An asphalt first: Hawkeye Downs to run IMCA Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Dec. 15, 2006) – Hawkeye Downs Speedway becomes the first asphalt track in the country to run the IMCA’s Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod division next season.

The class will join sanctioned Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks running on the ¼ mile oval at Cedar Rapids in 2007.

“We have high hopes for the Northern SportMods,” administrator of racing Paul Draper said. “They put on a great race during the Deery Brothers show here last year.”

Draper is optimistic the class will draw averages of 14 to 18 cars

for weekly shows, with dirt track visitors from venues such as Independence Motor Speedway and Benton County Speedway in Vinton testing their skills on pavement.

A dozen SportMod competitors attended a drivers’ meeting held after the 2006 season.

“We’re not looking to take cars away from other Friday night tracks,” Draper said. “This will give drivers with Satur day and Sunday tracks another place to race for points and they’ll have the opportunity to do it in front of a big crowd.”

Drivers with previous asphalt experience, excluding those in the local hornet class, won’t be allowed to compete in the SportMod class at Hawkeye Downs next year. Stock Car and Hobby Stock drivers can switch divisions in 2008, with the SportMods open to all drivers in 2009.

“What we don’t want is for a driver who has raced a lot on asphalt to come in and dominate the class right away,” explained Draper. “An open practice will be scheduled on a Saturday before opening night for the SportMods. We want to get drivers as much track time as possible.”
A car show, safety inspection and open practice is scheduled for

April 13 at Hawkeye Downs. The first IMCA points races are April 20, with the season running through championship night on Aug. 24.Points races for at least two of the three IMCA divisions will be on the Deery Brothers Summer Series Late Model ‘Dirt At The Downs’ card Wednesday, Aug. 8.