9-21-05
Lewistown Championship September 18th
Stock Heat 1 -257 Bart Wilson Hilger Heat 2 – 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown Heat 3 – 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown Stock A Main 1st 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 2nd 257 Bart Wilson Hilger 3rd 198 Bill Moody Lewistown 4th 412 Brad Yaeger Lewistown 5th 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown 6th 422 Cory Wickens Lewistown 7th 13 Will Van Haur Hilger 8th 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown 9th 112 Bo Young Lewistown 10th 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin 11th 66 Lander Novak Coalstrip 12th 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown Super Stock Heat 1 – 470 Ron Jacobs Havre Heat 2 – 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown Super Stock A Main 1st 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 2nd 286 Dick Erlandson Lewistown 3rd 328 Bryan Bawden Lewistown 4th 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 5th 207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown 6th 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown 7th 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown 8th 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 9th 95 David Gwin Billings 10th 29 Hank Slining Lewistown Novice Race 1st 246 Sherry Evans Lewistown 2nd 157 Max Stewart Lewistown 3rd 389 Jim Sanofsky Lewistown 4th 111 Wendy Young Lewistown Mini Stock Money Race 1st 88 Cassandra Gromley(r) Havre 2nd 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 3rd 486 Gary Couch Havre 4th 87 Alan Munch(r) Lewistown 5th 30 Bill Phillipi(r) Lewistown 6th 22 Keri Noone Lewistown 7th 6 Stuart Mallo Helena 8th 182 Jace Barrett Hilger 9th 45 Jennifer Granot Lewistown Trophy Race – 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 50 c.c bikes 1st 17 Tyler Lee Denton 2nd 64 Scott Weeden Lewistown 3rd 239 Trey Brewington Billings 4th 11 Hannah Weeden Lewistown 65 c.c. and 85 c.c bikes 1st 13 Jerime Granot Lewistown 2nd 96 PJ Granot Lewistown 3rd 28 George Vogl Lewistown 4th 259 Trevor Gilskey Hilger 5th 7 Kyle Thornton Lewistown 6th 2 Drew Macintosh Lewistown 7th 50 Jonathan Gies Lewistown ATV’s 1st 312 Ty Leary Lewistown 2nd 18 Stacy Wilcox Billings 3rd 61 Nathan Taylor Lewistown 4th 24 Tyler Gilskey Hilger Barbie Jeep Race 1st Britney Thornton Lewistown 2nd Mercedes Taylor Lewistown9-21-05
Lewistown September 17th Race
Stock Points # Heat 1 5 257 Bart Wilson Hilger Heat 2 5 277 Dave Ward Lewistown Heat 3 5 422 Cory Wickens Lewistown C Main 1st 46 105 Shawn Nicholls Judith Gap 2nd 44 329 Hank Slining Jr. Lewistown 3rd 42 210 Chris Miller Judith Gap 4th 40 481 Nona Knerr Hilger B Main 1st 73 198 Bill Moody Lewistown 2nd 71 389 Josh Sanofsky Lewistown 3rd 69 112 Bo Young Lewistown 4th 67 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown 5th 65 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 6th 63 465 Randy Morris Billings 7th 61 13 Will Van Haur Hilger 8th 59 46 Bob Morris Billings 9th 57 120 Jene Rust Lewistown 10th 55 390 Donovan Olander Lewistown 11th 53 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown 12th 51 33 Zack Brewington Garneill A Main 1st 100 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin 2nd 98 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown 3rd 96 257 Bart Wilson Hilger 4th 94 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown 5th 92 412 Brad Yaeger Lewistown 6th 90 422 Cory Wickens Lewistown 7th 88 111 Kurt Young Lewistown 8th 86 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 9th 84 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 10th 82 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown 11th 80 277 Dave Ward Lewistown 12th 78 66 Lander Novak Coalstrip Super Stock Heat 1 5 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown Heat 2 5 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown A Main 1st 100 207 Stan Kuipers Lewistown 2nd 98 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown 3rd 96 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 4th 94 286 Dick Erlandson Lewistown 5th 92 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 6th 90 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown 7th 88 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 8th 86 95 David Gwin Billings B Main 1st 81 328 Bryan Bawden Lewistown 2nd 79 60 Tami Schutt Coalstrip 3rd 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin 4th 75 80 Robert Kuipers Lewistown 5th 73 29 Hank Slining Lewistown 6th 71 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown 7th 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown Money Points Race Mini stock 1st 100 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 2nd 98 486 Gary Couch Havre 3rd 96 87 Alan Munch Lewistown 4th 94 88 Cassandra Gromely Havre 5th 92 22 Levi Kirdegard Lewistown 6th 90 30 Bill Phillipi Lewistown 7th 88 6 Stuart Mallo Helena 8th 86 45 Jennifer Granot Lewistown Trophy Race - 486 Gary Couch Havre Novice Race 1st 33 Ronnie Brewington Garneill 2nd 422 Tom Wickens Lewistown 3rd 246 Sherri Evans Lewistown 4th 46 Jamie Brown Nashville 5th 112 Wendy Young Lewistown ATV’s 1st 312 Ty Leary Lewistown 2nd 18 Stacy Wilcox Billings 3rd 61 Nathan Taylor Lewistown9-13-05
Get Ready for the Fianale
Chill in the air reminds us that autumn is at hand. It is nearing the end of our Auto Moto Xross race season. We’ve saved the best for last!
Saturday night, we once again light up the Central Montana Fairgrounds with hot cars and fantastic driving. It’s a last-ditch effort for many to qualify for the Championship Race. Others savor the opportunity to grab even more AMX cash. ATV and dirt bike riders clamor for their chance at one last race this season.
Are you ready for this weekend? Because AMX has a bigger and better program that flows over from the Saturday night race into Sunday afternoon. That’s right, two days of fast-paced action perfectly staged for fall weather.
Racing on Saturday begins at 5 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. in hopes that the usual cool to cold night air does not chase away our fans. If you’re into hot laps, they will begin at 3 p.m. with the drivers/riders meeting to be held at 4 p.m.
Sunday’s featured event is the AMX Championship Race. Only qualifying drivers can compete in this elite event. Drivers earn the right to race by winning cash or racing in an “A” main at any of the affiliated AMX races, either in Lewistown or Havre. This may sound easy but as many racers know, it’s not as simple as it seems.
The gates for the spectators will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday with racing beginning at 2 p.m. sharp. The costs for tickets are $8 bucks for regular seating with kids 7 – 12 getting in for a buck. Take advantage of special double tickets and get into both races for $14 bucks.
A special event will take place on Sunday during the break between the heat races and the “A” Mains. Little tots racing in their own little cars, this you will not want to miss, it is a must-see for every one, young and old alike.
Moms and Dads, bring your kids (5 years of age and younger) with their battery operated Motor-Power vehicle and enter them in the Tiny Tots Drag Race. Fill out entry papers at the pit entrance before 1 p.m. on Sunday for their first competition on the Fergus County Half-Mile AMX track. Five early entries have already signed up with more to come. No entry fee and prizes for every racer.
It’s a long stretch of time from Championship Race until next May when the 2006 race season opens. This is as good as it gets and it will have to satisfy us during the long doldrums months of winter. Bring your friends and your family for one last blast on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. We will all be waiting for you.
9-9-05
Race Results from Lohman (Havre) July 23rd and 24th Races
Race Results from Lohman 7/23/05 Points # Mini Stock 1st 100 486 Gary Couch 2nd 98 88 Cassandra Gromley Trophy ~ Gary Couch Stock A Main 1st 100 144 Craig Burnham 2nd 98 23 George Anderson 3rd 101* 312 Dave McCoy 4th 94 313 Duane Woodring 5th 97* 217 Scott Jaynes 6th 10 34 Jason Nitz B Main 1st 87 246 Pat Evans 2nd 85 354 Ron Sunford 3rd 83 471 Travis Anderson 4th 81 7 Rodney Noone 5th 79 140 Tony Bibeau 6th 77 116 Luke Brown 7th 75 145 Nick Nowak Super Stock 1st 100 187 Shawn Essex 2nd 98 470 Ron Jacobs Trophy ~ Shawn Essex Race Results from Lohman 7/24/05 Mini Stock 1st 100 88 Cassandra Gromley 2nd 98 486 Gary Couch Trophy ~ Gary Couch Stock A Main 1st 105* 313 Duane Woodring 2nd 98 217 Scott Jaynes 3rd 96 140 Tony Bibeau 4th 94 7 Rodney Noone 5th 97* 312 Dave McCoy 6th 10 144 Craig Burnham B Main 1st 87 471 Travis Anderson 2nd 85 246 Pat Evans 3rd 83 23 George Anderson 4th 81 34 Jason Nitz 5th 79 354 Ron Sunford 6th 77 116 Luke Brown Super Stock 1st 100 187 Shawn Essex 2nd 98 470 Ron Jacobs Trophy ~ Ron Jacobs9-6-05
Race Results from Lewistown August 27th Race
Stock Heat 1 – Dave McCoy, Lewistown
Stock Heat 2 - Duane Woodring, Lewistown
Stock Heat 3 - C.J. Yochum, Billings
Super Stock 1 - Dave Elliot, Billings
Super Stock 2 - Shaun Ruckman, Lewistown
50 cc’s 1st 239 Trey Brewington Billings 2nd 28 Koltin Hargrose Great Falls 3rd 82 Buck Hargrose Great Falls
Over 65 cc’s 1st 576 Dan Leary Lewistown 2nd 54 Eli Bush Lewistown 3rd 96 P.J. Granot Lewistown
ATV’s 1st 312 Tye Leary Lewistown 2nd 18 Stacy Wilcox Billings 3rd 61 Nathan Taylor Lewistown
Novice Race 1st 481 Norm Flood Lewistown 2nd 389 Jim Sanofsky Lewistown
Mini Stock Money/Points Race Points # 1st 100 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 2nd 98 486 Gary Couch Havre 3rd 96 30 Bill Phillipi Lewistown 4th 94 87 Alan Munch Lewistown 5th 92 182 Jace Barrett Hilger 6th 90 6 Stuart Mallo Helena 7th 88 22 Alan Moline Lewistown 8th 86 45 Jennifer Granot Lewistown
Mini Stock Trophy 1st 9 Paul Granot Lewistown
Stock C Main 1st 52 185 Tim Mauws Judith Gap 2nd 49 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown 3rd 47 481 Nona Knerr Hilger 4th 45 329 Hank Slining Jr. Lewistown 5th 43 420 Erlean Rust Lewistown 6th 41 120 Jene Rust Lewistown 7th 39 484 Caleb Herman Hilger 8th 37 390 Donovan Olander Mandan, ND
Stock B Main 1st 73 112 Bo Young Lewistown 2nd 71 389 Josh Sanofsky Lewistown 3rd 69 465 Randy Morris Billings 4th 67 210 Chris Miller Judith Gap 5th 65 33 Zack Brewington Garneill 6th 63 105 Shawn Nicholls Judith Gap 7th 61 111 Kurt Young Lewistown 8th 59 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown 9th 57 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown
Stock A Main 1st 105* 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 2nd 98 198 Bill Moody Lewistown 3rd 96 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 4th 94 257 Bart Wilson Hilger 5th 92 13 Will Van Haur Hilger 6th 90 380 Bill McKeen Moccasin 7th 93* 46 C.J. Yochum Billings 8th 86 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown 9th 84 412 Brad Yaeger Lewistown 10th 82 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 11th 80 422 Cory Wickens Lewistown 12th 83* 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown
Super Stock B Main 1st 81 60 Lander Novak Coalstrip 2nd 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 3rd 198 Bill Moody Lewistown 4th 75 328 Bryan Bawden Lewistown 5th 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 6th 71 80 Robert Kuipers Lewistown 7th 69 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown 8th 257 Bart Wilson Hilger
Super Stock A Main 1st 100 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown 2nd 103* 007 Dave Elliot Billings 3rd 96 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 4th 94 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 5th 92 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 6th 95* 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown 7th 88 286 Dick Erlandson Lewistown 8th 86 29 Hank Slining Lewistown8-30-05
Story and Results from Lewistown August 27th Race
I always wonder just how much fun any one person is entitled to. Obviously from last Saturday’s AMX Race, it’s just as much as that one person can handle.
For Bryan Tuss (#221), it was more than just fun winning the Super Stock A Main. It was getting his “just desserts”, it was winning without sharing, it was taking the “whole enchilada” and it was the ride of his life.
The Super Stock “A” Main could have not been more perfect starting with the perfect draw for pole position. The car ran flawlessly and the track condition was (what can I say?) perfect. Without a doubt Bryan made every corner perfect, shifted his Nova in perfect rhythm and gave us, the fans, a perfectly beautiful race.
There were a few others who raced their cars to grab a chunk of AMX change. That opportunity came in the form of the Stock Incentive Program. New this last race, the four racers who earned money in the Stock A Main got their chance to move up to the Super Stock B Main and race for even more cash.
There were bucks to be earned for just moving up and taking the checkered flag plus they could snatch away from the super stock drivers, placing money in the S.S. “B” Main (that is if their cars were fast enough)
Excitement rippled through the pits at the thought of a clean sweep. More than one stock racer was capable, the question was, was their cars built close enough to the super stocks to meet the challenge. All were ready to try.
To make it fair, the stock cars were allowed to drop their restrictors for the S.S. “B” Main. I don’t know if any or all actually did, but the race was very fast and very exciting.
I must admit that my interest is high when it comes to the Novice Race. Undoubtedly questionable at times, Saturday’s novice race oozed with perfection. Excellent track conditions gave those drivers the opportunity to test their skill with speed and control.
Heat Winners:
Stock Heat 1 – Dave McCoy Lewistown Stock Heat 2 - Duane Woodring Lewistown Stock Heat 3 - C.J. Yochum Billings Super Stock 1 - Dave Elliot Billings Super Stock 2 - Shaun Ruckman Lewistown50 cc’s
1st 239 Trey Brewington Billings 2nd 28 Koltin Hargrose Great Falls 3rd 82 Buck Hargrose Great FallsOver 65 cc’s
1st 576 Dan Leary Lewistown 2nd 54 Eli Bush Lewistown 3rd 96 P.J. Granot LewistownATV’s
1st 312 Tye Leary Lewistown 2nd 18 Stacy Wilcox Billings 3rd 61 Nathan Taylor LewistownNovice Race
1st 481 Norm Flood Lewistown 2nd 389 Jim Sanofsky LewistownMini Stock Money/Points Race
1st 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre 3rd 30 Bill Phillipi LewistownMini Stock Trophy
1st 9 Paul Granot LewistownStock C Main
1st 185 Tim Mauws Judith Gap 2nd 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown 3rd 481 Nona Knerr HilgerStock B Main
1st 112 Bo Young Lewistown 2nd 389 Josh Sanofsky Lewistown 3rd 465 Randy Morris BillingsStock A Main
1st 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 2nd 198 Bill Moody Lewistown 3rd 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 4th 257 Bart Wilson HilgerSuper Stock B Main
1st 60 Lander Novak Coalstrip 2nd 313 Duane Woodring Lewistown 3rd 198 Bill Moody LewistownSuper Stock A Main
1st 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown 2nd 007 Dave Elliot Billings 3rd 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 4th 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown7-19-05
Story and Results from Lewistown Fair Race
Central Montanan’s love their fair and they truly love AMX Racing. It was obvious by the number of spectators that the racing spectacle that is AMX Racing has earned it’s place in the hearts of those spectators.
And just what did they hope to see? Why speed at full throttle, close contact side-by-side racing, cars wildly sliding out of corners and of course, the roll-overs. They come to watch their neighbors jamming on race helmets and turning the switch on to more fun than anyone (who has not sat in the driver’s seat) could ever imagine.
Did I say roll-overs? In the last six years that I have been associated with AMX Racing, there has been only one race that did not have a roll-over. I mean zero, nadda, ziltch! Lots of speed in that race, but kinda ho-hum in the thrill department.
Just a reminder, it is not the intent of the AMX to promote or encourage the roll-over factor, but when speed dictates the race and the track tacks up, anything and everything can happen.
So how many roll-overs did we have at the fair race: just one. Tami Schutt from Coalstrip did one beauty of a roll-over in her sharp looking, brand new super stock car. We have seen more than one car take a dive on the southeast corner, we just added Tami’s name to the list.
So what was all the chatter about? It was those stock cars putting on a show that was not intentional. Eleven cars in a head-to-head battle in the Stock B Main, everyone wanted the cash, most needed the points, others looking for the chance to advance to the A Main.
It was Hot! Hot! Hot! The cars were hot, nerves on edge, a real powder keg just waiting for a loose spark. Even before the first completed lap, the race erupted into a full scale demolition derby.
Who’s to say who did what or when it all started. All we know is that right before our eyes, cars collided with other cars, setting themselves up for a full throttle assault from in-coming cars to the arena. Joe Guenthner (#78) from Laurel found himself careening headlong into an arena gate.
By the time officials got everyone stopped, crunch time was over. The field was cut to six cars. While tow rigs pushed, pulled or otherwise removed crippled cars from the track, the head flagger and lap counter re-aligned the race field in two rows of three cars each. It is noted that Guenthner (#78) re-joined the race in lap four and actually finished in fifth place.
That “kiss of death” on the gate was not such a “killer” after all: it wasn’t that way for others who suffered major damage to their cars.
Rodney Noone (#7) drove a near flawless race in the Stock “A” Main as well as Shaun Ruckman (#172) in the Super Stock “A” Main. It is noteworthy that Dick Erlandson (#286) in his second start finished first in the Super Stock “B” Main.
Mini Stock Money/Points
1st 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 2nd 486 Gary Couch Havre 3rd 30 Bill Phillipe Judith GapStock Heat 1 Money
412 Brad Yaeger LewistownStock Heat 2 Money
7 Rodney Noone LewistownStock Heat 3 Money
198 Bill Moody LewistownStock Heat 4 Money
66 Lander Novak CoalstripSuper Stock Heat 1 Money
310 Shayne Redfield LewistownSuper Stock Heat 2 Money
470 Ron Jacobs HavreATV
1st 4 2nd 312 3rd 61Mini Stock Trophy Race
9 Paul Granot LewistownStock A Main
1st 7 Rodney Noone Lewistown 2nd 471 Travis Anderson Dodson 3rd 257 Bart Wilson Hilger 4th 207 Stan Kuipers LewistownStock B :Main
1st 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 2nd 13 Will Van Haur Hilger 3rd 112 Bo Young LewistownStock C Main
1st 422 Cory Wickens Lewistown 2nd 391 Matt Marynik Lewistown 3rd 389 Josh Sanofsky LewistownSuper Stock A Main
1st 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown 2nd 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 3rd 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 4th 328 Bryan Bawden HilgerSuper Stock B Main
1st 286 Dick Erlandson Lewistown 2nd 29 Hank Slining Lewistown 3rd 131 Sean Foster Lewistown
7-9-05
Story and Results from Lewistown July 2nd
My, oh, my!! The picture perfect day was over-shadowed by picture perfect racing. The fans were amazed, the racers stunned by the sheer awesome power of AMX Racing. Clearly one of the better races in recent years, the action was second to none.
With a car count of 45, the pits seemed crowded with eager anticipation. The cancellation of the June race spurred racers into jovial chatter, new faces mixing with familiar, creating a family-type atmosphere.
Noted for precision, Saturday’s AMX race began exactly on time. The new look of three-abreast start surprised many spectators. Gone was the assuredness of long-time experienced drivers who now had to contend with negotiating through multiple cars. That quick dash up the middle might or might not work.
Now in its third year, the mini stock class appears to have stagnated much like the TMX. Expected growth has not matured, so like the TMX, it has slipped into a Money/Points Race plus a Trophy Race. Considering that this entry level type of car (that is easily acquired) does not cost very much to build, I find it surprising that more people, who are eager to experience AMX Racing, do not enter into this car class.
It was proved last Saturday night that bunching all the mini stocks together makes for a much better race. Lap traffic becomes a real issue; the race leader cannot gain a huge lead.
Seasoned racers Paul and Jennifer Granot gave fair chase to Gary Couch of Havre. Last year’s points champion at three different tracks, Gary is a tough competitor with a very good car. If not for an outside flat tire (that the flaggers never saw), Gary might not have outraced Paul at this race.
The stock class literally crackled with excitement (or was that fireworks?). In any event, stock car racing on an AMX track is very good but when you calculate in the skill, daring and speed that you can only find in an AMX racer, well then, you have what it takes to make superior racing.
Saturday night racing did not disappoint the fans. Side by side racing in a bumper to bumper push, those who found themselves in the back of the pack at the start line, choo-chooed themselves forward, eager to keep pace with the front-line pole sitters.
Those who were unfortunate enough to draw center position struggled with an unfortunate muddy strip of goo (water truck malfunction) at the start line. Unable to escape their dilemma neither left nor right, each strained to reach dry dirt and salvage what they could from their heat race for heat race money (new this year) was at stake and their chance to compete in the “A” Main.
Unable to escape the grip of race fever, all eyes turned to the entry of the super stock cars. Eagerly awaiting for the rookie appearance of Dick Erlandson, our mouths hung wide open, for who could have guessed that Shawn Essex (187), Shaun Ruckman (172) and Dick Erlandson (286) would be on the front line.
With tons of drag racing experience and a hot car in his anxious hands, Dick proved to be up to the test as he came off the green flag first. Elation turned to despair as those, with miles of AMX experience, used every turn to outmaneuver the newest of super stock drivers.
Within yards of the start line, Ruckman grabbed the lead with Essex close behind. Erlandson stayed with the leaders for two laps, Dengel (389) and Jacobs (470) shadowed Dick like hungry wolves.
In lap three Dengel made his move on Dick and roared by. Jacobs, swinging wide, forced Dick to the outside edge of the north turn. With no room to maneuver, Dick was committed to smacking into that huge tire that marks the entrance to the arena. Gentle application of the brakes will soften the blow, yeah right. Dick slammed on the brakes and still whacked that tire a good one.
It’s amazing how the track shrinks as the speed increases. By the way, it did not go un-noticed the great racing effort by Bryan Tuss (221). From last position all the way to third place money, that is no easy task.
Once again our little motorcycle riders entertained the fans. Most people do not know just how young these riders are. It appears that they don’t even know how to write, yet they know where the throttle is on their pint-sized bikes. What a great job they do and thanks to moms and dads who bring them to our events.
Motorcycle Race 1 Motorcycle Race 2 Motorcycle Race 3 1. Tyler Lee - Denton 1. Jerime Granot - Lewis. 1. Dan Leary – Lewistown 2. Tristan Seal – Billings 2. Kyle Thornton – Lewis. 2. Chris Minkler – Roundup 3. #231 3. Destan Miller – J. Gap 3. Leo Farnsworth – Round.And what about our “big boys with fast toys”? When our ATV racers enter their event, they actually draw for their race position. Sometimes the luck of the draw is all any racer needs to be victorious. Such as it was for #5, Curtis Lemmon from Roundup.
Curtis Lemmon – Roundup
Leo Farnsworth – Roundup
Carl Fowler – Vaughn
Nine mini stocks took to the track to try and lay claim to Saturday night’s Mini Stock trophy. Each was hopeful, those who found themselves at the back of the pack in the earlier race, now found themselves on the front line.
Paul Granot (9) who drove mightily in the Money/Points race, zipped from 6th to 2nd place in less than a lap. Track giant, Gary Couch shadowed him. Persistent flat tires forced Paul to give up the race in lap two. Gary went on to over take race leader “Captain Crawdad” Alan Munch (87) for another win.
Wow! The Stock “B” Main was loaded with thirteen cars. This had all the ear-marks of a disaster in the making. Brad Yaeger, driving his uncle’s car (417) made a clean break from pole position to claim the title of lap leader. My own daughter, Kari McKeen (381) fell in behind just off his bumper. Making a huge rush from twelfth position was last year’s point’s champion, Nick Nowak (145). By lap three Nick was challenging Kari for second place. She held him off for two laps but succumbed to his persistence. Nick went on to challenge Brad, swapping first and second places. In the end, it was Nowak who took home the trophy and a fist full of cash.
All in all, a very clean race, the stats show that two of the thirteen cars did not finish and two others finished a lap down. Great racing!
The “A” Main for the stock cars glittered with racing talent. These twelve cars were ready for explosive action and action is what we saw. Inside pole sitter, Rodney Noone (7) dueled with outside pole sitter, Dave McCoy (312) as lap leader. For several laps, Rodney challenged Dave, swapping positions (usually in the corners) but Dave would pull away in the stretches while issuing a cloud of blue smoke.
Then disaster struck, right before my eyes, Sweet William Jones (3) took a hard roll on the right hand turn. Air horns sounded, red flags waved and the whole track came to a screeching halt. Quick response by the EMT’s was interrupted by a voice over the radio asking for assistance to a driver on the north corner.
Peeking around the tower, I could see a second car rolled-over. It was Jeff Hajenga (154). This was the first time in AMX history that we had simultaneous roll-overs at different parts of the track. It was reported that these occurred within two seconds of each other. Wow! Both drivers were unhurt but each is required to be immediately checked out by our EMTs.
What can any one say about the Novice Race. This race has all the potential in the world and is one of the best building blocks that AMX Racing has. Twenty-five percent of all novice drivers have registered a number and is currently racing.
It seems that all it takes is one individual to make one critical mistake to ruin it for the rest. The destruction to the arena fence was unnecessary but more importantly, risk of serious injury was catamount.
Only after much discussion has the AMX decided to once again offer the Novice Race. New constraints on this group of racers will be implemented. All racers must register prior to 3 p.m., they will be required to take hot laps in the car they will be racing after the main group of racers take their hot laps. Each novice driver must attend the driver’s meeting and then attend a second novice meeting. NOTE: If there is just one more incident of “stupid” driving, the Novice Race will be permanently suspended.
It was not fair to the winner of this race, ________Smith Jr. (111) and the other six racers, that this wreck should overshadow their great job of racing.
As expected, those used to winning put those who wished to win to the test. And if anyone suggests that those who race in super stock only race for the money, then exactly why did they race so hard in the six lap trophy race.
It seems that when the helmet is put on, a switch turns on in the race drivers head. It repeats over and over, second place is the first place loser (or something like that).
Reversing the super stock field landed the original front three (Essex, Ruckman, Erlandson) at the back of the pack. This created another unique situation.
The racer’s desire to get to the front can create a whole bunch of problems. How and why Bryan Bawden (328) rolled on the green flag lap, I have no idea. But the ground-slap his bright orange car endured left ground-in evidence right on the hard-packed surface of the dirt track.
With dust flying and cars trading paint, super stock racing hums a tune louder than a ragtime piano. Rollovers are never planned and on occasion a truly spectacular rollover just happens.
Using the dry edge of the track for more traction is a common practice for those who want to chase down the race leader. Shaun Ruckman (172) is no stranger to that thin dry strip, but this time the fine dirt in that strip grabbed more car than Shaun bargained for.
Careening him towards a very large tire perched near the end of the guardrail, there was very little Shaun could do. Taking the hit directly on the nose of his car, Shaun, car and tire catapulted over the guardrail in one big heap, landing upside-down between the rail and the lilac bushes.
A hush fell over the grandstands as the air horns blew long and loud. This rollover had the impact of seriousness, it was heart-stopping. The eruption of applause gave way to relief as “Ruckie” emerged from the wreck unscathed.
Even in death-defying feats, the racer emerges even more eager to race, to turn that speed to full-tilt. Bryan Tuss (221) continued his racing ways with Shawn Essex (187) hot on his heels. Remember, this race is for a trophy only. By lap four, Essex snatched the lead from Tuss and went on for another trophy win. So where did Erlandson finish, a respectable fourth place.
Mini Stock Money/Points
1. 486 Gary Couch Havre 2. 9 Paul Granot Lewistown 3. 45 Jennifer Granot LewistownMini Stock Trophy
1. 486 Gary Couch HavreStock B Main
1. 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 2. 417 Brad Yaeger Lewistown 3. 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin 4. 391 Matt Marynik LewistownStock A Main
1. 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown 2. 7 Rodney Noone* Lewistown 3. 66 Lander Novak* Coalstrip 4. 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 5. 313 Duane Woodring* Lewistown(* denotes heat winners)
Super Stock Money/Points
1. 172 Shaun Ruckman Lewistown 2. 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 3. 221 Bryan Tuss Lewistown 4. 389 Roger Dengel LewistownSuper Stock Trophy
1. 187 Shawn Essex LewistownThe next AMX race in Lewistown will be on July 30th at the Central Montana Fair. Racing begins 6 p.m. sharp. You won’t want to miss it, your friends and neighbors in a racing duel for your entertainment. We race for the fun of it!
6-28-05
Story and Points results from Lohman
One more time, we are ready to race. Disappointment from the cancelled June race has spurred even more excitement for the fabulous July 2nd race. Sure to be jam-packed with “fireworks”, the AMX expects a record number of entries in stock and super stock car classes. The novice class appears to be beaming with interest from new local drivers while the mini stocks will maintain their number of entries.
Wider and brighter, the Fergus Halfmile is groomed to perfection. Concessions are ready, racers are keyed to speed and skill. Let’s fill those seats and kick off the Fourth of July weekend in style.
Spectators will thrill to the introduction of our own Dick Erlandson as a driver in the #286 super stock car. Fans will recall that in years past, #286 belonged to Dick’s daughter Kim, a long-time super stock competitor. For the last three years, Kim has been doing a great job as the official line-up person in the staging area. Fans will also recognize Dick’s ride as that of his sons, Kurt . The door numbers are still #186 but the fin is Dick’s #286.
Fans and spectators are not the only ones that will be watching #286. Every super stock driver is eyeing the newest of the contenders. Will Dick show the nerves of steel that it takes to race in super stock? Rubbing is racing and side-by-side contact is AMX racing. Slamming the cars into tight corners at full throttle is a skill learned, not a gift and not one driver on race day is in any frame of mind to give a break to anyone. To win it, you have to earn it.
If anyone has knowledge of the track, it should be Dick. As the official track maintenance man, Dick has groomed and contoured the Fergus Half-mile for the past twelve years. He knows everything and anything about the track, but will it be enough to give him an edge to earn a first place win?
Dick has definitely stepped up to the challenge and will do what needs to be done to win, because second place is losing.
For those who are interested, racers chasing points towards the AMX Points Champion titles through Big Sky Thunder, took on the torturous bi-level track at Lohman last weekend. This screaming track challenges racers to be better than their best.
Points leaders are:
Mini Stock
1 486 Gary Couch Havre 100 100 200 2 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown 94 98 192 3 88 Cassie Gromley (R) Havre 98 92 190 4 421 Marie Hajenga (R) Lewistown 92 96 188 5 154 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown 90 94 184 6 182 Jace Barrett Hilger 96 0 96Stock
1 144 Craig Burnham Saco 105* 101* 206 2 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 98 100 198 3 354 Ron Sunford Malta 101* 92 193 4 471 Travis Anderson Dodson 92 94 186 5 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 94 88 182 6 112 Bo Young Lewistown 87 90 177 7 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown 76 98 174 8 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown 83 91* 174 9 115 Luke Brown Malta 81 79 160 10 23 George Anderson Dodson 74 81 155 11 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown 70 77 147 12 40x Bobby Vanek Lewistown 72 73 145 13 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin 10 75 85 14 140 Tony Bibeau Havre 85 0 85 15 217 Scott Jaynes Stockett 15* 0 15 16 34 Jason Nitz Havre 10 0 10 17 4 Tony Dolphay Havre 10 0 10 18 911 Randy Chistofferson Havre 10 0 10(* indicates heat winners, earning an extra five points)
Super Stock
1 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 98 98 196 2 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 94 100 194 3 331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown 96 92 188 4 409 Mark Newby Malta 90 94 184 5 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 100 0 100 6 Owen Lofftus Lewistown 0 96 96 7 101 Mike Plouffe Malta 92 0 92You might ask how the points system works. Drivers compete on both AMX race tracks, using their best two races from each track, add those together and you have a points champion. Drivers can earn extra points by winning their heat races.
With Lewistown’s first race just days away, point competitors are anxious to see if those who raced at Lohman will appear here to claim their first set of Lewistown points. If not, those drivers may decide to show up later in the season.
So the stage is set! With a bit of fair weather, a grandstand packed with fans, our hometown racers will meet the challenges of AMX Racing, dust through the window, dirt in your face, mud in the radiator. Join us for a great evening of racing, hotlaps at four, heat races at six, you don’t want to be late, Saturday July 2nd.
6-28-05
Race Story and Results from Lohman (Havre)
Clear skies, not a hint of rain, what a perfect weekend! Lohman Motorsports Complex just east of Havre was the place to be to enjoy the season opener for AMX Racing. Track conditions ranged from standing water to clouds of dust, a typical situation for the bi-level track where temperatures create huge logistic problems with track moisture.
Many times too wet, most of the time too dry, race manager Tony Dolphay and his track crew did a good job of track preparation and maintenance throughout the two-day event. The concessions were bursting with food and drink, all seemed thoroughly prepared. Only one minor glitch, the t.p. in the porta-potties was in short supply.
The spectators came to see a racing spectacle, and every racing spectacle needs racers. Out of town competitors stepped up to the plate and helped fill the pit area with the largest AMX car count recorded at Lohman to this date.
All seven AMX cars based in Havre were joined by eight from the Phillips County Racing Association. Lewistown racers provided a whopping fifteen cars making a very good thirty-car count on this most excellent of weekends.
Everyone was ready to race. The long dull-drum months of winter was just a memory and the time to kick up some dust was at hand. Drivers new to the track salivated at the thought of churning up the treacherous south hill just to rush headlong down the “chute” at heart-pounding speeds.
Saturday’s race was hard on cars. Some limped back to the pits, others had to be towed. Broken joints, blown tires, rims ripped off showing gapping jagged holes, motors gone in a puff of smoke, rear-ends detonated, tranys bellowing tell-tale blue smoke, the carnage was unbelievable.
Red-eyed racers jubilant in victory, others agonize in disaster, pit men rushing to and fro in a frenzy, mindful of quickly passing time. The routine was chaos at best, yet miracles do happen in the pit. The proof is the line of made-ready cars surging towards the staging area, ready to do battle once again.
Saturday Race Results~
Mini Stock Money/Points Race
1st 486 Gary Couch Havre 2nd 88 Cassie Gromley Havre 3rd 182 Jace Barrett Hilger 4th 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown 5th 421 Marie Hajenga Lewistown 6th 80 Jeff Hajenga LewistownMini Stock Trophy Race
1st 486 Gary Couch HavreStock C Main
1st 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown (moved up) 2nd 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown 3rd 23 George Anderson Dodson 4th 40x Bobby Vanek Lewistown 5th 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown dnr 381 Kari McKeen MoccasinStock B Main
1st 144 Craig Burnham Saco (moved up) 2nd 112 Bo Young Lewistown 3rd 140 Tony Bibeau Havre 4th 312 Dave McCoy Lewistown 5th 116 Luke Brown Malta dnr 4 Tony Dolphay Havre dnr 911 Randy Christofferson HavreStock A Main
1st 144 Craig Burnham Saco 2nd 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 3rd 354 Ron Sunford Malta 4th 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 5th 471 Travis Anderson Dodson dnr 217 Scott Jaynes Stockett dnr 34 Jason Nitz HavreSuper Stock Money/Points Race
1st 187 Shawn Essex Lewistown 2nd 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 3rd 331 Larry Glidewell Lewistown 4th 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 5th 101 Mike Plouffe Malta 6th 409 Mark Newby MaltaSuper Stock Trophy Race
1st 187 Shawn Essex LewistownNovice Race
1st 144 Alice Burnham Saco 2nd 112 Wendy Young Lewistown 3rd 246 Sherry Evans LewistownHard Luck Trophy – Dave McCoy, Lewistown
Most racers agree, “Tomorrow is another day!” Sunday’s event proved to be just as entertaining as Saturday. Those racers with damaged cars spent long hours Saturday night getting their cars ready for the next day. Some, however, needed more than a quick fix to make them race-ready.
Twenty-two cars returned to the pit for another days challenge. Tony, in an effort to make the racing interesting and to save the integrity of the track, changed up the length of the track and the direction in which it was raced (at least for the mini stocks).
Everyone was eager to again try their skill and in some cases their luck. Replacing Shawn Essex as the driver of the 187 car, Owen Lofftus (Lewistown) went for a ride through the “rhubarb patch” to the spectators delight.
As the track deteriorated, lead cars continually kicked up clouds of dust into the driver behind them. Most drivers agree that the hardest condition to drive in is dust, but those with nerves of steel never give it a moments thought as they hurl themselves down the track.
Sunday Race Results~
Mini Stock Money/Points Race
1st 486 Gary Couch Havre 2nd 155 Wally Hajenga Lewistown 3rd 421 Marie Hajenga Lewistown 4th 80 Jeff Hajenga Lewistown 5th 88 Cassie Gromley HavreMini Stock Trophy Race
1st 486 Gary Couch HavreStock B Main
1st 23 George Anderson Dodson 2nd 116 Luke Brown Malta 3rd 3 Sweet William Jones Lewistown 4th 381 Kari McKeen Moccasin 5th 40x Bobby Vanek LewistownStock A Main
1st 246 Pat Evans Lewistown 2nd 311 Wanda Redfield Lewistown 3rd 144 Craig Burnham Saco 4th 471 Travis Anderson Dodson 5th 354 Ron Sunford Malta 6th 112 Bo Young Lewistown 7th 145 Nick Nowak Lewistown 8th 312 Dave McCoy LewistownSuper Stock Money/Points Race
1st 310 Shayne Redfield Lewistown 2nd 470 Ron Jacobs Havre 3rd 187 Owen Lofftus Lewistown 4th 409 Mark Newby Malta 5th 331 Larry Glidewell LewistownSuper Stock Trophy Race
1st 187 Owen Lofftus LewistownHard Luck Award – Bobby Vanek, Lewistown
Something a little different, a three man race team in a bumper-to-bumper tag race. It was fun, it was different and the spectators stayed to watch. The race was close between the two teams, but the 471 car failed to stop within the zone and disqualified his team even though they actually posted the quickest time.
Tag Race mini stock super stock 1st 486/Gary Couch 145/Nick Nowak 187/Owen Lofftus DQ 88/Tony Dolphay 471/Travis Anderson 470/Ron JacobsA grudge match between Tony Dolphay and Gary Couch in mini stocks was very close at the checkered flag considering they switched cars. Tony was the winner by a small margin.
A big thanks to those who volunteered at the track before, during and after the races. A special thanks to the flagmen, fire department, the emt’s, water truck, tow rigs, the announcer, the concession stand, the cheerleaders and all those people who worked behind the scenes to make this race weekend so successful.
Our biggest thanks goes to Tony Dolphay. Without his drive, imagination and endurance, AMX Racing at Lohman Motorsports Complex would not be a reality. He stands a head above all others.
For those of you who did not make it to Lohman this past weekend, mark it on your calendar, the AMX will be racing in Lewistown on July 2nd and again at Lohman on July 9th and 10th. More cars, more fun and hopefully more spectators. Bring your family, bring your friends, for we have awesome power and nerves of steel on a fast torturous track, now that’s AMX Racing at its best.
4-12-05
It is my personal observation that there are only two seasons in Montana: winter and road construction. With very little evidence of snow, it is my assumption that “winter” is nearly over, so road construction season must be very close at hand.
With common reference of ducks flying south in the fall or geese flying north in the spring, road construction season is usually indicated by increased activity of motor homes traveling north, south, east and west, going every which way. But in Lewistown, people here know its spring when the sound of revving engines fill the air and fumes from race fuel waifs on the slightest breeze.
Fans near and far emerge from their winter hibernation with the first stirrings of race fever. The excited chatter of racing, past and present leads to anticipation for the season that is close at hand.
For many years, race fever was focused on AMX Racing as a Lewistown event. But the AMX has grown and with the new growth comes change.
The addition of the Phillips County Track located in Dodson a few years back, gave us here in Lewistown the chance to taste the racing feast that could be in the future. With the addition of new AMX tracks, changes to the race schedule in Lewistown would be expected.
After years of interest, Havre jumped into AMX Racing. The creation of an awesome track; coupled with a highly motivated crew of motorheads, it was soon apparent that Havre would challenge Lewistown as the premiere AMX race track.
The wheels of change began slowly, if even barely perceptible at first, but now in our thirteenth year, we are picking up a head of steam. We really don’t know where we are steaming to, but we are on our way.
~ Some thoughts and realizations ~
Many times changes are misunderstood. It makes no difference if you are a racer or a fan, if something is changed; most times it makes an immediate negative impact. But change is inevitable and the AMX makes necessary changes for safety and for better racing. I hope to make sense of some of our past changes and maybe give insight to changes that might be in the future.
The cars we race: it has become more difficult to find those favorite cars to race and to find replacement parts for those cars is nearly impossible. So rather than build a new car each year and sometimes two cars in a year, it made sense to change the car specs so that the car you build can withstand two, three, five years or more of racing. The addition of mandatory “nerf “ bars on all cars is one of those rules. Existing cars are NOT EXEMPT from this rule. These bars have shown that in side-by-side rubbing, cars will slide off each other and not hang up bumpers in fender wells.
The track we race on: even though steep jumps are more or less fun to race over, they really break up the race cars and more importantly, are cause for injury to the drivers. It is also important to satisfy spectator needs and as unbelievable as it may seem, the spectators like speed. Past changes in track conditions were lower profile jumps, barely noticeable to most unless you’re in the drivers’ seat. These jumps allow the cars to glide over them when the driver finds the most desirable line of travel. Anther change was the low-profile corners that allow a car to slide over the top rather than rolling. A rolled car is out of the competition as compared to a car that slides over the berm, yet can re-join the race. Spectators can expect to see more guard railing installed.
The way we race: every driver pays an entry fee and each would like to get the most racing for their buck. It may be fun to push a car up onto a berm, but it certainly isn’t fun to be the one stuck on that berm. Each track has areas in which to pass your competition. Power spinning out another car is not racing, it’s a cheap shot and generally this kind of driving tactic will also put you at the back of the pack. The flat tire rule is probably the most un-popular rule. However un-popular, it is a necessity. Racing on a flat tire creates an un-safe situation affecting the spectators. Flying debris from a disintegrating flat tire becomes an airborne weapon that places everyone near the track or in the grandstands at risk.
The people who race: AMX racing is truly a family oriented event that grips the heart and souls of hundreds of Central Montana families. The fast-paced excitement is so very familiar to the drivers who plan their summer on the AMX race schedule. But the racing doesn’t end with three classes of race cars. Again this year, race fans will watch in awe as kids as young as four years of age, take to the track on _____cc dirt bikes. Other kids will take on the challenge of dirt bike racing in three classes with the maximum of 250cc bikes. Where there are dirt bikes there are ATV’s featuring close contact racing for those older “kids at heart”.
The creation of Big Sky Thunder ~ Auto Moto Xross Racing is perhaps the biggest change to the familiar face of AMX Racing in Lewistown. With three tracks affiliating as AMX, it was proposed that a board made up of two individuals from each of the three tracks would be responsible for making sure that each track follows AMX race rules and car specs. This group is responsible for any needed changes to those rules and specs. Big Sky Thunder will provide race points and awards that will crown Points Champions in three car classes. Issuance of race numbers is part of the responsibility of this group as well.
Big Sky Thunder Board Members
Lewistown ~ Rodney Noone and Nancy McKeen
Malta ~ Tony Dolphay and Shawn ___________
Dodson ~ Travis Anderson and Mark Newby (temporary)
Secretary ~ Cheryl Roberts
To help raise funds to pay for the Year End Awards and Party, the board is currently selling raffle tickets for some terrific prizes. Top prize is, and who couldn’t use this, a H&H 16’ car trailer (Degele Auto), second prize is a 350 Chevy crate motor (Dean-Newton Olds), SWEEEET! And third prize is a thankfully quiet, Honda Generator (Lewistown Honda). Those who are drawn for 4th, 5th and 6th place will win $100 bucks each in cold hard cash. Big Sky Thunder caps or tee’s for the next 50 winners. Tickets are being sold at $25.00 each and here’s an even sweeter deal, you get a FREE ticket to any race, at any track, during the 2005 season. And we even know when the Year End Awards Banquet will be and where: Saturday, October 8th in Havre at the __________Country Club. So plan you schedules to attend this event, it sounds to be awesome. Tickets are being sold locally by Rodney Noone, Nancy McKeen and Paul Granot at PJG Motorsports, Butch at DNO and at Lewistown Honda
. So what happened to the Board of Directors in Lewistown? Actually nothing. The current board headed by Dick Erlandson is still in charge of the Lewistown Track. The formation of the Big Sky Thunder board has taken some of the heavy responsibility that Dick has been laboring under, off his shoulders. Our group in Lewistown will put together a premier Lewistown race program as we have in the past.
What can you expect? We will be having Mini Stocks, Stock Car and Super Stock Car racing. The ATV’s and dirt bikes will perform as a filler between heats and mains. A couple of new ideas are being tossed around but nothing is confirmed on that so I won’t promise something that may not be. What I can tell you is that all those running-amuck rumors about Dick Erlandson racing this year is……True! True! True!!
“Thee” car is being worked on as you read this and a number has been registered. We all know that there are certain individuals (and not just a few) who would like to take a few shots at Dick, and in good-hearted nature, Dick welcomes those who dare. You will find him in the super stock class so a few of those interested might have to step up to the plate and race with the big dogs.
Every day that passes, it looks more and more like race weather. It’s just a few weeks away; I can already feel race fever setting in. Check the website for individual track information and race dates/starting times. www.automotoxross.com . AMX Racing under the Big Sky, do you hear the Thunder in the distance? It’s coming our way.