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 Gap

412	Brad Yaeger		Lewistown

7	Rodney Noone	Lewistown

198	Bill Moody		Lewistown

66	Lander Novak		Coalstrip

310	Shayne Redfield	Lewistown

470	Ron Jacobs		Havre

1st	4
2nd	312
3rd	61

9	Paul Granot		Lewistown

1st	7	Rodney Noone	Lewistown
2nd	471	Travis Anderson	Dodson
3rd	257	Bart Wilson		Hilger
4th	207	Stan Kuipers		Lewistown

1st	246	Pat Evans		Lewistown
2nd	13	Will Van Haur		Hilger
3rd	112	Bo Young		Lewistown

1st	422	Cory Wickens		Lewistown
2nd	391	Matt Marynik		Lewistown
3rd	389	Josh Sanofsky		Lewistown

1st	172	Shaun Ruckman	Lewistown
2nd	470	Ron Jacobs		Havre
3rd	187	Shawn Essex		Lewistown
4th	328	Bryan Bawden		Hilger

1st	286	Dick Erlandson	Lewistown
2nd	29	Hank Slining		Lewistown
3rd	131	Sean Foster		Lewistown

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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.

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		Lewistown

1.	486	Gary Couch		Havre

1.	145	Nick Nowak		Lewistown
2.	417	Brad Yaeger		Lewistown
3.	381	Kari McKeen		Moccasin
4.	391	Matt Marynik		Lewistown

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

Super Stock Money/Points

1.	172	Shaun Ruckman		Lewistown
2.	187	Shawn Essex		Lewistown
3.	221	Bryan Tuss		Lewistown
4.	389	Roger Dengel		Lewistown

1.	187	Shawn Essex		Lewistown

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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			96

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

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			92

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		Lewistown

		1st	486	Gary Couch		Havre

		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		Moccasin

		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	Havre

		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		Havre

		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		Malta

		1st	187	Shawn Essex		Lewistown

		1st	144	Alice Burnham		Saco
		2nd	112	Wendy Young		Lewistown
		3rd	246	Sherry Evans		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		Havre

		1st	486		Gary Couch		Havre

		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		Lewistown

		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		Lewistown

		1st	310		Shayne Redfield		Lewistown
		2nd	470		Ron Jacobs		Havre
		3rd	187		Owen Lofftus		Lewistown
		4th	409		Mark Newby		Malta
		5th	331		Larry Glidewell		Lewistown

		1st	187		Owen Lofftus		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 Jacobs

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.

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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.