Mid-American Stock Cars stop at Hawkeye Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS - A treat for local fans and a test for some local drivers.

The Mid-America Stock Car Series returns to Hawkeye Downs Speedway for the first time in four years Friday, competing in a 45-lap feature as part of the weekly race show. Gates open at 6 p.m. with hot laps at 6:35 and races at 7:30.

Hawkeye Downs Promoter Mike Becker said he doesn't know what the show will produce.

"These are certainly guys who run in tour racing," Becker said. "They certainly have their game on. I don't know if it will be 15 cars all in a group, if they get all strung out and it's an endurance deal. We're certainly looking forward to see what happens and is one of the reasons why I brought them in. I thought it could be any combination of all the above."

The MASCS competes in Midwestern states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The series will run time trials, heat races and the second feature of the night. Becker said 15 to 18 MASCS drivers are expected to be in the field and a few local racers to enter.

Fifteen official entrants are listed already, including Mark Pluer, of Brookfield, Wis., and Brad Keith, of West Bend, Wis., who are tied for first in points with 143. Jack Stern, of Slinger, Wis., and Jeremy Spoonmore, of Somonauk, Ill., are tied for third in the season standings with 127 and have registered.

"The guys that are in this group have been at it for some time," Becker said. "They have some experience and should be good at what they do and should see a pretty good race."

Local drivers Dave McCalla, who has dominated the sportsman division at Hawkeye Downs in recent years, Ben Glascock and defending modified season points champion Brian Gibson have entered and will compete. McCalla won 11 sportsman features last year, claiming the Hawkeye Downs season points championships easily and won the season opener last week. McCalla ran in the 2009 event, which was held as a stand-alone event on an extremely hot weekend afternoon.

Becker said the local drivers are capable of being competitive with the touring drivers.

"The cars are basically the same," Becker said. "The rules are very close to being the same. They run on the same tires we run. The feel of the car is very similar."

Regular sportsman division will be replaced by the MASCS event, but all other divisions will run. Tickets remain $10 for adults and $7 for seniors. Admission for students with a school ID is $5, and children 12 and younger are free.

MEET THE DRIVERS AT MEMORIAL STADIUM

Some of the regular drivers will have cars on display at Memorial Stadium on Thursday for the Cedar Rapids Kernels home contest against the Burlington Bees at 6:35 p.m.

Modified, legends and hobby stocks will be on display for fans to view. Brian Gibson, Mark Ironside and Matt Lacoursiere will be among the drivers in attendance.