Racing awareness: Siems brothers take track for a cause

CEDAR RAPIDS - Before many celebrated Memorial Day earlier this week, Chad and Scott Siems were honoring United States troops.

Their memorial can be seen over and over again as they circle Hawkeye Downs Speedway's half-mile track. The Siems brothers had their rolling devotions to the military on display last night for the weekly points races at the asphalt track.

"Both cars are tributes to the troops," said Chad Siems, 47, of Shellsburg. "My car has all the fall soldiers on the hood. It's a tribute to all those who have died for us. (Scott's) car has a purple heart on it and it had military charities on it."

Chad Siems' late model decal design is called "Fallen Heroes," listing more than 80 Iowa soldiers who died in service since Sept. 11, 2001. Scott Siems, 37, of Cedar Rapids, drives a purple car, representing the honor given to those killed or wounded in combat, displays the websites for various charity organizations helping military veterans.

The idea started last year and was suggested by an uncle, who helps the Siems brothers race. The goal is to raise awareness and create support for military personnel.

"My car just reminds people that there are a people out there serving for us and they're dying. A lot of them are injured," Chad Siems said. "Let's keep that in the forefront. We're not here racing unless these people are doing what they're doing, protecting our country.

The cars have been well received. Chase Decals, a veteran-owned company from Ames, helped with the stickers. Many have voice their pleasure in the gesture.

"We got a lot of comments on Facebook," Chad Siems said. "A bunch of military veterans will stop by after the race and look at them."

Chad Siems said he doesn't know any of the listed soldiers personally, but the cause is still dear to his heart. His dad, grandparents, uncles and cousins served, describing them as "somewhat" of a military family.

They will continue the themes in future seasons. Chad Siems said he hopes spectators will be moved to donate to the charities.

"Every year we update the names. Unfortunately, we'll have to add a few," Chad Siems said. "We race to have fun. This is our passion. The tribute is our way to express our gratitude."

But, it was Thor Anderson that hoisted the trophy after the late model race. Anderson took the lead less than 10 laps into the 30-lap feature and held off Brad Osborn for the victory.

The race, which opened with a nasty wreck into the wall by Curt Tillman on the second lap, had Zach Less grab an early lead. Anderson continued to cut into the lead, making a gutsy move for first between turns 1 and 2 where Tillman crashed. Brad Osborn also passed Less.

Osborn closed on Anderson the last seven laps but didn't have enough, finishing just back of Anderson's rear bumper as the two maneuver around lapped traffic.

Dave McCalla won his third feature of the season and extended his lead in the Sportmen division. McCalla took the lead from pole sitter Greg Hentrich three laps in and distanced himself from the field. Hentrich remained in second the rest of the race.

Like McCalla, race veteran Kevin Korsmo was able to extend his season points lead. Korsmo accelerated to the front when the green flag dropped and remained in command until the feature's lone caution came out with five laps left. After the restart, Korsmo held off Rod McGlothlen for his second feature victory this season.

A youngster stole the show in victory lane in the modified class. Jake Griffin, a 13-year-old from Quincy, Ill., went unchallenged for his first win at Hawkeye Downs. Griffin looked comfortable the entire race as Ryan Luedtke tried to close the gap to no avail. Luedtke was second, just ahead of points leader Brian Gibson.

Brad Chandler was the lone double winner Friday night. Chandler, the defending Hornets season points champion, was expected to focus more on hobby stock racing this summer. In the Hornets feature, Chandler passed leader Kurt Bohnsack with a move to the inside with 15 laps remaining. Chandler never surrendered the lead to reach victory lane.

Chandler, who was disqualified after a technical inspection following his opening night feature win, claimed his first feature victory in hobby stocks. Points leader Matt Petrzelka took the lead after a battle with Chandler, but suffered engine trouble, forcing him to pull off the track, and Chandler cruised to the win.

HAWKEYE DOWNS SPEEDWAY

At Cedar Rapids

Late Models

Heat winners - 1st: Thor Anderson; 2nd: Brad Osborn

Features - 1. Anderson, 2. Osborn, 3. Jay Jaspers, 4. Zach Less, 5. Jake Griffin

Sportsmen

Heat winners - 1st: Dave McCalla; 2nd: Bob Ahrendsen

Features - 1. McCala, 2. Greg Hentrich, 3. Bob Ahrendsen, 4. Craig Stepanek, 5. Dave Ballstaedt

Legends

Heat winners - 1st: Kevin Korsm0; 2nd: Dennis Diercks

Features - 1. Korsmo, 2. Rod McGlothlen, 3. Diercks, 4. Danny Lehmkuhl, 5. Jason Beauregard

Modifieds

Heat winners - 1st: Brian Gibson; 2nd: Ryan Luedtke

Features - 1. Jake Griffin, 2. Luedtke, 3. Gibson, 4. Craig Bender, 5. Arlo Becker

Hornets

Heat winners - 1st: Todd Ness; 2nd: Brad Chandler

Features - 1. Chandler, 2. Kurt Bohnsack, 3. Ness, 4. Nathan Chandler, 5. John Ness

Hobby stocks

Heat winner - Matt Petrzelka

Features - 1. Brad Chandler, 2. Matt Lacoursiere, 3. Petrzelka