Montana 200 roars to life this weekend

The 16th Annual Montana 200 takes off at Montana Raceway Park this weekend.

The event will feature top race car drivers from around the Northwest and Canada competing for $35,000 in prize money and a $10,000 first-place prize.

The event will feature Super Late Models and Legends division categories. Previous Montana 200 champions will be returning for the race.

On Thursday, there will be a practice session for the drivers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. That event is open to the public at no cost.

There will also be a pre-race party at 5 p.m. at the Rainbow Bar and Casino in Kalispell. The event is open to public, complete with free food and an autograph session with drivers at 7 p.m. Families are welcome.

The race kicks off on Friday and continues on Saturday. The gates open at 3 p.m. and the racing starting at 7 p.m. on both days. In the event of rain, the final will take pace on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Two-day ticket prices are $35 for adults 16-and-older, $22 for senior citizens, $22 for students ages 12-15, $15 for children ages 7-11, and free for children 6-and-under. Family passes and single day tickets are also available.

For more information, visit Online at http://www.montanaracewaypark.com.