hawkeyedownsspeedway

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Morris Holds Off Laney for Dirt Downs Classic Modified Victory

By Christine Rublack CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Oct. 10, 2026) — More than 120 cars filled the pits at Dirt on the Downs, with five Speedway Motors IMCA divisions producing an action-packed night of racing for the Dirt Downs Classic. Troy Morris III made the most of his pole starting position in the $2,000-to-win Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature, taking command immediately while Cody Laney moved into second and Jed Freiburger worked his way into third. A restart put Laney and Freiburger directly on Morris’ bumper, but the Bakersfield, Calif. native withstood the pressure to secure the victory. Laney finished second, followed by Freiburger, Logan Anderson, and Mark Burgtorf. The race was also a qualifier for the 2027 Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational, putting Morris on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify at next September’s Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Plummer Charges From Seventh for SportMod Victory Kyle Olson took command early in the $1,000-to-win Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod feature as Kaden Rice moved into second. Olson began working through lapped traffic [Read More]

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Shute Charges From Deep to Modified Victory at the Downs

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 [Read More]

Feature

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]