Late Models Prepare For Big 8 Night, Chandler Gets First Win
Racers and fans kicked off a beautiful Memorial Day weekend at Hawkeye Downs on Friday, May 26th! The late models joined the five weekly racing classes in preparation for the Big 8 Late Model Series race scheduled for June 2nd.
The first race of the evening was the Sunline Hornets, which was led early on by Chad Vozenilek. He held onto the bottom groove while Corey Crispin tracked him down using the outside line. As the laps clicked off, Crispin fell back but then surged back and edged Vozenilek for the lead with three-to-go. The two battled close in their respective lanes and it was Crispin who won by .046 seconds.
The Performance Food Sportsman class saw several different cautions allowing the field to get a couple chances at Jacob Tiegen, who took the lead from Josh Sevey with 10 to go. Unfortunately for Tiegen, he would be unable to hold off the veteran, Jim Hanson, who was able to clear for the top spot with just two laps remaining to get another victory in the series.
Another tight battle for the win took place in the Anderson Automotive Hobby Stocks. Dale Sherman led the first couple laps and then had a three-wide battle with Scott Siems getting a glimpse at the lead before Sherman prevailed. As they began battling lapped traffic, Derek Parrott entered the scene and snagged the lead with eight laps to go. A hard crash between Sherman and Reggie Mitchell brought the field to a green-white-checkered restart where Parrott got slow going but was able to hold them off and won his second race of the season.
“On that restart the car was missing really bad when I hit the gas,” Parrott said from victory lane. “After half a lap, it came back to me and we were good to go.”
The Legends.Direct Legends had an early caution when Gary Dyer and Jeremiah Davis made contact. Luckily the rest of the field was able to avoid, and Kevin Korsmo moved into the lead. Korsmo needed to hold off a hard-charging Danny Lehmkuhl for the remainder of the race, and pulled off his first victory since 2019.
“It was a great night,” Korsmo said. “It’s great to be back in victory lane and I knew the guys behind me would race me clean.”
The Cassill Motors Sport Mods saw a first-time winner when Tallan Chandler made the pass for the lead with nine laps remaining in the feature. Patrick Flannagan struggled to get around Hunter Wimer until just a few laps left in the event. It’s the first feature win for the youngster, who was a Hornet rookie last year.
“This win means a lot,” Chandler said. “My grandma, Connie, isn’t doing the best health-wise, so I really wanted to win for her.”
It was almost like a practice run for the “Clash at the Downs” Big 8 Late Model race next Friday night, where McGrath looks to defend his win.
“It’s hard to tell exactly where we will stack up,” says McGrath. “Tonight, the track felt more greasy but still had a good balance. I’m glad we finally got the win last year because it felt like it was never going to happen. The only goals for next week are to get the win and come home with a clean car.”
Next Friday, June 2nd is HALF PRICE ADMISSION at Hawkeye Downs, thanks to McGrath Auto! Be sure to make plans to join us for the Big 8 Late Model Series plus our weekly racing series: Hornets, Hobby Stocks, Legends, Sport Mods, and Sportsman. Stay tuned to our social media for qualifying time and more information.
Racers are welcome in the pits beginning at 4:30pm with gates open to the public at 6:00pm. Drivers meeting is held at 6:25pm. Hot laps begin at 6:30pm. Opening ceremonies are hosted at 7:00pm with the races starting at 7:05pm.
ADMISSION FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND, 2023 - HALF PRICE ADMISSION LISTED BELOW
Tickets are available at the front gate. Cash or card is accepted.
Adults (18-59) $6
Youth (9-17) $4.50
Seniors (60+) $4.50
Veterans $4.50
Children 8 & Under FREE (with paid adult)
