Petrzelka primed for more Hawkeye Downs success

CEDAR RAPIDS - Matt Petrzelka's heart starts racing before his hobby stock race car does.

The 22-year-old thrives on the "intense" adrenaline rush accompanying0 the green flag to drop. The same could be said for the tests presented by other drivers and a desire to keep winning. He has done plenty of it at Hawkeye Downs Speedway.

Petrzelka earned his 21st hobby stock feature win since 2010, winning last week's season opener, and will try to take a step closer to a third straight season points title at the track Friday night during weekly points races. gates open at 6 with hot laps at 6:35 and races beginning at 7:30.

The pressure to stay ahead of the competition pushes Petrzelka. Numerous victories have not led to complacency.

"It's definitely a big challenge," said Petrzelka, helped by his father, Bruce. "You know you've won a lot, but you still want to go out to win. It sucks to lose."

Petrzelka tallied 10 feature wins last year and eight in 2011. He has been dominant since purchasing the No. 22 car from Tim Dains. Lessons remain to be learned, and that was the case opening night. Despite the win, Petrzelka said he realized patience is key, waiting for the right time to pass and avoiding trouble on the track.

He still needs to be on the top of his game. Petrzelka respects his competition, including 2005 hobby stock season points champion Brandon Herb. Matt Lacoursiere has improved and is a top contender.

"His car is really strong," Petrzelka said. "He's a main competitor."

While his focus is on checkered flags, he has his sights fixed on another car. Petrzelka is determined to find a ride in the modified division. He is working on it.

"I really want to get in it," Petrzelka said. "It would be nice to race twice a night and get up on the half-mile (track)."

Petrzelka is a well-liked driver and has been described as a "clean driver" by other racers. He would be welcomed by the division with open arms, according to defending season points champion Brian Gibson.

"He would be a great addition," Gibson said. "He's a class act. He runs a good program out there."

Until he makes the jump, he will attempt to continue his dominance in the hobby stock division. The approach is pretty simple and effective.

"Go out there, have fun and do your best," Petrzelka said. "Hopefully, come out on top."