Brian Gibson ‘pleased’ with 2023 weekly racing season at Hawkeye Downs as 6 champions are crowned

CEDAR RAPIDS — There’s a new class of track champions at Hawkeye Downs.

At the conclusion of racing Friday, six drivers were crowned champions, wrapping up the 2023 weekly racing season at the speedway — its first as a NASCAR affiliate.

HD Race Director Brian Gibson is “pleased” with how the season transpired.

“I think the NASCAR affiliation has helped,” Gibson said. “Our crowds are up about 100 people per night.

“I’m pleased. We’ve had a good year. Our car count has grown, and we’ve had some excellent racing.”

As for the champions, Derek Parrott edged Reggie Mitchell by one point for tops in Hobby Stocks — a division Parrot described as “ultra competitive.” It was Parrott’s second track championship at HD.

After dedicating this season to his late mother, Tink, Parrott was more than grateful to bring home the title in her honor.

“The championship means the world to me, and it would have meant the same for my mom,” Parrott said. “She was riding with me in spirit all the way.”

Parrot won four features and finished top five in all 13 races.

Jim Hanson took the Sportsmans title, surviving a push from Todd Ness to earn his eighth track championship at HD.

“This was a year of many improvements, management, tech, facilities and a lot of rivals on the track,” Hanson said. “Good racing, most of all, and a great time with family and friends.”

Hanson had five wins and finished top five in all 13 features.

In the Legends division, Kacey Korsmo finished first in a competitive and deep field — Korsmo’s first championship at the speedway.

“It’s a dream come true,” Korsmo said. “My dad (Kevin) has been racing here since I was born, and knowing he’s won eight of them made me think it was easy. It is not even close. It takes an enormous amount of studying, preparation, resources and time to put a whole season together.”

Korsmo won two features and finished top five in 12 of 13 races.

Corey Crispin ran away with the Hornets division, earning his second track title at Hawkeye Downs. Crispin recorded an impressive seven wins in 13 features and finished top three in each race.

“This car has been a two-year project for the team and has been a ton of work,” Crispin said. “In 2022, we built the car throughout the season and raced it part-time to learn with it. This year was meant to be the true test and it’s gone exactly as we wanted it.”

Patrick Flannagan secured top honors in Sports Mods, completing his four-peat in the division. Flannagan dominated the class, earning the checkered flag in nine of 13 features.

He had plenty of people to thank for his success.

“I really have to thank my dad (Bill Flannagan), my son (Beckett), Grady Karr and Harry Roberts for all the help with my racecars,” Flannagan said. “I also have to thank my wife Brooke and daughter Harper for coming out and cheering me on all summer.”

Wisconsin resident Bryce Miller took the Late Models crown, winning four of the seven features and finishing top five in each.

“Hawkeye Downs is an awesome track and one of my favorites,” Miller said. “It was a lot of fun with a great atmosphere.

This is my first championship and it means the world to me and my team. The long hours in the shop to prepare and the three-hour travel time were all worth it.”

Gibson added that he’s enjoyed seeing newcomers, like Miller, come to Hawkeye Downs and have success.

“We’ve got a variety and great racing across the board, which is a good thing,” Gibson said. “It shows not the same person is dominating the field and anyone can come run with us.”

Hawkeye Downs 2023 final standings

Hobby Stocks

1. Derek Parrot; 2. Reggie Mitchell; 3. Adam Petrzelka

Hornets

1. Corey Crispin; 2. Chad Vozenilek; 3. Ian Pate

Legends

1. Kacey Korsmo; 2. Austin Slabaugh; 3. Danny Lehmkuhl

Sportsmans

1. Jim Hanson; 2. Todd Ness; 3. Greg Hentrich

Sports Mods

1. Patrick Flannagan; 2. Tallan Chandler; 3. Jonny Williams

Late Models

1. Bryce Miller; 2. Kacey Korsmo; 3. Kody King