UPGRADES, UPDATES AT MISSION VALLEY IN TIME FOR MONTANA 200

POLSON, MONT. (July 7, 2025) — The 34th running of the Montana 200 at Mission Valley Super Oval offers a few new wrinkles.

“It’s pretty much the same but a little bit different format this year,” said operator Tony Undem. “I know last year we were right on that edge of how many cars we wanted to allow, and I think we ended up with 31 cars.”

After running that race Undem realized that’s just too many cars on the 3/8th-mile tri-oval track so the 34th edition will feature 26 entries chasing $10,000 to win and $5,000 as runner-up.

Aside from the regular purse for the event sponsored by Missoula Chevrolet, some additional incentive awards are being offered, Undem explained.

“A sponsor came in and wants to sponsor another $1,000 for the hard charge awards,” Undem said. It goes to the driver who finishes the furthest up from where they started.

There might be a an offer for either one of the top two qualifiers to go to the back and try to win it from there. “We’ll see if anybody bites on that this year?” Undem said. That bonus amount has not been determined.

“I think it’s going to take a little bit extra for somebody to do that because it’s tough, tough race to to be back there and stay out of trouble,” Undem said. “I know we have cars that are fast enough to do that in 200 laps. It’s just a matter of staying out of the trouble that happens when you start with 26 cars out there,” he added.

Following qualifying heats that puts 24 cars into the race, a last change qualifier will at a pair of slots.

“We did add Thursday back this year because we do have a lot of out of town teams coming,” Undem said. “It’s kind of an optional practice on Thursday that haven’t been here before,” he said, adding it helps trams adjust to a new tire.

In addition there’s a driver’s dinner down on the lake with live music. “That’ll be fun,” Undem said.

A Hobby Stock race with $1,000 to win will be part of the Friday program that includes qualifying. A similar payout is offered Saturday for the Legends class that serves as the support event the night of the 200.

“It gives those classes a chance to get on TV,” Undem said.

“We will be live on Racing America Friday and Saturday night so it gives them a chance to get some TV exposure and get their sponsors on TV.”

Both fans and racers will notice a variety of cosmetic changes and added amenities at Mission Valley. Included is a new wall with SAFER barrier that replaces old guardrail. Mission Valley is the only paid oval in Montana.

“We added a pizza booth concession,” Undem said. “We want to keep out kitchen from being overwhelmed.” They will also bring in several food trucks just to give a variance and again to help out the kitchen.

Visit www.missionvalleysuperoval.com for further information on the Montana 200 and Mission Valley Super Oval. Pits open at 11 a.m., spectator gates at 5 with racing at 6 p.m.