After two rainouts, Hawkeye Downs ready for charity event

CEDAR RAPIDS - Third time is a charm.

You can bet that Hawkeye Downs Speedway race fans and Van Meter Industrial hopes that to be true.

The track will will host Van Meter Industrial Night this Friday, after rain postponed two previous attempts. The charity event begins at 7:30 p.m. with pre-race ceremonies at 7:15 and regular admission is waived with at least a $1 donation that will go to benefit the Children's Miracle Network at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

"We've certainly had some trouble trying to get this one in," said Hawkeye Downs Race Promoter Mike Becker, who expects the show to be held. "It's certainly going to be a fun night."

Highlight of the event is a four-car, 15-lap celebrity Legends Car Pride Race, including former National Football League wide receivers Tim Dwight and Eddie Berlin. Dwight was a track and football star for Iowa City High and University of Iowa before playing 10 years professionally for five NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers and new England Patriots. Berlin played for the University of Northern Iowa and five years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears.

After the celebrity contest, footballs autographed by both Dwight and Berlin will be raffled off. The evening will also have an auction for an Iowa Hawkeye football helmet autographed by Dwight.

Both Dwight and Berlin have returned each of the previous two scheduled events, hoping to participate in the fundraising effort. Dwight, who lives in California, and Berlin have shown a strong commitment to the charitable cause.

"Both of those guys are very focused on helping other individuals," Becker said. "This is no exception and they're proud to be a part of what we're doing here."

Weather has been a major issue for the track the entire season. Of the nine scheduled weekly points races, only four have been competed. Hawkeye Downs only has one week left this year that isn't already sponsored and everyone is anxious to return to the track and perform for the fans.

"Those guys are certainly frustrated by all the weather problems that we've had this season, but when they're at the race track they are all very competitive," Becker said. "We've had some very good races. Some new and interesting winners and some pretty neat events out there."

In addition to the celebrity Legends car race, which is scheduled for intermission, weekly points races will be held for the late model, hornet, sportsman, modified, legends and hobby stock divisions. Gates open at 6 p.m.