Faces of Eastern Iowa: Garnavillo's Helle draws big crowd when he hits the track

Editor's note: A continuing series spotlighting people around Eastern Iowa and the games they play.

By Jeff Hare, correspondent

One of the beauties of sport is how it can unite. Friends and family get together to root their favorites to victory.

There is one such northeast Iowa family that puts it into practice weekly.

When 30-year-old Tim Helle is racing Saturday nights at Independence Speedway, the Helle clan of Garnavillo turns out en masse.

“It started about nine years or so ago when I was racing at Echo Valley in West Union,” Helle said. “I used to drag my cousin, Justin, with me to the races. He enjoyed it and told his family. Next thing I know, they all started showing up and having a good time.”

And before long, the group of fans extended to his in-laws.

“My wife, Alicia, and her family all are fans,” he said. “It's great to see them at the races also.”

Ryan Clark, of Independence Speedway, said it is easy to spot the Helle family in the crowd.

“There are always about 20 to 25 of them,” he said. “They are easy to spot (because) they all wear the same T-shirts and sit together. We know who they are pulling for.”

Though they show up to watch him, Helle said he's not the only reason they visit the track.

“They are huge fans of the sport,” he said. “The family really enjoys it and I'm happy that they want to come out and watch.”

Helle hasn't disappointed his fan base, taking the checkered flag a few weeks ago.

“That was my first win in the stock car class,” said Helle, whose car is owned by brother Wade. “Over the years, I won 10 hobby stock races.”

But it's still all about seeing his family in the stands.

“I love it that they are there to watch,” Helle said. “The Independence track is great. It really has a family culture.

“When the race is over and everyone is down in the pits hanging out, with the kids running around ... it's just an incredible experience.”

If you have an idea for a Faces of Eastern Iowa story, contact Jeff Hare at hare486@aol.com