2023 Hawkeye Downs Racing Awards Banquet Recap
On Friday, January 19th, Hawkeye Downs staff and board of directors welcomed Hawkeye Downs racers, staff, and supporters to the 2023 Hawkeye Downs Racing Awards Banquet. The night was a celebration of racing excellence, made possible by the generous support of sponsors DS Disposal, Dependable Cleanup, and Cassill Motors. The banquet is a special tradition as we gather to recognize the outstanding achievements of weekly racing at Hawkeye Downs.
Over 200 guests enjoyed a catered meal from Willie Ray's Q Shack as a wonderful way to begin the evening. With many displays of 2023 photos, special banners recognizing our season champions, and a gorgeous setup of trophies and plaques to share during the program, the atmosphere was joyous as attendees gathered to honor and celebrate the champions of the racing season.
Hawkeye Downs’ track champions Jimmy Hanson (Sportsmans), Corey Crispin (Hornets), Derek Parrott (Hobby Stocks), Kacey Korsmo (Legends), Bryce Miller (Late Models), and Patrick Flannagan (Sport Mods) were celebrated as the first NASCAR Weekly Champions for their performance throughout the year.
JP Pickart Sportsman of the Year Award Winner,
Gary Moeller
During the awards ceremony, we also celebrated our “Rookie of the Year” Awards in multiple series, which included Jeremiah Davis (Legends), Jeremy Cassill (Hornets), and Tallan Chandler (Sport Mods).
At the end of the evening, the racers’ favorite awards were celebrated. Hawkeye Downs honored Gary Moeller with the JP Pickart Sportsman of the Year Award, recognizing his long-time support of Hawkeye Downs and the countless Friday nights he has spent giving kids bus rides around the track. Gary is excited to announce that Hawkeye Downs has received a new (to us!) bus for the 2024 racing season. We look forward to inviting kids to the track for a lap around the track with Gary this summer!
2023 Promoters Choice Award Winner, John Huff
The 2023 Promoters Choice Award was presented to John Huff for his significant role in the season as the track flagman while also assisting with practice throughout the year. John is known as the flagman and friend to many racers, fans, and supporters at Hawkeye Downs.
The Impact Embroidery Award was awarded to Scott Siems. Scott has made a significant impact on the track by assisting with the timing and scoring system, as well as the installation of security cameras on the premises. He has been able to give our staff and volunteers peace of mind when it comes to the technology at the track, and our fans certainly receive the benefits of his labor.
Impact Embroidery Award Winner, Scott Siems
Finally, Hawkeye Downs would also like to recognize our friend, PJ Harrington, and Checkers Tavern for presenting the Hard Charger Award Series honorees at our banquet each year! The Hard Charger Award Series has been going strong since 1996. This year’s Hard Charger Award Series was sponsored by Checkers Tavern, Grady’s Graphics, Cassill Motors, May City Bowl, DS Disposal, Cannon Auction Service, Cannon Gun Co LLC, ECS, and Patriot Promotions.
The 2023 Hawkeye Downs Banquet was a night to remember, filled with camaraderie, appreciation, and the joy of celebrating the accomplishments of the racing community's finest individuals.
On behalf of our Hawkeye Downs staff, board of directors, and volunteers, we want to thank you all for your continued support of Hawkeye Downs. Let’s get ready for our 99th year of racing at the track!
