Mother Nature Wins Hawkeye Downs Season Opener in 2023
There was only one winner on Friday night for the DS Disposal Season Opener: Mother Nature.
For the second year in a row, the first race of the season at Hawkeye Downs Speedway was delayed, due to heavy rains. The Mid-Am Racing Series presented by Wilkins Rebuilders Supply was able to get their qualifying session in, but the only other action on the track for the evening was a Hornet Series hot lap session.
With all the fans in the stands and drivers that came to race, the Hawkeye Downs staff held out hope for getting the events in but eventually had to forgo the racing event scheduled for the evening.
“Trying to get momentum to start the season and when Mother Nature steps in, there’s nothing you can do about it,” said Hawkeye Downs Race Director Brian Gibson. “But we will keep digging and come back for a great week next Friday.”
The wait is also tough for drivers who had built-up anticipation, but now have to wait another week to get the first-week jitters out.
“It’s a bummer considering I was up most of the night before thinking about it,” shares Danny Lehmkuhl. Lehmkuhl is racing in both legend and late model classes in 2023. “I am less anxious than I expected to be with being able to practice the late model three-to-four times.”
Other drivers were anxious for their first outing in a different car, like Mike Harris in his hobby stock.
“I got here super early because I was really excited to get out for the first night,” said Harris. “I’m sure the anxiety will carry over to next week.”
The rain came just before the hornet hot lap session concluded, which resulted in the defending series champion, Ian Pate, going for a spin. While light sprinkles are fine to race on, the line between when you will have grip and when you won’t.
“It didn’t look like it was going to overwhelm the track, but by the second lap, it was slick and I found the grass,” Pate said. “There was rain on my visor, but I ignored it because the car felt great out of the previous corner and I went for a slide.”
Hawkeye Downs Speedway will be back for weekly racing on Friday, May 12th for Hills Bank night with the late models. Gates open at 6pm for fans and the evening will begin with opening ceremonies at 7pm. Stay up-to-date on race day happenings on Hawkeye Downs social media.
Next Race: Weekly Racing Sponsored by Hills Bank
Friday, May 12th
Pits open 4:30 pm
Gates open 6:00 pm
Hot laps 6:40 pm
Opening ceremonies 7:00 pm
Races begin 7:05 pm
ADMISSION
Tickets are available at the front gate.
Cash or card is accepted.
Adults (18-59) $12
Youth (9-17) $9
Seniors (60+) $9
Veterans $9
Children 8 & Under FREE (with paid adult)
Hawkeye Downs Speedway is proud to be a part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.
