Hawkeye Downs Speedway will return to its dirt track origins this fall with a series of special racing events commemorating the venue’s 100th anniversary.
The quarter-mile track operated as a dirt facility from its founding in 1925 until the mid-1980s, when it converted to asphalt. The temporary return to dirt will allow fans to experience racing as it was conducted during the track’s early decades.
Hawkeye Downs is partnering with Benton County Speedway to organize the events, which include IMCA Racing Night on Sept. 27, Open Wheel Night on Oct. 4, and the two-day “Dirt at the Downs Classic” on Oct. 10-11. NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will be featured during Ken Schrader Racing Night on Oct. 18.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the history of Hawkeye Downs and honor the generations of fans, drivers, businesses, and families who have made this track what it is today,” said Rick Dripps, race director at Benton County Speedway. “It’s all new and exciting entertainment for our communities across Eastern Iowa.”
Additional fall events include Honus Motorsports’ Demo Derby Sept. 20 and Boneshaker Shutdown Vintage Drag Races and Car Show Sept. 28, along with Prairie Pullers’ Mini Tractor Pull Oct. 12 and a 200-lap dirt enduro race Oct. 26.
“We’re bringing back the dirt for a true throwback to our early days of racing,” said Brian Gibson, Hawkeye Downs race director. “We want to stay focused on creating new memories for fans of all ages this fall and for many years to come.”
The facility continues its regular operations as part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series during summer months and hosts enduro events, car shows and facility rentals year-round.
Originally known as Frontier Park and Cedar Rapids Speedway, Hawkeye Downs operates as a nonprofit organization under a volunteer board of directors. The venue also houses exposition halls that host trade shows and conventions throughout the year.
Event details and ticket information are available at hawkeyedowns.org/dirtatthedowns.
