Past Meets Present for 98th Season Opener
As racecars roar to life for the 98th year of Hawkeye Downs, several classes of racing will take to the track for the season opener on Friday, May 5th. Opening night launches a journey towards the season championship for most for racers - a prize that only some will get to experience.
With five classes of racing and the Mid-Am Stock Car Series hitting the pavement, Hawkeye Downs is ready for fans to gather in the grandstands to cheer on racers to kick off the season. Hawkeye Downs is thrilled to host NASCAR driver Joey Gase as he returns to race with the Mid-Am Series and defend his win from 2022.
For several drivers at Hawkeye Downs, their racing journey has been a part of the asphalt track in Cedar Rapids for decades. Other drivers will be giving it their first go around this year. Drivers who have already tasted a championship will trust their experience to win again while those that have been without will be starving to sit at the table.
Racers like 15 year-old rookie, Cameron Delay, are mainly looking for a smooth first year.
“My goal is just to grow and improve,” says Delay, who will drive a Sport Mod this season. “Learning to set up the car and get the most out of it is important, too.”
Delay will use his uncle and defending series champion Patrick Flannagan as his mentor while he navigates his inaugural racing season. Flannagan knows his way around with multiple track championships and beginning his 28th year behind the wheel.
“My dad and I work on something in the shop every day,” says Flannagan. “He definitely has kept me going. I get to race with my son, Beckett, this year and I don't plan to stop racing any time soon.”
Hawkeye Downs racer Patrick Flannagan in victory lane
For other drivers that have experienced the highs and lows in their racing career, it may soon be time to pass the torch. Shellsburg racer Chad Siems has raced multiple classes starting with the enduros at Hawkeye Downs in 1996.
“My racing days are ending soon,” Siems said. “My son is getting started with the enduros, so my transition to crew chief isn’t far away.”
It’s coommon knowledge to most that racing is truly a family sport. Whether it’s blood-related or not, it’s easy to build relationships while at the track. Racers like Chad Vozenilek have a history with family at the track. Vozenilek raced from 1994-2006 before going on a hiatus and returning in 2021 with his family by his side.
“These last two seasons have been the most memorable with a very tight group of friends and family,” says Vozenilek.
Hawkeye Downs racer Chad Vozelinek with friends and family in victory lane
Some racers even decide they want to rival their family on the track, like local brothers Joshua and Jeremy Cassill. The pair will be competing against each other this season while they both take on their rookie years.
“My main goal is to beat my little brother for Rookie of the Year,” Joshua said. “And ultimately compete for top-5 finishes.”
Decades of memories have been made at Hawkeye Downs by both racers and fans. It’s common to see racers sharing fun memories with fans at Hawkeye Downs before and after the races. One racer’s favorite memory may be winning five times in one season while another may remember the race where they had to get their car on the track with ratchet straps and duct tape. Families build memories together when they spend hours, days, weeks, or months building their cars, and it all pays off when you clutch that first win in that car. No matter what the story is or who’s telling it, the experiences at Hawkeye Downs last a lifetime.
Memories will continue to be made with drivers of all ages and skill sets starting with the season opener on Friday, May 5th at Hawkeye Downs. Gates will open to the public at 5:30pm with opening ceremonies at 7:05pm. Tickets are available at the front gate. You can find all the details here. We can’t wait to see you at the track!
Support Clubfoot Solutions…Freeing the World of Untreated Clubfoot
2022 Rookie of the Year and current Mid-Am Racing Series driver Clay Curts will also be on the track with us to honor all children born with Clubfoot Deformity. Curts was born with Clubfoot Deformity and was treated by Dr. Ponseti and Dr. Morcuende at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. For more information on Clubfoot Deformity and Clubfoot Solutions, please visit www.clubfootsolutions.org or visit their page on Facebook.
