Hawkeye Downs Speedway opener postponed

CEDAR RAPIDS - The brakes have been applied to the start of the auto racing season at Hawkeye Downs Speedway.

The local asphalt track announced Thursday that it was postponing the season-opening night due to Friday's less-than-favorable weather forecast. Hawkeye Downs will begin its weekly points races Friday, May 10 with Innovative Signs Night, starting with hot laps at 6:35 p.m. and racing at 7:30.

The rare May weather led to an unusual early postponement. Next week is expected to be more pleasant for fans and drivers.

"I normally don't cancel a day ahead," Hawkeye Downs Promoter Mike Becker said. "With it being opening night and people that make special preparations for that and the weather forecast, I thought let's put it off."

The decision made the most sense to Becker. The expected conditions would keep many casual fans, and even some drivers, away from the track.

"It's terribly disappointing," Becker said. "It's snowing in Iowa (in May). It's not something that is normal."

Innovative Signs Night will be pushed back a week with Hibu (formally known as Yellowbook) presenting the track's 12th Annual Keith Fleck Memorial Wall of Fame Night on May 24.

Tickets for race nights are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. Children 12 and under are free. Visit

http://www.hawkeyedownsspeedway.com/racingindex.html for information regarding weekly points season.