Schulte gives fans a treat at Hawkeye Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS - It's not often you can go to an event and see one of the all-time greats in action. A performer who is a true Hall of Famer, or in this case, a wall-of-famer.

But fans this season at Hawkeye Downs get that experience when they watch Mike Schulte of Norway get behind the wheel of his modified stock car.

It has been a comeback of sorts for Schulte, who had been out of the sport for a few years. He started racing in 1981, then due to a job change about 10 years ago, he was forced to "retire" from active racing.

But this year he is back, at least on a part-time basis.

"I raced a raced a few times over the past couple years. This year, I'm able to get my schedule worked out so I can run every other week."

Success on the track has always been a constant for Schulte, as he captured numerous championships. In 2008 was inducted to the Hawkeye Downs WallofFame. This year, Schulte starting where he left off a decade ago, has won three features in the modified division.

"The two guys who work on my car, my brother Martin, and nephew (Hawkeye Downs champion himself) Tim Plummer have done great things with it. We've

had some great setups, and it's been going very well."

Veterans of the track may remember the past, when Schulte and another Hawkeye Downs legend Arlo Becker got together on the racetrack a few times.

"Running against Arlo was always fun. Some of those nights were memorable, and some I'd like to forget," said Schulte.

There has been an adjustment for Schulte racing again, after being out of it for the better part of 10 years. Changes in the building of the cars, the setups, and technology have been challenging for the 56-year-old. But he has no regrets.

"It's been a great experience. The guys have a car that has been great, and I really don't worry much about the technical aspect of it at all. I just jump in and drive."

There are a couple more things that he doesn't worry about.

"Running a limited schedule, I really don't have to think about championship points, or making sure I win the races. I'm having more fun now than I did 10 years ago. Just sit back and enjoy it. It's enjoyable being back out on the track."