Hawkeye Downs prepares for season opener

CEDAR RAPIDS - Hawkeye Downs Speedway is scheduled to open its weekly points series Friday.

The paved track will have auto racing in six divisions for the 2012 season. Late models, legends, modifieds, sportsmen, hobby stocks and hornets will return from last season. Gates open at 6 p.m. with hot laps starting at 6:35. Pre-race ceremonies kick off at 7:15 with the first race at 7:30.

Last season, Brad Osborn claimed the season points title in late models, and Cory Houdek won the Sportsmen, including eight features. Matt Petrzelka also had eight feature wins to win his first hobby stock points championship. Ryan Luedtke was the modified champion, while Matt Blake won the legends division in his rookie season. Brad Chandler recorded a series best nine feature wins to capture the hornets title.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Children 12 years old and younger are free.

Innovative Signs Night is the first of a 17-race schedule that will conclude with Season Championship Races on Friday, Aug. 24.