Hanson's drive to beat breast cancer

CEDAR RAPIDS - Hallie Hanson is driving with a purpose.

Not only is Hanson trying to claim checkered flags, but she's also racing for pink ribbons.

The 19-year-old has dedicated her rookie season in the Hornets division at Hawkeye Downs Speedway to raising money and awareness for breast cancer.  She runs around the 1/4-mile oval in a black car adorned with pink letters, numbers and symbols associated with the effort to fight the disease.

The motivation came from Hanson's grandmother, Darla Zigler, who is now 70 years old. She was diagnosed with breast cancer about five years ago and has persevered to beat it, according to Hanson.

“She ended up being a cancer survivor, so I know a lot of people who have lost loved ones and personally lost loved ones to breast cancer and other kinds of cancer," Hanson said. "I thought it would be a good way to support a good cause and have fun at the same time.”

Zigler was touched by the gesture. She said it's indicative of Hanson's personality, but her attempt to reach out to the public and bring about awareness is more impressive.

"It's unbelievable,” Zigler said. “She's a very loving, conscientious little girl anyway."

That little girl was now competing with grown men. She was stepping into an arena where aggression and "trading paint" are necessities. Zigler was apprehensive about her granddaughter getting behind the wheel, but she's supported her, attending the races each week.

“They race good races out there,” Zigler said. “I think they look out for each other and the young drivers."

The idea hit Hanson immediately when she was deciding color scheme for her race car. It was a perfect match. The car was decorated how Hanson wanted and she was able to devote herself to a worthy cause.

“What I wanted to do was I wanted to have my car pink and as soon as I said that then I was like I'm racing for breast cancer awareness," Hanson said. "That's what my car will be dedicated towards. Ever since that, I thought it would be a neat way to get out there.”

Hanson, of Cedar Rapids, has noticed strong support for the effort. She noted family, friends and sponsors, including Abode Construction, Graf Homeselling Team, Studio 32, Vernon Heights Auto, Indian Motorcycle Cedar Rapids, which is owned by her parents and Junge Automotive.

“I've gotten a lot of support,” Hanson said. “My sponsors have given me a lot of support and helped me out.

"A lot of people know this is for a good cause and want to do what they can to help."

The goal is to raise as much money as possible and present it during the annual "Especially For You" Race Against Breast Cancer held by the Mercy Women's Center on Oct. 10. The race to raises funds for those unable to afford breast cancer screenings and other support services, and to educate individuals on the importance of early detection.

The organization is important, considering Zigler benefited from identifying the malady early. It allowed the discovery of the cancer, have it treated and now she approaches her five-year mark being cancer-free. She said the outlook and recent tests are positive.

“It was early detection,” Zigler said. “The doctors were right on top of it. It was something that couldn't be felt (and) even the mammograms didn't show it. It was the ultrasound, so I'm one of the blessed.”

The fundraising is about to hit a higher gear. Hanson Racing Team will sell shirts, donating half the proceeds to the charity. A donation box will be present at Hawkeye Downs during weekly races to collect money. Hanson will play in a band called "Black Diamond" hoping to raise money from each performance and has plans to organize car washes for the cause.

The campaign has raised about $300 so far, according to Hanson, but she's determined to make that number grow. She knows it will take time, but set making a big contribution in the fall.

“I want to raise a lot of money for breast cancer awareness and obviously I haven't gotten there yet,” Hanson said. “I have a lot more goals that I need to meet before I'm completely happy.”

Hanson is 16th in the season points standings so far this season. That places her in the top half of the points list, which is at a whopping 35 drivers. She's routinely placing in the top 20, finishing as high as 15th twice.

Hanson's no stranger to auto racing, making trips to the race track to watch her father, former champion, Chuck Hanson, compete. Now, they've joined together to form Hanson Racing and battle one another on the oval.

“We're racing as a team,” Hanson said. “We're the only father-daughter team out there.”

Even though it's good-natured, the Hansons are very competitive with one another, trying to top each other at bowling alley or making more shots while playing some basketball. This is a new arena and Hanson enjoys the experience.

“Not only am I trying to go out there and have fun but I'm competing against my dad at the same time,” Hanson said. “We take our little family feuds to the race track and settle it there.”