McCalla glad to be back at Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS - There was no sleeping in a hotel bed or overpriced fast food for Dave McCalla and his crew before last night's Mid-American First Lady 46 event at Hawkeye Downs.

The Cedar Rapids native only had to drive across town to the racetrack where he and another Iowan, Indianola's Ben Glascock, got to put their racing skills to the test with other Mid-Am drivers.

'Usually, when we're traveling, we have that long drive to the track and tonight, it was only a few blocks away,” McCalla said. 'Tonight, you get to sleep in your own bed, not in a hotel, so it's really nice.”

The race was more than just another chance to compete in a series event for McCalla and his team. Family, friends, sponsors and sponsor's families and friends came out to Hawkeye Downs to see their featured driver compete.

McCalla said the hard work and the effort that is put into a car normally is only seen out of state. The opportunity to race in his old stomping grounds was unique and exciting.

'I love the speed of the half mile, it really gets your adrenaline going,” McCalla said. 'And racing with these guys, it makes for good, clean racing.”

McCalla's night was over before the race was, however. He drifted off the track to the garage area with 26 laps left. The five-time Hawkeye Downs champion did not finish the race and placed 16th overall.

Glascock also raced in front of a friendly crowd, including a special guest.

'My wife and my new 3-week-old baby are coming,” Glascock said. 'We talked about it before racing in the Mid-Am ... but my wife is on board.”

Glascock said he spends as much of his time with his newborn girl and wife as he can, and will head to his shop and spend late nights working on his car.

Glascock battled back and forth throughout the race after being involved in two wrecks, but finished out the event, placing 12th overall. Glascock reached a position of 10th at one point, but was unable to hold on for the top 10 finish.

After a caution-ridden night, Jeremy Spoonmore of Waukesha, Wis., was able to win the Mid-Am race, just edging out Kevin Gentile.

Dudley Fleck won the late model race. More results, page 4B.

l Comments: stephen.koenigsfeld@thegazettecompany.com