Trading the mat for a track in the name of charity

CEDAR RAPIDS - Mark Ironside appreciates for motorpsorts.

Add a great cause and it was easy to lure the former University of Iowa two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American behind the wheel of a race car.

Ironside is expected to compete against Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands and Van Meter Chief Financial Officer Mick Slinger in a 15-lap celebrity Legends car race during Van Meter Night at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. The fundraising event will benefit Aiming For a Cure, and will be held between heat and feature races of the weekly points series, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is a minimum $1 donation, going directly to Aiming For A Cure, but attendees are encouraged to give as much as possible.

Ironside, a two-time state champion at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, recalled going to the races when he was younger. He knew all the drivers by name back then, and even had his favorites. Now, he will run on the track trying to drive up contributions for the organization that is dedicated to helping children and their families battling various forms of cancer being treated at University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

The third annual celebrity race featured Tim Dwight and TV personality Jared Aarons last year. In 2010, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett and radio personality Bob Bruce competed.

"I'm a big racing fan," Ironside said. "I love racing. I just never have time to watch it and go anymore.

He added, "I love power."

Ironside is excited for his chance to race, despite limited experience on an oval. He did drive around Benton County Speedway at Vinton for a handful of laps after winning a wrestling contest against former J-Hawk Rob Olson, whose family is invlved in local racing. That and a ride-along with a professional driver at Daytona International Speedway is his only experience on a track.

"If you check my driving record, yeah, I've raced a little but here and there," Ironside said with a laugh. "But, no, not officially."

It seems fitting that two known for unrelenting motors on the mat will be running Legends motors against each other. The last time Ironside and Brands were on a track together they raced high-powered go-karts, which resulted in a wreck and a third driver - former Hawkeye wrestler Travis Fiser - having to get stitches.

"He better get out there and practice," Ironside said. "It's going to be taken seriously."

The most serious aspect is the cause, which was started in 2003 by the Steve Ries and members of his family. It is the reason Ironside jumped at the opportunity to participate.

"It was something where I'm like, 'Yeah, no problem. Where do I sign?' " Ironside said. "I'd be happy to do it, especially since it's for a benefit and an opportunity to raise some money for Aiming For A Cure, which is a great foundation."

Aiming For A Cure raises funds for pediatric oncology patients at UICH, focusing on improving the quality of care and lives of the children through funding research and patient care. It is the second time in the four charity events sponsored by Van Meter at Hawkeye Downs that will benefit Aiming for A Cure.

"It's something we're really passionate about giving back and this gives us a wonderful avenue to do that," said Van Meter Regional Vice President Todd Ettleman, praising the foundation and noting all proceeds stay within the organization. "It not only goes to the treatment of cancer it also goes to the families. ... They pay for parking passes, hotel rooms, meals and in some cases a funeral, unfortunately when that happens."

Van Meter Night raised more than $15,000 combined the last three years, including more than $6,000 in 2010. Ettleman said the goal is to be the highest fundraising effort yet.

A sports memorabilia auction and raffle, including an autographed Zach Johnson picture, a football helmet signed by Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, autographed football from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, autographed items by former Iowa and current Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler, and diecast cars and NASCAR hats signed by NASCAR Sprint Cup star Greg Biffle.

Ettleman said a wrestling singlet signed by high-profile members of the wrestling community could be up for bid.

"It's their 10th anniversary," Ettleman said. "We want to help them raise as much money as possible."