Meet the Team: Brian Gibson

History Fuels Passion at Hawkeye Downs with Race Director Brian Gibson

If you have been around Hawkeye Downs at all in the past 30 years, odds are you have met Brian Gibson. Gibson is our Hawkeye Downs Race Director who started racing a hobby stock at Hawkeye Downs back in 1991. Since then, he has raced in nearly every class. 

You may be surprised that Race Director isn’t Gibson’s full-time job. He took on the role as Race Director at the end of the 2021 season as a part-time opportunity. When Gibson’s isn’t at the track, he is working in his role as Batallion Chief for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. He’s saving lives by day and racing cars by night. 

"Working as Race Director only part-time is my biggest challenge," Gibson said. "We are lucky to have an active board that helps out a lot. Our new property owner’s maintenance team has also been a lot of help, too. I could not do this without the support of my wife, Renae, and the partnership I have in the office with our Executive Director, Jen."

Gibson is a man of integrity. Whatever he says he’s going to do, he does it. He puts 150% into everything - on and off the track. 

When he isn’t at the Fire Department or at the track, Gibson does enjoy some relaxation. He’s oftentimes spending quality time with his family, including his wife, his son, and two step-daughters. It’s usual to find him with his feet up at a campground with his motorhome or maybe on the golf course in the sunshine. 

Why Does Gibson Do It? 

What would make someone want to put the steering wheel aside and jump on board as Race Director at Hawkeye Downs? We had to ask! 

"After racing here for a long time, I wanted to give back to the track that has provided great memories and friendships for me," says Gibson. "The appreciation I’ve received at the racing banquets from the Hawkeye Downs staff, board members, and racers in our community make all the time, effort, and hard work worth it."

Gibson is excited for the 2023 season to kick off! Weekly racing action begins on Friday, May 5th with the season opener. Fans can look forward to NASCAR driver Joey Gase at Hawkeye Downs. He will be participating in the Mid-Am Stock Car Series along with late models and four other classes. 

Hawkeye Downs is excited to be a NASCAR sanctioned track in 2023 - and we’re thankful to have Gibson taking us into the future as we nearer our 100th year of racing at Hawkeye Downs. Brian, thank you for believing our Hawkeye Downs community!