Ryan Pleggenkuhle

The annual Fourth of July Fifth Season Races, set for Tuesday in Cedar Rapids, have significant meaning to co-race director Jim Dwyer.

Patrick Flannagan leads the Hawkeye Downs SportsMod division and races against his son, Beckett, every Friday.

Hobby Stock Derek Parrott driver has dedicated his season to his mother, who died in 2022, and he leads his division at Hawkeye Downs now.

Corey Crispin and Chad Vozenilek have a mutual sponsor and respect as they battle for the Hornets Division lead at Hawkeye Downs.

Auto racing: Hawkeye Downs director generally is busy with other task on race night, but got back in his car for special event on Friday

Cedar Rapids Prairie boys’ soccer Coach Curt Lewis has high expectations — for this year’s team, the program and his son, Gavin, the team’s leading scorer.

Grace Gaarde ranks first in Class 1A and second in the state in goals scored this season with 38. Since 2017, every season has seen a Gaarde as Iowa City Regina’s top scorer.

For the last 15 years, the Iowa City Regina boys’ soccer program has been the model of consistency in Class 1A. Yet, there’s something special about the 2023 team that longtime coach Rick Larew hasn’t seen before.

Ranked No. 9 in Class 2A, Marion began the girls’ soccer season 9-0. The Wolves have the depth to have a shot at their first state tournament appearance.

There's a revived energy within the Anamosa girls' soccer program. For the first time since 2004, the Blue Raiders are guaranteed to end the season with a winning record.

1A No. 5 Comets have scored 79 goals during 9-2 start

With a style of play focused on possession, the Class 2A No. 4-ranked Independence girls’ soccer team is off to a 10-0 start.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy went 9-9 last year, but the Cougars started 6-0 before Tuesday’s overtime loss to Iowa City High and are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A.

Short on seniors and low on numbers, a youthful Center Point-Urbana boys’ soccer team ranked No. 10 in Class 2A is “learning quickly.”

The Linn-Mar girls’ soccer team certainly didn’t take the easy route to begin the 2023 season. After losses to highly-ranked teams, the Lions have shown selflessness and depth during a four-game winning streak.