Montana Fun Weekend 2025 – twentieth anniversary of present on the Cut Bank International Airport

By Roy Nollkamper for the Montana Fun Weekend

The twentieth anniversary of the Montana Fun Weekend is within the books with one other profitable yr of burn-outs, present and shine, racing and plenty of nice meals and liquid refreshments.

Friday night was heat with a lightweight breeze, blowing a lot of the smoke air pollution from burning tires away from the judges and the individuals within the stands. Unfortunately, that did not final lengthy because the wind course modified and people within the bleachers went house smelling like Good Year rubber. Smoke manufacturing wasn’t as bountiful as earlier years when the cloud obtained referred to as in as a potential prairie hearth.

This yr there have been 9 individuals competing for the prize cash of $100 for first place and $50 for second place in each the dry and moist burn-out classes. Dry burn-outs come first, and Will Kuchere from Kalispell in his 1960 Chevy Apache 10 took the primary prize of $100 house with him. Second place winner was Gabriel Wilder from Cut Bank in his 1988 Ford Ranger.

Then, the observe was sprayed down with water for the following smoke-makers.

In the moist burn-out class it was perennial favourite Edwin Running Wolf from Browning in his 1986 Chevy Camaro capturing first place and John Dahlin from Chester taking the second prize in his 1964 Mercury Comet wagon with flags flying.

Following the competitors there have been a number of exhibition runs by the individuals to see if any of them may carry out the favored “melt down,” which entails burning the tires till they explode. No one was profitable in finishing that within the 45 second time restrict however a number of even stored the smoke rolling longer.

While the gang moved to the food and drinks distributors, the Drive-Inn film, “Thunder Road” began within the hanger with viewers having fun with the classic bootleg, highway race movie starring a younger Robert Mitchum, with a bonus of free popcorn compliments of B & B NAPA Auto Parts retailer.

Saturday, the enjoyable started with the occasion breakfast ready by the Moose Lodge No. 334. By 8:30 a.m. the automobiles started filling the ramp and ultimately over 115 have been parked on the tarmac. Relief from the excessive daytime temperatures and wind was supplied by shade within the large WWII hangar which as soon as housed two B-17 heavy bombers.

Among the nice line-up of automobiles was a particular deal with of an authentic 1934 Montana Highway Patrol pursuit automotive fantastically restored. If you have been taking a shot of the freeway patrol automotive, you’ll additionally get a very good image of the WWII PT- 13 biplane coach parked behind it. Soon, the classic patrol automotive was joined by a contemporary state trooper car….90 years makes fairly a distinction.

Judging for the automotive present winners is finished by People’s Choice, which means that the highest present winners are chosen by the variety of votes they get by poll. Ballots are given to anybody visiting the present and the individuals. There are 5 automobiles, two bikes and one airplane chosen. Of the 115 automobiles on exhibition in entrance of the hanger, listed here are the winners:

Eric and Loretta Torgerson of Ethridge with their ’66 Chevy Chevelle

Tom Johnson of Cut Bank and his ’61 Chevy Impala

Chris Hapka of Cut Bank driving a 2001 GMC truck

Barb and Gary Mercer of Shelby and their 1957 Dodge Custom Royal convertible

Chris Calerich of Cut Bank in his 1967 Ford Mustang convertible

Special Award to the 1934 Ford coupe Montana Highway Patrol pursuit automotive

Motorcycle winners have been:

Jason Sullivan of Cut Bank together with his 2007 Harley Davidson Road King Custom

Vince Sullivan of Cut Bank and his 2012 Harley Davidson Heritage Soft Tail

Best plane was a 1977 Cessna 172XP float airplane owned by Noah River Schultz who flew in together with his household from Marian, Mont. to spend the weekend on the airport.

During the present 50/50 tickets have been offered and the winner was chosen after the present winners have been introduced. This yr the jackpot was $345.00. The fortunate ticket was chosen by Fin Doyle and Ona Devries. Fin introduced the excellent news to Josh Oxford from Thompson Falls, Mont.

Next, the grandstands started filling up with race followers. Over 50 automobiles have been registered to run down the 1/8 mile observe. Since this was a “run what you brung” race, there have been no official classifications or awards. Of course, there’s at all times a winner and a loser. The automobiles assorted from a contemporary Audi tremendous performer to a 1940 Ford pickup, and several other customized roadsters and plenty of muscle automobiles. A particular go was made by a mini-dragster.

After three hours of racing the temperature dropped and, with the wind altering course, the followers began to return to the hangar to finish the night with remaining refreshments and nice meals.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with a fantastic breakfast supplied by the Moose Lodge 334.

Be certain and mark your calendars for the twenty first Montana Fun Weekend in August of 2026.