Racing for the kids

CEDAR RAPIDS - The motto says it all, "It's all about the kids."

Mitch Swinton has devoted much of his free time and resources to provide an entertaining and positive experience for youths at race tracks in Eastern Iowa.

The Lil Racer Car Club has made its debut this season at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. The club offers activities for children young than 14 years old, and has been a welcome addition to the track's weekly Friday night events.

Three other clubs exist, including branches at West Liberty Raceway, Jackson County Speedway in Maquoketa and Columbus Junction Speedway. Swinton established the club in 2005 with the first at West Liberty. The idea was hatched while attending races at the dirt track with his son, Ross, who was uninterested in the actual races.

"I saw a lot of kids in the stands the same way," Swinton said. "They were all bored and wanted to go home. I thought there needed to be something for the kids."

Swinton has dedicated much of his time away from his job in Facilities Management at the University of Iowa to service in the Lone Tree community where he lives, in addition to his work with the club.

The club is free to join and funded strictly by Swinton's own money and through generosity from supporters.

"This is all through sponsors and donations," Swinton said. "I ask nothing from the race tracks."

Kids receive a "permit" with a holder to wear around their neck. They can win prizes each week by signing in at the club's booth, which also enters them for prizes at the end of the season. Other fun items are available, including candy, juice boxes, toys and activity books.

Swinton also arranges opportunities for kids to collect autographs from various local drivers and other area groups like the Cedar Rapids Roller Girls, who will be signing in July.

"It gives them a closer connection to the racers," former Hawkeye Downs track champion Kevin Korsmo said about the autographs.  "It's a more hands-on relationship."

The club raffled off four passes to Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, which came with a $40 gas card to assist with transportation costs, earlier this season. The club helps put on a number of candy dashes for kids throughout the season. Swinton even set up an appearance from Herky, the Iowa Hawkeyes mascot.

Korsmo's 11-year-old twin sons, Kacey and Kamron, are members of the club. Kamron even received the Lil Racer of the Week award, which came with a trophy.

"Every week he's got something new," Korsmo said "it gives kids something to look forward to."

Members can participate in various activities, including box car and bike races, which will be held this Friday at Hawkeye Downs. Children do not race anything with motors and there are instructions provided in making the cardboard cars that fit over the children who actually run during the race. Parents are encouraged to be involved as well, taking part in the box car races, helping kids take off and putting on their socks and shoes in a simulated "pit stop" during the race.

"I want this to be a family event," Swinton said. "It makes it exciting."

In the spirit of the founder, the club also provides a service away from the track, conducting a canned food drive that went to local charity.

The club's website has special features for all ages, offering activities, games and information resources to promote fun, help with homework and even parenting tips. During the track's media day and car show before the season, Swinton had a display, addressing bullying. It's an example of how he tries to educate kids and parents on topics affecting children.

"I've always wanted to do something for the kids," Swinton said. "This is kind of what I do."

Last summer, clubs opened in Maquoketa and Columbus Junction. Mike Becker, in his first summer as promoter at Hawkeye Downs, witnessed Swinton's efforts at West Liberty. He was immediately interested in bringing the youth club to Cedar Rapids.

"I worked with him for three years down there," Becker said. "It was a no-brainer for me when I ended up coming here. One of the first calls I made was to Mitch."

Race fans have been receptive to the club. It's become beomce a popular attraction on race nights.

"Everyone is enjoying the fact that he's there," Becker said. "Kids are having a good time.

"I've talked to several parents that really enjoy that he's there. I think it's a well-received addition to what we're doing here."

The club has grown to about 700 members at the four tracks combined. There are 95 currently at Hawkeye Downs with more joining each week, according to Swinton.

 Swinton admits he has a big responsibility to entertain kids during the race events, but it's one he gladly accepts. His rare unselfishness is appreciated by the local racing community.

"I think the whole thing is neat," Becker said. "As far as I'm concerned it's a blessing for us to even have him here."