Dave Ballstaedt enjoying new HD Dawgs class at Hawkeye Downs

Cedar Rapids driver Dave Ballstaedt was looking for a new challenge on the track this year.

A racing format that sparked a bit more of a rush.

He found the right fit in Hawkeye Downs Speedway’s HD Dawgs.

“It’s a half mile, so it’s a little faster,” Ballstaedt said. “You get a little more adrenaline. It’s fun.”

HD Dawgs is a “breakout” class, new to the Speedway in 2024.

It has an established time of 22.000 seconds per lap, meaning drivers who complete any of the feature race’s 15 laps on the half-mile track in less than 22 seconds risk being disqualified from the event for “breaking out.”

“It’s hard not to go over the time, so I just watch it,” Ballstaedt said.

Sportsman, Mid-American, Hobby Stock, Vintage, Trucks, and Modified vehicles are welcome to compete, as is any car that meets the rules of the class. No super late, limited late, Big 8 or 602 asphalt late models are allowed.

Earlier this season, HD race director Brian Gibson described the class as “designed so a person can participate without having to spend crazy money on an engine and new tires all the time, but still get out on the half-mile.”

Complete racing rules and car requirements can be found on Hawkeye Down’s website.

Ballstaedt, who began racing at Hawkeye Downs in 2007, also competes in the Sportsmans division. He won the HD Dawgs feature race on June 21 — his first victory on the track since 2020.

“It never gets old,” Ballstaedt said. “Victory Lane is somewhere I’d like to be parked in every week, but I normally run Sportsmans and I’d say it’s the toughest class out here.”

In his win, Ballstaedt maintained a steady lead throughout the race. Marion’s Devin Coghlan made a late push in the final lap jockeying to take the inside edge, but Ballstaedt held his ground.

“I don’t use my mirrors, so honestly, I couldn’t tell you where he was,” Ballstaedt said. “I listen for the motors. I figured if he had anything for me, he would’ve nosed me up on the door.

“In this class, it’s not just about only racing the other guys; I’m racing myself and against the timer.”

Will Zamastil of Fairfax is the current HD Dawgs leader with 189 points through five races. Behind him are Coghlan, Ballstaedt, Drew Nickell (Blairstown), Tallan Chandler (Norway) and Jerome Kline (Brooklyn).

“I wish there were more cars in the class, but hopefully it builds up,” Ballstaedt said. “It’s a new class and I think a lot of the guys are talking about it.”

In prior years, Ballstaedt competed in Bahama Brackets racing, a format similar to the breakout style of HD Dawgs, in Rockford, Ill. That race no longer exists after Rockford Speedway closed in 2023.

All the more reason Ballstaedt is grateful for the variety of racing opportunities his hometown track offers.

“I just appreciate everything Hawkeye Downs is doing for us,” Ballstaedt said.