Cedar Rapids, IA – In the last three starts, Gabe Sommers has made the most of his visits to Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, IA.
The two-time Appalachian Sucker Punch ASA Midwest Tour presented by Five Star Race Car Bodies champion has two victories and one runner-up position.
“It’s just a really cool place, it has a really low grip, and just kind of really have to conserve your tires and be there at the end,” the Plover, WI driver recently said. “At that place guys will be leading by a straightaway and then you will be lapping them at the end because the tires wear out so much.”
The half-mile asphalt oval, one of only two asphalt tracks in the state with the other being Iowa Speedway, has become a track that Sommers is eager to visit every year.
One of the big reasons is that the result he has had at this event mirrors how he finished in the season championship.
Sommers won the Miller 100 in 2023 & 2024, as well as the ASAMT title those same years.
“Yeah it’s kind of where we start to shine in the season a little bit, and that kind of gets it rolling with us,” Sommers explained. “So, hopefully we can have another good run there again this year.”
Ironically, Casey Johnson won this event last year and went on to win his fourth title.
During the off-season, Sommers parted ways with longtime crew chief Travis Sauter and started the 2026 season with Dave Meyer overseeing the team.
“Yeah, it’s been good,” Sommers said. “We’ve had quite a bit of changes, but everything’s been pretty smooth. Just kind of working through some things and figuring each other out. It’s been challenging here and there, but for the most part, it’s a pretty smooth transition.”
The Miller 100 will take place on Saturday, July 11th at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Tickets are on sale now through MidwestTour.racing.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Pits open 1:00 p.m.
Gates open 3:30 p.m.
Qualifying 5:45 p.m.
Opening ceremonies 6:45 p.m.
Races begin 7:00 p.m.
Past ASA Midwest Tour Hawkeye Downs Winners:
2007 – Steve Carlson
2008 – Steve Carlson
2009 – Steve Carlson
2010 – Steve Carlson
2011 – Jonathan Eilen
2014 – Ty Majeski
2015 – Ty Majeski
2021 – Ty Majeski
2023 – Gabe Sommers
2024 – Gabe Sommers
2025 – Casey Johnson