Cause dear to McGrath's heart

CEDAR RAPIDS - Mike McGrath has seen cancer's effect on his own family.

So, when he was looking for a way to make his company's annual event at Hawkeye Downs Speedway more meaningful, he merged love for auto racing with fundraising efforts to support a cause to battle the deadly disease.

McGrath Auto Group is sponsoring "Racing for Relay" night at Hawkeye Downs Speedway on Friday, benefitting American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Weekly points races in six divisions begin after pre-race ceremonies at 7 p.m. Regular admission is waived for a minimum $1 donation to ACS.

Pat McGrath's, Mike's car sales partner, survived cancer and Mike's nephew Ian McGrath was diagnosed with cancer last May, travelling to hospitals in New York and Iowa City for treatment. An employee for the company is currently battling Stage 4 cancer. Pat McGrath has served as an honorary chairperson for Relay for Life. Members of the family and company are passionate about the cause.

"We've had several instances," Mike McGrath said. "It his close to home to a lot of people. I don't think its unique at all to us."

The evening will have added features. Before racing begins, cancer survivors and other fans will be allowed to walk the track, similar to the Relay for Life events. Some drivers will have their cars parked on the track during the walk. Fans will have chances to purchase raffle tickets to win various prizes, including a flat-screen TV, a year supply of Miller Lite, pit passes and tickets to the NASCAR Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 on Aug. 6 at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

"We're all about the charitable component of it," Mike McGrath said. "We're trying to raise some awareness and money for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

"All the proceeds go to Relay for Life."

Mike McGrath said a check of the proceeds will be presented at the Relay for Life next weekend at Kirkwood Community College.

Mike McGrath, who owns two legends cars and sponsor that division at the track, will watch his son, Murphy, and his cousin, Gavin, a former prep standout for Cedar Rapids Washington and football player at the University of Iowa, compete in the Legends car feature. McGrath's son, Griffin, is a touring late model racer and will make his first appearance at Hawkeye Downs this season.

"It should be a good night of racing," Mike McGrath said. "It should be a blast."

The track has attempted to hold special events, and is trying to create excitement. McGrath's involvement is a key part of it.

"They're huge race fans and huge parts of Hawkeye Downs," Hawkeye Downs Race Promoter Mike Becker said. "We're trying to make things more fun and give back to the community in the process."

The charity night comes after two weeks of rain at the track postponed Van Meter Night, a fundraising event for the Children's Miracle Network. The Van Meter night has been rescheduled for June 17.