Plummer's focus switching to late models

CEDAR RAPIDS - A new challenge awaits Tim Plummer.

That's just fine with him. The 26-year-old race car driver was looking for something new to do.

Plummer's primary focus will switch to late model racing after winning the last six season points titles in the modified division at Hawkeye Downs Speedway,

“At this point, I'm starting the year off with the assumption I'm going to run more full-time in the late models,” said Plummer, starting his ninth season racing at Hawkeye Downs. “But, that is subject to change.”

Plummer, of Norway, raced one of Dudley Fleck's cars last year in addition to his own modified contests. The chance to race a late model regularly was too good to pass up, considering the high price to run a late model.

“I got a good opportunity with Dudley to move in that avenue,” Plummer said. “I might as well take advantage of it.”

Plummer seemed to make a good transition to the new class last year, claiming two feature wins. The performances help sell him on the move.

“The limited experience I got racing a late model last year I had quite a bit more success than I was expecting,” said Plummer, who benefitted by solid handling at the end of the 40-lap late model features. “Last year, I raced six times and was first or second every week I didn't either have a wreck or blow an engine.”

Plummer has always had success at Hawkeye Downs since he stepped in for his well-known uncle, Mike Schulte. He won 1/4-mile titles in 2002 and 2003 before his streak on the 1/2-mile oval in 2004. He captured 29 feature wins during that six-year stretch, including six in both 2009 and 2005.

Plummer said his learning curve is reset and he needs to drive more aggressively to contend on a weekly basis.

“Just have as high a winning percentage as I can,” Plummer said about his late model goals. “Every race I start, I realistically would like to have a shot at the end of the race to win.”