1961 History

1961 Sept. 13-16th
Acting Chairman: Ed Towe
Missoula to Fairview traveling Highway 20 (now 200) the entire way.
Sept. 16th. Missoula to Lincoln to Great Falls
Sept. 17th. Great Falls to Stanford to Lewistown
Sept. 18th. Lewistown to Jordan to Circle
Sept. 19th. Circle to Fairview
Advertised mileage 575 or 552. Actual mileage (based on trip planner) 540 miles.
Winner: Evan Lingle

Letter from H. O. Bell, Missoula

Aug. 27th, 1961 Daily Missoulian Article

Sept. 10th, Billings Gazette Article

Sept. 10th, Great Falls Tribune Article page one

Sept. 10th, Great Falls Tribune Article page two

Sept. 10th, Great Falls Tribune Article two

Sept. 13th, 1961 Great Falls Tribune Article

**Sept. 14th, 1961 Great Falls Tribune Article**

Sept. 13th, 1961 Missoulian Article

Fred Upshaw talks about the 1961 run.

The late Fred Upshaw was known as a great story teller. Here in his own words and voice is a description of the first Montana 500. Being a story teller, there are a few historical inaccuracies in his recollection. Since this web site is for the purpose of history, I will correct some of those errors below. This is not to take anything away from Fred’s story, he still has a great style in my book.

The run was 540 miles, not 720.
Fred says that he had a 15 roadster. The flubber car, which Fred drove was a 15 touring car.
Fred says he drew 23 and Joe drew 22. Fred drew 13 and Joe drew 3.
It’s about 80 miles from Missoula to Lincoln. Rogers Pass is between Lincoln and Great Falls.
Kristy Towe flipped her Dad’s trailer, but they didn’t leave it in the ditch. The accident happened on the third day.
There were rules on this race, although they may not have been too well enforced.
The winner was Evan Lingle.
Circle was the last night, but it was the 4th night not 3rd. 3rd night was Lewistown.
It’s about 85 miles from Circle to Fairview.

If you have any pictures for this year, Please e-mail me. Thanx!