The Heart of Racing: Why We Race
For nearly 100 years, Hawkeye Downs Speedway has been a hallowed ground where the scent of burnt rubber mingles with the roar of engines. Among the sounds, spectators, and feeling of excitement, the people directly involved in the racing community, including the drivers and volunteers, stand in appreciation for the sport and the history at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. Each and every individual in the racing community has their own history. Three individuals, in particular, represent different facets of the racing world, yet they are bound together by their unwavering love for the sport.
Sport Mods: Beckett Flannagan
Beckett Flannagan, a young driver in the Sport Mod series, traces his racing lineage back several generations. For him, racing isn't just about the adrenaline rush of speed; it's the family bond that keeps him going. Every Friday night, he climbs into his car, looking for success but also to grow the bond with his father and grandfather.
Hornets: Jamie Wood
Jamie Wood started his racing journey because he was inspired by his grandfather's love for the sport. Wood bought his first car on a whim and never looked back. Despite facing adversity, including his grandfather's inability to witness his races due to health issues, Wood's passion for racing only grew stronger. Racing became a tribute to his roots, a way to honor his grandfather's memory with each lap. Wood is new to the Hornets racing series at Hawkeye Downs.
Behind the Camera: Ed Siems
Usually quite literally in the center of it all, capturing every moment with his camera, is Ed Siems, a veteran racing photographer with nearly three decades of experience. Siems' journey into photography began innocently enough as he sought to capture snapshots of his family racing at the track. But over the years, his passion for racing photography grew, fueled by the atmosphere he witnessed at the racetrack and the sense of community with the drivers. His photographs serve as a visual story of the racing world, preserving the memories of drivers past and present. We are so fortunate to be able to share Siems’ work with our fans on social media every week.
Every Person, Every Car, Every Race Matters
For people like Flannagan, Wood, and Siems, racing is more than just a sport. Racing is a way of life. Whether they're behind the wheel or behind the lens, they are united by a shared love for the racetrack and the sense of belonging it brings.
As another season of racing begins at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, these three individuals stand as living embodiments of the racing spirit. Stories like theirs remind us that racing isn't just about speed and competition; it's about connection—to family, to tradition, and to each other. As long as there are racers like Flannagan and Wood and storytellers like Siems, the heartbeat of the racetrack will continue to echo for years to come, and racing will live on for another 100 years.
Let’s Go Racing: Friday, May 3rd
The 2024 Hawkeye Downs Season Opener is scheduled for Friday, May 3rd, 2024. This race marks the opening of the 99th season of racing at Hawkeye Downs Speedway and includes all of the favorite weekly racing series, late models, and the debut of HD Dawgs, a new class on the half mile. Thank you to our friends with D S Disposal for sponsoring our May 3rd race!
Gates open at 6:00pm and racing begins at 7:05pm. Tickets are available at the gate. Cash and cards are accepted.
