A busy week is in store for the opening of the 81st season of action at Hawkeye Downs Speedway
by: Brad Grupe

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. (April 24, 2006) - A busy week is in store for the opening of the 81st season of action at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. A final is practice session is scheduled for Wednesday with the 2006 racing season taking the green flag on Friday.

The practice session runs from 5-8pm on Wednesday, April 26 with free grandstand admission.

The first green flag of the season will drop at 7pm on Friday, April 28. Grandstand gates and warm-ups begin at 6pm with Performance Concepts Late Model Qualifying first up on the program.

Divisions for this season are Performance Concepts ASA Late Models, Budweiser Sportsmen, Miller Time Modifieds, and Barron Motor Supply IMCA Stock Cars which make up the Papa Johns Cup Iowa Wireless Championship Series. The Barron Motor Supply IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Sunline Hornets participate in the Full Throttle Energy Drink Stars of Tomorrow program.

Early indications are that the late model and sportsmen division will crown new champions. Defending late model champion Brad Osborn is recuperating from a non racing related injury and last years’ sportsmen champion , Kevin
Korsmo, is not racing this season but will be in the radio booth with Scott Unash doing color commentary for KCRG 1600 “”The Zone” broadcasts. Likewise, it looks like Brandon Herb will not be defending his title in the hobby stocks. However, another member of the Herb family, Dwayne, will be driving the car.

Tim Plummer has registered for the 2006 campaign and will be defending champion in the modified division. Brad Dvorak is expected to defend his title in the stock car division with Connie Binder back to defend her title in the Hornets as well.

The Hawkeye Downs Race Committee and Competition Director Dan Hilby promise a fast-paced program with the emphasis on fun for both the fans and drivers.

Grandstand admission prices remain the same as last season. Children (0-11) are $1.00; Students (12-17) are $7.00; Adults (12-61) are $10.00; and Senior Citizens (62+) are admitted for $7.00.