the last race for Saturday and it just happened to
be the super stock trophy race and what a finish to a great day of racing. Four, maybe five, complete rolls with one in
mid-air, it was breath-taking. (See video clip at www.AMXRacing.net) With no apparent injuries, Zane and his car
retreated to the pits to make ready for tomorrow’s day of racing.
And race on Sunday we did. Eighteen of the original nineteen cars started the Sunday event including the #208 car.
This day of racing was not as flashy as Saturday, but the racing was very good with lots of side-by-side racing,
especially in the mini stocks.
Mark Newby (#409 super stock) found some air taking a jump and made a spectacular “ground slap” with his car. His car
crippled for the remainder of his race, that grand slam earned him the Hard Luck Award for Sunday’s event.
I was really impressed with the amount of diligent work that Tony Dolphay and his crew did to prepare for this
double-header weekend. I was even more impressed with the race crew on both Saturday and Sunday. Clueless as to
what their jobs might be, these people took on responsibility, preformed beyond our expectations and eagerly accepted
constructive input. Their Sunday performance was nearly flawless.
True AMX race fans should take the time to attend an AMX race at Lohman. This fantastic track will only get better and
better. The next AMX race at Lohman is July 24th
Join us for the next AMX race in Lewistown, today, July 3rd. Racing begins at 6 p.m. but come early for all the hot laps.
Explosive fun for everyone, we’re going to blast you outta’ your seats with AMX Racing…
Official Race Results: Lohman Motorsports Complex June 26 & 27, 2004
Saturday Money Race - Mini Stock Sunday Money Race – Mini Stock
1st #4 Tony Dolphay Havre 1st #486 Gary Couch Havre
2nd #486 Gary Couch Havre 2nd #4 Tony Dolphay Havre
3rd #54 Havre 3rd #54 Havre
Saturday Trophy Race – Mini Stock Sunday Trophy Race – Mini Stock
#486 Gary Couch Havre #4 Tony Dolphay Havre
Saturday Money Race – Stock Sunday Money Race – Stock
1st #40x Bobby Vanek Havre 1st #471 Travis Anderson Dodson
2nd #116 Luke Brown Malta 2nd #40x Bobby Vanek Havre
3rd #354 Ron Sunford Malta 3rd #116 Luke Brown Malta
Saturday Trophy Race – Stock Sunday Trophy Race – Stock
40x Bobby Vanek Havre #471 Travis Anderson Dodson
Saturday Money Race – Super Stock Sunday Money Race – Super Stock
1st #331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown 1st #380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
2nd #470 Ron Jacobs Havre 2nd #409 Mark Newby Malta
3rd #380 Bill McKeen Moccasin 3rd #470 Ron Jacobs Havre
Saturday Trophy Race – Super Stock Sunday Trophy Race – Super Stock
#470 Ron Jacobs Havre #331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown
Saturday Lohman Specialty Race Sunday Specialty Race
1st #381s Wanda Redfield Lewistown 1st #380ss Joey Glidewell Lewistown
2nd #331ss Joey Glidewell Lewistown 2nd #381s Wanda Redfield Lewistown
3rd #4ms Tony Dolphay Havre
6-23-04
Words cannot describe how mournful we are as we accept the tragic news of the passing of our dear friend Harold “Butz”
Glidewell. Even though we were aware of the circumstances surrounding his untimely illness, the news of his death brings
an immediate kind of shock, the kind that quickly gives way to remembrance.
Second only to his family, Butz’ true love was racing. As a member of the AMX Board of Directors from the associations’
early beginnings, this soft spoken man earned the respect and admiration from an untold number of racers, not only in
Lewistown, but at many tracks scattered throughout the state. Always ready to give a helping hand, track managers eagerly
looked to Butz for guidance.
For those of us who traveled to tracks near and far, we developed a special bond with Butz. Always ready to venture out,
Butz was our assumed leader, choosing to share the racing experience with whole hearted enthusiasm. No track was too far,
no race was too hard, for Butz was the first to race for the fun of it. Sometime in our future, we will keep our eyes
focused on the roads horizon, ever searching for our leader, who will take us down another road to another race.
Surely, all the good and generous things that was Butz will remain as his legacy. For those of us who knew him well, his
ideas will manifest themselves long after this day is past. For those who never got the chance to know him, they will reap
the rewards of his dedication to that which is AMX Racing.
To his family, we share in your sorrow and yet we rejoice for we are glad to have known the man, the legend, that was Butz
Glidewell.
Havre's Rain Woes
6-23-04
Mother Nature temporarily cut us off from our fun but we are anticipating an overdose of racing starting this weekend,
June 25th and 26th. Not one, but two races at Lohman Motorsports Complex just east of Havre will spiral us into our
July 3rd, “blast’em outta their seats” race in Lewistown.
That sample of ATV and Motorcycle racing at the June 5th race was just the tip of a flaming-hot blow-torch. Already racers
are clamoring for the chance to enter their divisions. Fans can expect to see the real-deal with increased numbers of
stock, super stock and mini stock cars. The racing should be fast and oh-so furious for this is the Triple Crown of AMX
Racing.
The Lewistown Points Trophy is up for grabs and the current point leaders will greedily cling to their delicate lead.
The voracious pack, snapping at their heels is enough to make them take speedy flight head-long towards the checkered flag.
The task will not be easy for the skilled stalkers know each and every twisted turn of the home-town track. Everything is
at risk and everything is up for grabs.
On the flip side of the double-headed dollar, is the Lewistown Team Racers. Those tri-member teams are another story.
The “A” Team seems to have things well in hand after just one race but the “E” Team has a real problem. Only with real
saavy driving on the part of all three members, plus a wishing-well full of really bad luck for everyone else, can they
hope to make up the difference in points they suffered from the first race.
( It would be really great if we could change the rules just a bit and allow each team to drop their worse race, but then
everyone entered the event with the same chance of winning, so sorry boys, all four races will count. )
It’s a win/win situation for the fans. Great summertime fun for the whole family, join us at the Central Montana
Fairgrounds on July 3rd at 6:00 p.m. and watch the best racing west of Indianapolis. Hey! You’re friends and neighbors
will be there watching
AMX Racing…
More on the Lewistown Race
6-15-04
This season’s first AMX race in Lewistown will forever stay in the All-Time Best-Race-Ever list. Not only were the A Mains
in all three classes of car racing absolutely thrilling, but the addition of ATV and motorcycle racing proved to be a winner
with the fans.
From my perch mid-way up in the grandstands, the whole AMX program appeared to work like a well-oiled machine. Gone are
the long tedious lines at the ticket booth, gone is the funnel effect of spectators making their way up the narrow stairs
while others crowd their way down. Spectators easily found their seats.
A more relaxed program, the race schedule moved with precision. Well-timed track maintenance gave everyone the opportunity
to visit the concession stands. In spite of the fact that the AMX actually scheduled more racing, the whole event did not
take much more time than in the past.
So how does this program work so well? First, the racers follow the rules. They enter their cars on schedule, they make
sure their cars fit the rules, they attend their drivers meeting promptly and they are prepared to race.
Secondly, the workers come prepared to do their appointed jobs. The AMX averages 45 workers at each race. Each has a job
to do and most have been doing that job for several years. They are knowledgeable and because they are, the race moves
along smoothly.
The tech crew is headed up by AMX Broad Member Brad Leap. Brad picks an individual to assist in the tech-in. That person
is usually someone who will be flagging later in the day. Harold “Butz” Glidewell (AMX Board Member) oversees this most
critical of tasks.
By 10 a.m. the back gate office is open. Driver check-in is handled by Corrie Knerr and Naomi Parry. I handle the Notary
Public job. Cindy Bassett is responsible for driver’s drawing their position number and the stats. Jody Hertzog
(AMX secretary/treasurer) oversees this part of the event.
Early in the afternoon, Dean Dunlap (Great Falls) arrives with safety equipment. He personally sets up the flagger
stations, issues out safety vests and holds safety meetings as needed. He is the man responsible for those incredibly
awesome race videos that we get to view at the 4-Aces after the race.
Just prior to the race, our professional people arrive; the deputies of the Fergus County Sheriffs Office and the EMT’s
of Central Montana Medical Center. The individuals may change from race to race, but the quality of their work is apparent
at every race.
Other professionals that are vital to our event are Perry Brzezinski (KXLO/KLCM Radio) as announcer and John Haugen
(Montana West) as our official “still” photographer.
Jerry Vogl (AMX Vice President) heads up the flagging crew. Head flagger is Bob Jenni. A variety of individuals fill
the remaining seven positions as they are available.
Race Day Treasurer is Michelle Riley from Laurel. She supervises the admission clerks, hand-stamping crew, programs,
50/50 ticket sales and the giveaways. I, as an AMX Board Member, am overseeing the grandstand side of the event.
Every race needs competent lap counters. Charmaine Marynik is our head lap counter. David Gwin (Billings) has been
developing a lap counting computer program and on race day, he provides lap tops for our use. Presently we use two
additional counters, one on a lap top and the other hand counts. Different people fill these positions as they are
available. Jody Hertzog oversees the counters.
Bill “Happy” Vlastelic, AMX personality, is the man on the “mike” for prize drawings including the 50/50, cash and prize
give-a-way, the bicycle give-a-way and those precious trophies won by daring racers.
So now with all the workers in place and the driver’s strapped into their cars, the important job of lining up the racers
belongs to Kim Erlandson (Billings). Efficiently, Kim stages the cars, in the correct race order and in the correct heats.
The pace truck job is Dick Erlandson’s (AMX President). He is responsible to check each car on the track for safety
equipment just prior to the race and he sets the number of laps for each race. He oversees track management that includes
the staging area, pit area and orders up track maintenance. Don McCoy (McCoy’s Septic Service) provides expert track
watering and answers directly to Erlandson.
So the race day precision that appears to begin at 6:00 p.m. sharp with the national anthem actually began much earlier.
For your enjoyment, AMX Racing holds true to our belief that the spectator is number one. Sometimes the well-oiled
machine will jump a “cog” but not on that first race of this season in Lewistown. The fans loved AMX Racing and they
watched …
Lewistown Race and Results
6-10-04
The addition of motorcycle and ATV racing to the action-packed AMX race schedule made last Saturday evenings events greatly
anticipated. Anxious fans began to filter into the grandstands as early as 2:00 p.m.
A total of 50 cars were entered into stock, super stock and mini stock competition. Twelve ATV riders and eight kids on
their small motorcycles, gave us a glimpse of what might be in the future of AMX Racing.
For the first time in five years, I had the opportunity to sit in the grandstand and see what the race fans have been
seeing. (Let me tell you, that view of the race is a whole lot different than the one that is behind the scenes.) When
Darrell Tuss drove his “Candy” truck onto the track, kids of every age spilled out of the grandstand like a great flood,
heading for the “zone”, you know, the “ACE candy toss zone.” I wondered how many of those kids have spent countless
Saturday evenings in that grandstand watching AMX Racing. I also wondered how many might become part of the future of
AMX Racing in four, five years. If that seems too distant, then let me tell you about my conversation with a boy on
Saturday night.
He didn’t tell me his name, rather he queried me about the rules of building a car and when he told me he was fourteen
and wanted to start now so he could race when he was sixteen, I took him seriously. I didn’t laugh or make fun of him
because I could see the look in his eyes, the same look that I have seen in other kids who are now on the race track. So
for this unknown future racer, to get your rules and car specs, get on the internet at www.AMXRacing.net or call me, Nancy
at 538-7707.
The real future of AMX Racing is the kids, those wonderful, high energy kids with big hopes and even bigger dreams. It
makes no difference if they are hanging onto a set of handlebars or strapped into a drivers’ seat, our youth is the
everlasting constant in our desire to improve AMX racing.
This season, like no other, has more junior racers entered into the open car classes than ever before. These young people
are the bright stars of AMX Racing and they will glitter and shine for many years to come.
So let’s see how well our junior drivers did in this first race for Lewistown in the 2004 season.
Motorcycle Competitors
Dillon Simons Lewistown (11 years old)
Kyle Thornton Lewistown (10 years old)
George Vogl Lewistown (10 years old)
Matt O’Dell Lewistown (11 years old)
Destan Miller Judith Gap (8 years old)
Wayne Stevenson Hobson
Yancey Fitch Worden (7 years old)
ATV Pro
1st 32 Clint Fowler Lewistown
2nd 15 Dave Bristol Lewistown
3rd 20 Tommy Harrell Billings
4th 1 Paul Rickl Lewistown
1st 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown (17 years old)
2nd 22 Levi Kirkegard Lewistown
3rd 117 Keri Olson Lewistown
4th 182 Jace Barrett Hilger (16 years old)
Mini Stock A Main
1st 486 Gary Couch Havre
2nd 6 Stuart Mallo Helena
3rd 4 Tony Dolphay Havre
4th 52 Randy Christofferson Havre
5th 108 Les Bush Lewistown
6th 205 Eric Bush Lewistown
Stock C Main
1st 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown (moved up)
2nd 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
3rd 390 L.J. Otto Lewistown
4th 329 Hank Slining Jr. Lewistown
5th 170 Sean McCracken Lewistown
6th 210 Chris Miller Judith Gap
7th 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown
Stock B Main
1st 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin (17 years old)
2nd 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown
3rd 13 Will Van Haur Hilger (16 years old)
4th 105 Shaun Nicholls Bozeman
5th 185 Tim Mauws Judith Gap
6th 484 Calub Herman Hilger
7th 204 Ben Bush Lewistown
8th 472 Brian Mauws Judith Gap
9th 417 Don Pallett Lewistown
10th 481 Nona Knerr Hilger (16 years old)
Stock A Main
1st 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown
2nd 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown
3rd 389 Roger Dengel Lewistown
4th 198 Bill Moody Lewistown
5th 51 Sweet William Jones Lewistown
6th 471 Travis Anderson Dodson
7th 126 Wes Deegan Moccasin (17 years old)
8th 354 Ron Sunford Malta
9th 22x Rick Ostrum Billings
Super Stock A Main
1st 186 Kurt Erlandson Lewistown
2nd 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown
3rd 416 Tom Pewitt Glasgow
4th 470 Ron Jacobs Havre
5th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin
6th 328 Bryan Bawden Lewistown
7th 234 Bill Jaynes Dodson
8th 332 Joey Glidewell Lewistown
9th 29 Hank Slining Lewistown
72 Leonard Davis Lewistown DNR
204 Jared Haworth Billings DNR
207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown DNR
331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown DNR
There could not have been a more perfect race day than last Saturday, or at least it appeared to be so. The hot morning
sun led us to believe that this first Lewistown race was to be like no other. That same hot sun punished us in the early
afternoon.
With storm clouds gathering in the early evening, race officials knew that we would not be spared the onset of foul weather.
Torrential rains violently opened up in the middle of the Stock Mains, hammering the drivers, the flagmen and chasing the
spectators into the upper decks of the grandstands.
But AMX Racing is not for fair-weather racers or faint-of-heart fans. When the going gets tough, well, we just keep on
racing. Booming thunder could not drown out the roar of hot, fire-spitting engines. Flashes of lightning momentarily
illuminated the competition just ahead and the rain-flooded track proved to be just another of those obstacles that the
race drivers managed to overcome.
With dazzling skill the racers guided their hydroplaning cars around the track, oblivious to the wind, a wind so strong
that it eventually became a tornado. With steamy visors wide open, the racers charged headlong into the pelting rain,
eager to make the north turn so that the wind was once again at their backs. The thought of quitting never occurred to
them for this was their true test of racing and they were racing…
6-2-04
I have found in my past five-year association with the AMX, that ideas and concepts can be discarded into the trash bin.
I have also found that those same ideas can be resurrected. By making wise decisions based on past and current data,
concepts that once seemed hopeless, can now be retrieved from the bin and utilized to the best interest of the racers
and the association.
One such idea was the long-standing Championship Race in Lewistown. Because of troubled turmoil, the Championship Race,
as we knew it, was trashed. Last seasons newer version was met with much less success than anticipated.
The idea of qualifying for the race throughout the season seems to be of great interest to the racers and by scheduling
the race immediately following the last qualifying race of the season, the opportunity to race a “double race” is of even
greater interest.
So the official word from the AMX Board of Directors is that the August 28th race scheduled at Lewistown will be a
“double race” date. The first race will be a regular Lewistown points race as well as a qualifying race. The second
race, immediately following the first race will be a Championship Race with only those qualifying competing.
For those new drivers who are unfamiliar with the Championship race procedure, all qualifiers who wish to race, pay a
second entry fee at the time of check-in. If for some reason, you are unable to race in the Championship Race, your entry
fee will be refunded. All cars that are entered into the Championship Race must race in the first race (hot). No fresh
(cold) cars are allowed in the Championship competition.
Each driver will draw for position separate from the regular race. All entered qualifiers will race in their heat.
Those racers advancing to the A Main become the Championship Racers for their class. All others are disqualified.
There are NO “B or C” Mains in the Championship Race.
Payouts for the Championship Race winners are separate from the regular race and are of a greater amount than a regular
race.
The Championship Race has always been popular with race fans and drivers alike. With the possibility of great weather
in late August and longer daylight hours, this race could be record-breaking in car entries as well as the number of
spectators in the grandstands.
Don’t be left out, earn your right to your place in the Championship Race by winning money or qualifying in an “A” main
in your class of racing. Drivers may qualify at any race scheduled at each of the three AMX race tracks. Lewistown Half
Mile, Lohman Motorsports Complex outside of Havre and Phillips County Race Track in Dodson.
Let the “fun”begin because at AMX Racing, we race.
5-24-04
It's not the buzz of bees that alert us to the arrival of spring, rather, it's the buzz of people talking, talking
about gear ratios, dome-topped pistons and the excited talk of racing, of wicked race tracks and exceptional racers.
When I talk about racers, I'm not only talking about our AMX race car drivers, I'm also talking about ATV and
motorcycle racers
The new program for this year in Lewistown is smattered with quite possibly the most fast-paced racing ever put together
in a single event. Intermixed with super stock, stock and mini stock car racing will be four calsses of motorcycle racing
and three classes of ATV racing. Riders 16 years of age and older can compete in a Utility Class, a Sport Class and a
Farm/Ranch Open Class. (Carhartts required, Copenhagen optional)
Motorcycle racing is for bikes 0-65 cc, 66-85 cc, 86-125 cc, 126-250 cc. Age restrictions have not yet been set, so
check the website at www.amxracing.net for required gear, rules, other information and race contacts to see what
restrictions there might be.
It is with my complete satisfaction to see the growing number of new drivers registering to race this season. And
it is an even greater satisfaction to see drivers from the past, those people whose names we haven't heard for a while,
registering to once again race.
Racing in Lewistown looks to be better than ever, with local drivers rising to the call to race. But I fear for Dodson
and Havre.
Race entries in Dodson on May 15th were fair, not so good as some races but certainly not as poor as some in the past.
It was a workable number and the show was good, but the rising cost of gas may curtail the flow of out-of-town racers
to the track. As with Lewistown, Dodson will have to encourage locals to build enough home-based cars to support
their races.
As a fledgling track, Havre is most at risk. In spite of the heroic effort of organizers to build support through
advertising, car numbers will be the critical factor for success. Most interested people have not seen even one of
our action-packed AMX races, so many are reluctant to invest in a car. Home-town based cars are the vital link.
Race car support for these tracks are of great importance but no matter how badly we might want to travel, the cost
of the gas to get there will be the determining factor of we want to continue our wandering ways.
With price control out of our hands, we must focus on what we can and must do. Get our cars together, round up family
and friends and once again, plan to attend our AMX races. Remember, it's our nieghbors out there, having the thrill
of their lives behind the wheel and hanging onto the handlebars.
It's AMX Racing...for the fun of it!
DODSON Race and Results
5-15-04
The 2004 AMX Racing season opener last Saturday in Dodson was incredibly good. Mother Nature provided us with the most
perfect racing weather imaginable. That, teamed with excellent track conditions, made for fast, fun and exciting racing.
The PCRA worked wonders during the off-season, hauling in tons of clay-based dirt that created a workable track surface
that can be watered effectively, smoothed and packed. It was with absolute joy that I spied a road grader grooming the
track hours prior to race time.
Entry numbers were a bit light but manageable. The mini stock and stock classes each ran a Money/Points Race and a Trophy
Race. The super stock class ran two heats and “A” and “B” mains.
Behind the wheel experience was the name of the game for both the stock and mini stock races. Youthful new drivers were
given a lesson by those who have raced before. Yet, there were none willing to give up the driver’s seat by the end of the
day and you can be sure that just one race won’t break the spirit of these potentially great drivers.
The super stock was a totally different story. The B Main found a “Bill vs. Bill” thing going on, then McKeen and rookie
driver Mike Plouffe locked bumpers which ended up in a joy-ride around tires, then crossing the track to take a wild ride
through dirt berms. Eventually McKeen shook Plouffe off and rejoined the race.
The A Main featured Larry Glidewell and Rob Jaynes is another of their now infamous racing duels. Usually, one or the
other ends up on their top, but this race was different. It was truly a race of two top-notch, vastly experienced drivers
with cars that are incredibly equal. Lap after lap, the cars darted and dodged each other through the corners. First one
and then the other, grabbing the lead away in quick inside moves. Fans cheered mightily but the winner was determined by
the number of laps remaining. Quite possibly the most skillful racing witnessed in many races, this A Main will certainly
be talked about for a long, long time.
Once again, it was a near clean-sweep of the trophies with Lewistown taking home the lion’s share of the hardware.
Race results are as follows:
Mini Stock Money/Points Race
Place Car# Driver
1st 486 Gary Couch, Havre
2nd 205 Eric Bush, Lewistown
3rd 4 Tony Dolphay, Havre
4th 52 Randy Christofferson, Havre
5th 40 Art Wiese, Havre
Mini Stock Trophy Race
1st 205 Eric Bush, Lewistown
Stock Money/Points Race
1st 312 Dave McCoy, Lewistown
2nd 354 Ron Sunford, Malta
3rd 471 Travis Anderson, Dodson
4th 414 Jerry Roberts, Malta
5th 381 Kari McKeen, Moccasin
6th 311 Wanda Redfield, Lewistown
7th 217 Scott Jaynes, Big Timber
Stock Trophy Race
1st 312 Dave McCoy, Lewistown
Super Stock B Main
1st 416 Tom Pewitt, Glasgow
2nd 208 Mike Bricks, Malta
3rd 380 Bill McKeen, Moccasin
4th 101 Mike Plouffe, Malta
5th 234 Bill Jaynes, Malta
Super Stock A Main
1st 331 Larry Glidewell, Lewistown
2nd 470 Ron Jacobs, Havre
3rd 258 Rob Jaynes, Malta
4th 332 Joey Glidewell, Lewistown
5th 409 Mark Newby, Malta
6th 157 Russell Jaynes, Malta
Novice Ladies
1st ?
2nd ?
3rd Jessica Roberts
4th ?
Pitman Race
1st Shayne Redfield, Lewistown
With the season opener behind us, there are eleven remaining AMX races. Join us for fast-paced action on the newest
of the AMX tracks at Lohman Motorsports Complex just east of Havre on May 29th. This you won’t want to miss!
AMX Racing
Snowmobile Races
Dedicated race fans from Central Montana was treated to the spectacle of snowmobile drag racing
MSRA style at the Montana Winter Fair.
The Montana Snowmobile Racing Association teamed up with our own AMX to put together an entertaining
afternoon of drag racing. A Saturday featured event of the Montana Winter Fair, the event rounded
out a full week of fair activities at the Central Montana Fairgrounds, the now permanent home of
the Montana Winter Fair.
Below zero temperatures during fair week made for horrible track conditions at the planned track
site. Coordinators decided to move the race site to a privately owned hayfield adjacent to the
fairgrounds. Race management acknowledges Vanek’s Paradise Ranch for their quick response to the
dilemma, making this race once again possible.
Spectators made the best of the situation, gladly trading in the cold metal seats of the grandstand
for mounds of piled snow, making for perfect seating or standing. The retaining fence was lined
with those who braved the frigid cold, but the rapidly dropping temperature proved too much for
most, forcing them to the shelter of idling vehicles.
In spite of winter gear and race helmets, I could see lots of new faces. But every once in a while,
a familiar face would appear. Young and old, each with their own style and techniques, men and
women alike, straddling great looking sleds with top names in the business, Yamaha, Ski-Do,
Artic Cat and Polaris, each well represented with capable riders. Oh, how grand it was!
But it was impossible to stand against the force of Mother Nature. She chilled us with her
blistering cold, she ravaged us with her frigid wind and when all else failed, she stole away
the last few rays of a not-so-warm sun, leaving us in darkness with just a few more runs to make.
Organizers called the race finished and their official results are as follows:
Fastest Reaction Time James Schmitt $100 sponsored by The Blue Nugget
Total Payout - $3,310.00
The AMX would like to thank Dean Dunlap for video work, Dean Stapleton for being the starter,
Arlan Gobble of Torgerson Tractor, Intermountain Distributors, Central Montana Fairgrounds and
our AMX workers (Cindy and Scott Bassett, Wanda Redfield and Dick Erlandson as race manager).
HINT: If the results are askew go to view on your tool bar and choose
a smaller or larger text size.
"2004 Archives"