Hawkeye Downs wraps up racing season

CEDAR RAPIDS - Hawkeye Downs Speedway concludes the 2013 season Friday night.

One of the impressions from the recent campaign is the track has experienced more quality over quantity.

Drivers in all six classes will get one more opportunity to produce a strong show Friday night during Season Championship Night at the track. Races begin at 7:30 p.m. with hot laps starting about 6:35.

“We've had some good racing,” Hawkeye Downs Race Promoter Mike Becker said. "It's true. We don't have the most cars in the world, but we have some pretty good racers.”

The average car count for weekly race nights has been just more than 51. Participation peaked at 58 on July 26, excluding the week the Mid-American Stock Car Series appeared for the Darrah's Towing 45. Becker said he would prefer more cars and fans, but said he has talked to other tracks facing the same dilemma.

“I'm never going to be happy,” Becker said earlier this month. “There's always something you want more of.”

Last week, Becker addressed the drivers in their pre-race meetings. He offered them an opportunity to provide suggestions to improve the races on and off the track. It might be too late for this year, but it could be applied to possible changes for the 2014 season.

Becker said that the races have progressed over the summer, even if it was a little slower than wanted. The drivers deserve credit for the improvement.

“They're staying at it,” Becker said. “They're focused. They're racing and working on their stuff. They are putting on a show and they know it.”

The season points titles have pretty much been settled. Tim Plummer will sweep the modified and late model championships for the first time since 2010. Matt Petrzelka has 11 feature wins, going into the final week, and will earn his third straight points title. Dave McCalla will snag a second straight sportsman crown.

Kurt Bohnsack will win his first hornets title and first since winning the 2008 stock car class. Tim Goettsch, a 24-year-old from Bettendorf, will claim his first track championship, capturing the legends title.

Champions have separated themselves from the field but there has been plenty of competition between other drivers. Many battles have been just as intense for second, third and fourth in features as for the victory.

“It takes something special for these guys to do what they do,” Becker said. “They're doing a good job of it. Right on through the ranks, everybody is doing a great job.”

Gates open at 6 p.m. with hot laps at 6:35. Admission is $10, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Children 12 years old and younger are free. During intermission, all spectators will be welcome on the track to participate in a special trick-or-treat session for anyone 14-and-younger. An autograph session will be held at the same time for all fans.