Shute Charges From Deep to Modified Victory at the Downs

Feature, Hobby Stock, Modified, News, Northern SportMod, Stock Car

Todd Shute made a charge from deep in the field to win the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature on Sept. 27 at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Photo by Ed Siems)

By Christine Rublack

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Sept. 27, 2025) — Todd Shute was a man on a mission after starting deep in the field to capture the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified win at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. The victory came during the facility’s 100th anniversary season and marked the first dirt race at the historic venue since the mid-1980s.

Troy Cordes took command early while Jerry Dedrick and Trent Wyssbrod battled for second. Shute climbed into fourth behind Ethan Krall and soon began working the top line as lapped traffic slowed Cordes. Cordes and Shute traded the lead in a spirited duel before Jed Freiburger moved into third. One final caution bunched the field, but Shute powered ahead on the restart to take the checkers. Cordes, Freiburger and Wyssbrod followed.

Reynolds Rules Stock Cars Wire-to-Wire

Kaden Reynolds dominated the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature, leading every lap on his way to victory. Reynolds quickly pulled away while Ben Chapman settled into second and Andrew Burk took third, with Johnny Spaw close behind.

Tanner Allen worked into the top four as the laps clicked off. A late caution brought the field to Reynolds’ bumper, but he was untouchable on the restart. He scored the win ahead of Chapman, Allen and Gage Neal.

Kemp Breaks Through for First SportMod Win

Austin Kemp earned his first-ever Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod victory, leading from the pole and never looking back.

Kyle and Tony Olson challenged early, with Joe Docekal climbing into third as lapped traffic came into play. Will Wolf raced his way into the top three, battling Kyle Olson for second in the closing laps. At the stripe it was Kemp with the breakthrough win, followed by Wolf, Kyle Olson and Josalyn Elmquist.

Sabin Storms to Hobby Stock Checkers

Kolby Sabin raced to Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock honors after fighting through a caution-plagued start.

Matt Bennett and Kale Hemsley traded the lead up front as Joren Fisher worked the high line into third. Fisher pressured Hemsley while Sabin methodically advanced into the top four. Sabin slipped past Hemsley for the lead, while Bennett fought off Justin Wacha for third.

Sabin went on to the victory, with Hemsley second and Bennett third.

The entire night of racing was broadcast live on IMCA TV. Replay every lap with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available now for just $24.99/month. And don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, now streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.

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Dirt Returns to Hawkeye Downs for Sept. 27 “Dirt at the Downs” IMCA Event

By Nicole Schroeder CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Sept. 18, 2025) —  Hawkeye Downs Speedway has officially begun transforming its legendary quarter-mile asphalt track into dirt in preparation for Dirt at the Downs, a historic series of events honoring 100 years of racing in Eastern Iowa. Trucks began hauling in tons of dirt this week to cover the racing surface, bringing the track back to its roots for the first time since the mid-1980s. From its founding in 1925, Hawkeye Downs was home to dirt track racing for more than 60 years before transitioning to asphalt. This fall, fans will have the rare opportunity to experience racing as it began a century ago. Hawkeye Downs is partnering with Benton County Speedway to present an unforgettable lineup of events, beginning Sept. 27 with a full program of Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing. The card will feature Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, and Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks. “We’re not just talking about history anymore, we’re driving on it,” said Hawkeye Downs [Read More]