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Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway
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Iowa Speedway is a 0.875 mi (1.408 km)[a] oval short track in Newton, Iowa. Since its inaugural season of racing in 2006, the track has hosted a variety of racing events, including events sanctioned by NASCAR and IndyCar. NASCAR has owned the facility since 2013, with Eric Peterson currently serving as the track's president. Iowa Speedway is served by Interstate 80.

Key Information

As of 2023, the track holds 30,000 seats. Along with the main track, the track complex also features seven road course layouts, including a 1.300 mi (2.092 km) road course layout that combines parts of the main track along with the infield road course to make a "roval".

After an initial proposal to build a 1 mi (1.6 km) track by businessmen Jerry Lowrie and Larry Clement failed in the early 2000s, in 2003, the Paul Schlaack-owned U.S. Motorsport Entertainment Corporation made a bid to build a shorter facility. After another delay due to a perceived lack of funds that lasted throughout 2004, groundbreaking commenced in mid-2005, with the facility holding its first races in September 2006. The sanctioning body of NASCAR later bought the track in 2013 to save the facility from financial issues.

Description

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Configurations

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The speedway in its current form is measured at 7⁄8 mile (1.4 km), with 10 degrees of banking in the frontstretch, four degrees in the backstretch, and a progressive banking system utilized from 12 to 14 degrees in the turns.[1] Varying sanctioning bodies have disputed the length of the track; NASCAR's official measurement is at 0.875 mi,[2] while IndyCar measures the track at 0.894 miles (1.439 km).[3]

Along with the main track's construction, road course layouts that combined the main track with dedicated infield portions were constructed, with developers making seven road course layouts.[4]

Amenities

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The facility is served by Interstate 80, and is approximately 35 miles (56 km) east from the Iowa capital of Des Moines.[5] According to a 2023 report by The Des Moines Register, it holds 30,000 seats.[6] In a 2006 Autoweek report, the track constructed 28 luxury suites;[4] in recent years, extra temporary suites for its IndyCar races were developed by Hy-Vee.[7]

Track history

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Planning and construction

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Jerry Lowrie and Larry Clement failed proposal

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In November 2000, Kentucky Speedway developer Jerry Carroll proposed to the Jasper County board of supervisors plans to build a $76 million, 40,000-seat, 1 mile (1.6 km) track in Newton, Iowa. With the proposal, Carroll sought for the county to issue $30-40 million worth of bonds to fund the project, along with seeking as much as an additional $35 million from the Vision Iowa program, a state economic growth program.[8] However, by January 2001, Carroll abandoned the plan to focus on developing the Kentucky Speedway. As a result, California businessman Jerry Lowrie opted to replace Carroll in directing the project. Lowrie decided to decline to ask the county for bonds.[9] The project drew support from Newton mayor David Aldridge,[10] but later saw opposition from residents near the proposed site. The opposition claimed that building the site would be a nuisance for the rural residents and later tacked on Lowrie's unproven record of success.[11][12]

An approval from Vision Iowa was considered critical for the project to survive, with developers hoping to secure $20 million.[13] However, by August, the remaining available funding from Vision Iowa dropped lower than the amount needed.[14] The next month, Lowrie abandoned the project to focus on building a speedway in California, leaving the project to be led by race team owner Larry Clement.[15] Although Clement claimed that by October he had commitment from private anonymous investors totaling $7-10 million, Vision Iowa leaders refused to still give the remaining money, claiming that they did not feel that sufficient proof of total commitment from investors had been provided, with Vision Iowa demanding that the identities of the investors be released.[16][17] The funding was rejected by the fall of 2002.[18]

U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Corporation bid, delays, eventual construction

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On April 16, 2003, the Newton City Council unanimously approved a proposed project for a $30 million, 7⁄8 mile (1.4 km), 25,000-seat, multi-use racing facility headed by the U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Corporation and its CEO, Paul Schlaack.[19] The project proposal planned to build it near Interstate 80, with Newton officials in charge of approving the project rather than those from Jasper County. However, although the city planned to invest $9 million into the facility, they opted to wait to build the track until Schlaack found enough investors for the project.[18] In June, NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace was announced as the leading designer of the project.[20] Schlaack unveiled plans in October, with the city now investing a planned $17.3 million with stated hopes of an opening date in 2005.[21][22] Although plans were made to hold groundbreaking in spring of 2004, construction was delayed in June due to a lack of funds for the now-$50 million project.[23][24]

In February 2005, progress on the project resumed when developers announced that they had gathered enough funds; by this point, the budget had increased to $70 million, and the opening year was delayed until 2006.[25] The developers later sought to pass a ten-year sales tax break bill; the proposed bill was the first of its kind proposed in the state of Iowa.[26] The bill drew bipartisan support from the Iowa General Assembly,[27] and was passed from committee in late March.[28] However, while the bill was supported by then-Governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack, the bill drew worries of draining the state's tax revenue based on future precedent, with Vilsack suggesting to retool the bill.[29][30] It passed the Iowa House of Representatives on April 12,[31] and was later approved by Vilsack on May 4.[32] The project received further support with a promise from the Georgia-based UBG Financial Corporation to lend up to $57 million for the project; although, it was met with skepticism due to claims of finding "little physical evidence of [the] company".[33]

Groundbreaking was held on June 21, 2005.[34] The project was met with optimism, as the economic impact of the facility for the city of Newton was seen as a satisfactory boost for a stagnating city; especially since the biggest employer of the city, Maytag, had begun major layoffs at its Newton factory.[35] By August, Todd Melfi was appointed as the track's general manager.[36] In mid-October, the track confirmed racing dates for the 2006 season with ARCA Re/Max Series[37] and United States Auto Club (USAC)-sanctioned events, with a Hooters Pro Cup Series race being scheduled to christen the facility on September 15, 2006.[38][39] Two months later, developers secured a $40 million loan from Wells Fargo in replacement of UBG Financial, who seemingly abandoned the project.[40] By April 2006, developers stated hopes of expanding the area to include a water park and a hotel nearby the facility.[41] After the Maytag factory closed in May, the facility was depended on heavily by the Newton area to replace the economic bloodline of the city.[42] In June, the facility was rumored to hold an Indy Racing League (IRL) race weekend for 2007;[43] the report was confirmed in August.[44]

First events, sales to Clement family and NASCAR

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The Iowa Speedway in June 2007.

The facility opened as scheduled on September 15, 2006, with Woody Howard winning the first race at the track.[45] The race and its preliminary sessions were marred with excessive tire wear, with mandatory competition cautions being implemented prior to the event.[46] Three weeks later, the facility held its first music festival.[47] The next year, the facility held its first IRL race, with Dario Franchitti winning the first major race at the facility.[48][49] In late February 2008, chief financial officer Jerry Jauron replaced Stan Clement as the track's president.[50] That same year, the facility was awarded annual NASCAR races for 2009, with the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series)[51] and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.[52]

Three years later, in accordance with a plan to transfer ownership of the track within five years, U.S. MotorSport Entertainment sold controlling interest of the facility to the Clement family, a family from Newton.[53] Jauron left shortly thereafter in September,[54] handing over the track's control to Doug Fritz, the senior director of marketing for NASCAR.[55] In 2013, the track sought an $8 million grant from the Iowa General Assembly to improve amenities, but failed.[56] In the same year, the track was found to be in financial trouble, with the facility being late on bill payments. As a result, Fritz resigned, with track management claiming that the track was seeking a refinancing deal in early September.[57] Two months later, The Des Moines Register reported that the facility had been sold to the sanctioning body of NASCAR for $10 million,[58][59] with Jimmy Small taking over Fritz's position of leadership.[60]

With the purchase of the track, NASCAR chairman Brian France stated hopes of the facility hosting a Nationwide Series version of the NASCAR All-Star Race; he also said that he was not interested in giving the facility a Cup Series date as the schedule was "full".[61] In February 2018, David Hyatt, the former president of the Motor Racing Network (MRN), replaced Small as the president of the track.[62] Hyatt stated hopes of expanding the facility, along with obtaining a NASCAR Cup Series weekend; particularly, the NASCAR All-Star Race.[63] By the following year, Hyatt claimed that Iowa Speedway had high chances of being awarded a Cup Series date in 2021.[64]

Reported proposed sale, resurgence

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the track's races for 2020 were either canceled or run with fewer spectators.[65][66] By mid-2020, journalist Robin Miller reported rumors that racing mogul Roger Penske was hoping to buy the facility to keep it on the IndyCar schedule; the facility was also rumored to be in financial trouble.[67] Other rumors were also made at the same time that the track was going to be closed down.[68][69] The rumors of closing were repelled by former general manager Craig Armstrong, who claimed that although the facility would not host any NASCAR or IndyCar races in 2021, the situation was a "temporary setback", with the track still hoping to host club racing events.[70] When the track reopened to full capacity in July 2021 for the ARCA Menards Series, attendance was reported at 5,000, putting future events in jeopardy.[71] However, a month later, IndyCar announced its return to the facility in 2022, this time with a doubleheader event.[72]

On October 2, 2023, reports by The Athletic claimed that NASCAR, in seeking a replacement for a failed attempt of trying to lure a Cup Series weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the 2024 season, opted to choose Iowa Speedway as a backup option.[73] The decision was confirmed a day later, with the facility slated to hold its first Cup Series races since its opening.[74] In February 2024, Eric Peterson, a NASCAR regional director for corporate sales, was appointed to replace Hyatt as the track's president.[75]

Events

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Racing

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NASCAR

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Main articles: Iowa Corn 350 and Hy-Vee PERKS 250

The facility hosts an annual NASCAR weekend featuring the NASCAR Cup Series' Iowa Corn 350 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series' Hy-Vee PERKS 250.[76] From 2009 to 2019, the track also hosted the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series events.[77][78] From 2012 to 2013, the track hosted a second Truck Series race with the Fan Appreciation 200.[79]

IndyCar

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Main article: IndyCar Series at Iowa Speedway

The Indy Racing League (now known as the IndyCar Series) announced their intentions to run annual IndyCar races at the facility in 2006,[44] with the first races being run in 2007.[49] In 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, IndyCar opted to run a doubleheader at the facility.[80] IndyCar decided to stick with the doubleheader format when the series resumed racing at the facility in 2022.[72]

Other racing events

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The facility has played host to a variety races hosted by varying sanctioning bodies, including the ARCA Menards Series, the Rolex Sports Car Series,[81] the Pro Mazda Championship,[82] and the USF2000 Championship.[83]

Lap records

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As of August 2025, the fastest official race lap records of the Iowa Speedway are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
D-Shaped Oval: 1.408 km (2006–present)[84][85]
IndyCar 0:17.4908[86] Australia Ryan Briscoe Dallara IR-04 2008 Iowa Corn Indy 250
Indy NXT 0:19.2168[87] Brazil Caio Collet Dallara IL-15 2024 Iowa 100
Star Mazda 0:22.052[88] United States Sage Karam Star Formula Mazda 'Pro' 2012 Iowa Star Mazda round
NASCAR Xfinity 0:23.341[89] United States Chandler Smith Toyota GR Supra NASCAR 2024 Hy-Vee PERKS 250
NASCAR Cup 0:23.362[90] United States Alex Bowman Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2024 Iowa Corn 350
ARCA Menards 0:23.536[91] United States Brenden Queen Chevrolet Camaro SS 2025 Atlas 150
NASCAR Truck 0:23.747[92] United States Chandler Smith Toyota Tundra 2019 M&M's 200
US F2000 0:23.881[93] United States Sage Karam Van Diemen DP08 2010 Iowa US F2000 round
Road Course: 2.092 km (2006–present)[84][85]
DP 0:41.624[94] Canada Michael Valiante Riley MkXI 2007 Iowa 400k
Grand-Am GT 0:45.663[95] United States Kelly Collins Pontiac GXP.R 2007 Iowa 400k

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Iowa Speedway

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Iowa Speedway is a 0.875-mile asphalt tri-oval short track located in Newton, Iowa, United States, that opened in 2006 as a premier venue for oval racing. Designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, the track features progressive banking of 12 to 14 degrees in the corners, four degrees on the backstretch, and 10 degrees on the frontstretch, with a 60-foot-wide racing surface optimized for high-speed competition in stock cars and open-wheel vehicles. Since its inception, it has hosted events from the IndyCar Series, ARCA Menards Series, and NASCAR's Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series starting in 2009, establishing itself as a challenging short track known for close racing dynamics. NASCAR acquired ownership in 2013, leading to infrastructure enhancements and the addition of a Cup Series race in 2024—the track's first at that level—prompted by the reconfiguration of other facilities; the event returned in 2025 with sold-out attendance, affirming its viability for top-tier stock car racing amid partial repaving of corners to address grip concerns.

Overview

Location and Basic Characteristics

Iowa Speedway is situated in Newton, Iowa, United States, approximately 30 miles east of Des Moines in Jasper County. The track's address is 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton, IA 50208. The venue centers on a 0.875-mile (1.408 km) asphalt-paved, D-shaped oval short track, constructed in 2006 and designed by former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace. It features progressive banking in the turns from 12 to 14 degrees, 10 degrees on the frontstretch, and 4 degrees on the backstretch. The facility includes permanent grandstand seating for about 30,000 spectators, with additional capacity from multi-tiered recreational vehicle viewing areas along the 869-foot backstretch.

Track Design and Configurations

Iowa Speedway's primary configuration is a 0.875-mile (1.408 km) asphalt-paved D-shaped oval track, measuring 7/8 of a mile in circumference with four turns. The track width is 60 feet throughout, complemented by a 20-foot for added surface in the turns. The frontstretch spans approximately 1,075 feet with 10 degrees of banking, while the backstretch features 4 degrees of banking. The turns employ progressive banking, increasing from 12 to 14 degrees, which facilitates multiple racing grooves and promotes close-quarters competition by enabling higher entry and exit speeds compared to uniform banking. This design element, incorporated at the request of officials during planning, draws inspiration from and contributes to the track's reputation for generating side-by-side racing. Beyond the oval, the complex supports multiple road course configurations for testing and non-championship events, including a 1.3-mile layout with nine turns that integrates sections of the main oval's frontstretch and backstretch. A shorter 0.438-mile road course and up to seven additional variants are available within the infield and perimeter, though professional racing primarily utilizes the oval for series like NASCAR and IndyCar. The entire facility, designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, emphasizes safety with SAFER barriers installed around the oval.

Facilities and Amenities

Iowa Speedway's primary spectator facilities consist of permanent grandstands accommodating approximately 30,000 seats, providing views of the 0.875-mile oval track. These bleacher-style seats feature backs for comfort and are distributed along the frontstretch and other key viewing areas. A multi-tiered viewing area along the backstretch enhances camping experiences with track oversight. The venue offers extensive parking options, including free general parking for more than 15,000 vehicles, with dedicated areas for ADA access, buses, motorcycles, and vendors. Premium parking, such as Newton Club lots, caters to select ticket holders. Camping facilities support race weekends with multiple options: general campgrounds and sites on grass surfaces behind Turn 1, offering showers and generator use where specified; and RV Terrace Hill sites behind the backstretch with 50-amp electric and water hookups, track views, and compact gravel surfaces, though without showers or generators. Additional services include fee-based camper pump-outs and water filling, with one extra vehicle permitted per site. Fan amenities include numerous concession stands serving race-day snacks, cold beverages, and local Iowa specialties, alongside accessible restrooms throughout grandstands and infield areas. Service animals are permitted property-wide, while is prohibited in grandstands, with designated concourse areas available. On-site support encompasses stations, a media center, and a care center for comprehensive event operations.

Historical Development

Early Proposals and Construction Challenges

The development of Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, originated from efforts in the early 2000s to establish a major motorsports facility in the region, following failed preliminary proposals for a larger 1-mile oval track. By 2003, U.S. Motorsports Entertainment Corporation advanced a viable plan for a 7/8-mile paved oval, drawing design input from former driver to emulate the layout of Richmond International Raceway. Financing constraints postponed groundbreaking from spring 2004 to June 21, 2005, as developers addressed perceived shortfalls for the initial $70 million project amid scrutiny over long-term viability. hesitation intensified in November 2005, when Newton officials rejected a $1.7 million for essential road access infrastructure, citing insufficient proof of funds to complete the facility; this impasse was overcome through a securing from Bank. Construction faced significant logistical hurdles, including a demanding 15-month timeline to erect the full complex—encompassing the track, grandstands, tunnel under Interstate 80, and support amenities—while enduring Iowa's severe winter weather. Escalating material prices for , , and in the wake of 2005 hurricanes drove overruns, elevating total costs to $80 million despite added features like enhanced paving by Manatt Corporation. These pressures tested contractors such as (general) and McAninch Corp. (earthwork), yet the project adhered to its accelerated schedule for a soft opening in September 2006.

Opening and Initial Events

The Iowa Speedway facility in , reached substantial completion in mid-2006 following construction that commenced in late 2005, with paving of the 0.875-mile D-shaped oval track finalized by early summer. The track officially opened on September 15, 2006, hosting its inaugural weekend of racing events despite minor delays in ancillary infrastructure. The opening race, the Soy 250 in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series' Four Champions playoff, was won by driver Woody Howard in a 250-lap event marred by significant tire wear issues that affected multiple competitors and led to extended cautions. Preliminary sessions for the race also experienced similar tire degradation problems, attributed to the new asphalt surface's abrasive qualities. The inaugural weekend extended to September 16-17, 2006, incorporating support races under the USAC sanction, including Silver Crown events that drew regional competitors and served as a for the venue's short-oval configuration. These early non-points exhibitions emphasized the track's progressive banking—peaking at 14 degrees in the corners—and its capacity for high-speed drafting, though initial feedback highlighted challenges with grip and durability on the fresh pavement. Attendance for the opening festivities exceeded expectations for a new facility, signaling strong local interest in motorsports development in central . Subsequent initial events in 2007 marked the track's entry into major national series, with the IndyCar Series' Iowa Corn Indy 250 on July 29 serving as the first high-profile sanctioning body race, won by Dario Franchitti in a dramatic finish over Sam Hornish Jr. by 0.0068 seconds. This event, part of the Indy Racing League schedule, showcased the speedway's suitability for open-wheel racing on ovals, drawing over 50,000 spectators and establishing Iowa as a competitive venue despite its youth. Early NASCAR involvement followed with a combined Camping World East and West Series race later that year, introducing stock car formats and foreshadowing the track's diversification beyond regional and open-wheel events. These formative races solidified operational protocols, including safety enhancements post the tire wear incidents, and positioned the speedway for sustained growth in professional racing circuits.

Ownership Transitions and Expansions

The Iowa Speedway was originally developed and owned by U.S. Motorsports Corporation, a controlled by the Manatt family, operators of a Brooklyn, Iowa-based construction firm. The project, approved by the Newton City Council on April 16, 2003, involved a $70 million in a 226-acre motorsports complex featuring a 7/8-mile asphalt , a 0.65-mile road course, and a 1/4-mile dirt oval, with initial grandstands seating approximately 30,000 spectators and including 66 luxury suites. On July 5, 2011, the Manatt family sold its majority stake in U.S. Motorsports to the Clement family of , proprietors of Featherlite Trailers Inc., an aluminum trailer manufacturing company. This transition occurred amid efforts to stabilize operations following the track's opening in 2006, though specific facility expansions under the Clements were not undertaken, as financial pressures mounted due to inconsistent event attendance and revenue shortfalls. NASCAR completed its acquisition of Iowa Speedway from U.S. Motorsports Corporation on November 27, , marking the sanctioning body's first direct purchase of a racetrack and aiming to secure the venue's viability in the Midwest market. The sale followed legal proceedings over unpaid debts and reflected the track's struggles to host major events profitably under private ownership. No immediate structural expansions accompanied the handover, though legislative proposals in around that time sought $8 million in state incentives for grandstand and upgrades to attract NASCAR's series, which ultimately did not advance before the ownership shift.

Recent Ownership by NASCAR and Modern Upgrades

acquired Iowa Speedway on November 27, 2013, purchasing the facility from its previous owners, the Clement family and U.S. Motorsport Corporation, through a wholly owned named Iowa Speedway, LLC. The transaction, effective immediately, addressed financial difficulties at the track, which had planned to reduce its race weekends from five in 2013 to three in 2014 due to tight budgets. This marked 's first acquisition of a racetrack, aimed at securing a key Midwest venue for its series, including the then-Nationwide Series (now Series) events already held there. Under NASCAR's ownership, the speedway expanded its role in the sanctioning body's ecosystem, hosting consistent and Series races while pursuing higher-tier events. On October 3, 2023, Iowa Speedway announced its first race for June 2024, the Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol, fulfilling long-standing rumors of a Cup debut that had been contingent on facility enhancements. The event's success, evidenced by strong attendance, prompted NASCAR to schedule a return Cup race for 2025, announced on August 29, 2024, underscoring the track's viability as a short-track venue in the Cup calendar. A primary modern upgrade occurred in May 2024, when repaved all four corners of the 7/8-mile D-shaped oval to accommodate Series demands, widening the turns and altering banking to enhance side-by-side racing for stock cars. This partial resurfacing, focused on high-wear areas, improved grip and racing lines for heavier vehicles but reduced passing opportunities for lighter open-wheel cars in subsequent events, drawing criticism from series drivers who noted the track's transformed characteristics limited overtaking. As the track owner, prioritized modifications benefiting its primary series, reflecting a strategic shift toward stock car optimization over accommodating rental users like . No further major structural upgrades have been reported as of 2025, though discussions among drivers post-2025 event considered additional repaving to refine the surface further.

Racing Calendar and Events

NASCAR Involvement

Iowa Speedway has hosted NASCAR-sanctioned events since 2006, initially through the , with the and joining as regular fixtures starting in the late . The Series made its debut in 2008, followed by the Series in 2009, establishing the venue as a key stop for NASCAR's developmental national series during the , often featuring annual doubleheaders that drew significant attendance and produced competitive short-track racing. Events were paused in the early 2020s amid track surface degradation concerns, but returned in 2024 with the addition of the Cup Series for the inaugural Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol on June 16, a 350-lap event on the 0.875-mile oval. dominated the race, leading four times for 201 laps en route to victory by 0.716 seconds over William Byron, marking his first win of the 2024 season and the first Cup Series points-paying race in Iowa history. The weekend also included and Series races on June 14-15, restoring the track's status as a multi-tier venue. In 2025, Iowa Speedway continued as a Cup Series stop with the Iowa Corn 350 on August 3, where William Byron secured the win after a race marked by multiple cautions and close competition among playoff contenders. The supporting race, the Hy-Vee Perks 250 on August 2, saw claim victory with a late surge following a Lap 221 restart, leading the final stages to notch his first win of the season. These events underscored the track's integration into 's short-track package, with the 2024 repave of the bottom lanes in corners contributing to improved racing dynamics despite ongoing debates over surface longevity.

IndyCar Series Participation

Iowa Speedway hosted its inaugural NTT race on June 24, 2007, the Iowa Corn Indy 250 presented by Ethanol, won by of Andretti Green Racing. The 0.875-mile D-shaped quickly became a fixture on the series calendar, with annual events typically scheduled in June or July under lights, emphasizing the track's reputation as a high-speed short . Through 2025, the venue accommodated 23 races, showcasing competitive racing characterized by frequent passing and strategic tire management due to the abrasive surface. Double-header formats were introduced starting in 2020, initially as a response to the pandemic's scheduling disruptions but continued in subsequent years to maximize event value and fan engagement. Notable performances include Josef Newgarden's record six victories (2016, 2019, 2020 Race 2, 2022 Race 1, 2023 Race 1, 2023 Race 2), all with except his debut win with , alongside three wins each for and . In the 2025 double-header, of won the Synk 275 powered by Sukup on July 12, leading the final stages ahead of Newgarden, while Alex Palou of claimed the Farm to Finish 275 on July 13 via strategic pit stops.
DriverWinsYears
62016, 2019, 2020 (R2), 2022 (R1), 2023 (R1 & R2)
32012, 2014, 2015
22007, 2009
22013, 2018
22022 (R2), 2025 (R1)
Despite consistent participation, omitted Iowa Speedway from its 2026 schedule, announced on September 16, 2025, with the series opting for a new event at in amid reports of declining attendance at Newton. This marks the end of nearly two decades of racing at the facility, though the track continues to host other series.

Other Sanctioning Bodies and Non-Professional Events

The Iowa Speedway has hosted events sanctioned by the since the track's inaugural 2006 season, serving as a key venue for the developmental stock car series. at the 0.875-mile oval have typically featured 150-lap events, with notable competitions including the Shore Lunch 150 won by in an earlier season and the Atlas 150 held on June 14, 2024. The series continued its presence into 2025, scheduling the Atlas Roofing 150 for August 1 as part of a tripleheader weekend. In its opening year of 2006, the track also featured events sanctioned by the (USAC), including open-wheel racing that complemented the ARCA stock car program as part of the confirmed initial racing calendar. These USAC-sanctioned races marked early diversification beyond major series, though subsequent USAC activity at the facility has been limited. Limited records exist of other sanctioning bodies utilizing the track for professional-level events outside ARCA and USAC, with no verified instances of non-professional or amateur racing series, such as or club events, being held there as of 2025. The facility's configuration and scheduling priorities have primarily aligned with higher-profile oval racing, restricting opportunities for or non-sanctioned competitions.

Records and Notable Performances

Official Lap Records

The official lap records at Iowa Speedway, a 0.875-mile (1.408 km) paved oval, are primarily documented for the , where high speeds on short ovals are emphasized in official track statistics. These records reflect peak performances in qualifying and race conditions, influenced by factors such as track surface, tire compounds, and engine configurations over the venue's history since opening in 2006. series records are less formally aggregated in public sources, with fastest laps typically referenced via recent qualifying or in-race data rather than historical absolutes.

NTT IndyCar Series

The following table summarizes the official track records for the NTT :
CategoryTimeDriverDate/Year
Fastest Qualifying Lap17.2283 sHélio Castroneves2014
Fastest Race Lap17.4908 s2008
Fastest Two-Lap Qualifying Average34.5588 s2014
These records predate recent track repaving efforts, which have increased speeds but not yet surpassed the listed marks in official sessions.

NASCAR Cup Series

The NASCAR Cup Series debuted at Iowa Speedway in 2024 with the Next Gen car, limiting historical comparisons. The fastest qualifying lap to date is 23.004 seconds (136.933 mph), set by during the 2025 Iowa Corn 350 qualifying. This eclipsed the 2024 pole time of approximately 23.08 seconds (136.458 mph) by . Race laps remain slower, with no centralized official record published, though recorded a 23.748-second lap during the 2025 event. For the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series, which raced at Iowa from 2009–2023 and earlier, no official single-lap records are publicly maintained by sanctioning bodies in the sourced data; qualifying speeds have historically ranged around 23–24 seconds for Xfinity cars, with practice laps occasionally dipping lower but unverified as records.

Standout Races and Statistical Highlights

The 2007 Iowa Corn Indy 250 in the NTT featured the closest margin of victory in track , with edging by 0.0681 seconds after a late-race . The 2015 Iowa Corn 300 stood out for its intense on-track rivalries and post-race altercations among drivers, culminating in a win for Ryan Hunter-Reay amid strategic tire management and passing battles. Josef Newgarden's sweep of both races in the 2023 Hy-Vee One Step 250 doubleheader highlighted his dominance, securing victories in each 250-lap event through consistent speed and error-free execution. In , claimed victory in the inaugural national series race, the 2009 U.S. Cellular 250 ( Series), leading key stages on the newly paved surface. The 2024 Iowa Corn 350 marked the Cup Series debut at the track, with winning after posting an average speed of 102.874 mph over 350 laps, a performance that showcased the 0.875-mile oval's potential for competitive short-track racing. William Byron's 2025 Iowa Corn 350 triumph emphasized fuel strategy, as he conserved enough to lead the final 140 laps under multiple cautions without pitting.
NTT INDYCAR Series Records at Iowa SpeedwayRecord HolderAchievement
Most Victories6 (2016, 2019, 2020 Race 2, 2022 Race 1, 2023 Race 1, 2023 Race 2)
Most Poles6 (2017, 2018, 2022 Race 1, 2022 Race 2, 2023 Race 1, 2023 Race 2)
Most Laps Led (single race)282 (2016)
Fastest Lap17.4908 seconds (2008)
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and share the record for most wins with three each across 21 events held at the track. holds the distinction of winning at Iowa in all three NASCAR national series: the Truck Series (2012), Xfinity Series (2015), and Cup Series (2024). William Byron leads active Cup drivers in average finish at 1.5 across the track's two Cup events as of 2025. Chevrolet has secured 19 of 21 Xfinity Series victories, underscoring manufacturer dominance on the .

Controversies and Criticisms

Track Surface Modifications and Their Impacts

The Iowa Speedway's racing surface, originally paved with asphalt in late 2006, remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades, with no full repaving until targeted repairs in 2024. This aging pavement contributed to progressive grip loss over time, fostering multi-line through increased wear and surface irregularities, which drivers and officials noted enhanced passing opportunities compared to freshly paved tracks. In May 2024, following a track inspection that identified moisture-induced damage in the lower grooves, —then recent owners—initiated a partial repave focused on the , replacing damaged sections with fresh asphalt while preserving much of the original surface in straights and upper lanes. The work, completed ahead of the inaugural event in June 2024, avoided a full resurfacing to retain the track's worn characteristics, which had been praised for promoting competitive racing; full repaves often result in initially slick surfaces that "rubber up" into single-file grooves with reduced passing. The partial repave introduced variable grip levels, with new asphalt in lower corner lanes providing higher initial traction and speeds—up to several tenths of a second faster in those areas—but leading to concerns over reduced slide and multi-groove potential. In the 2024 race, this manifested in unpredictable handling shifts as tires adapted to the patchwork, contributing to chaotic restarts and side-by-side action, though some drivers reported the fresh sections limited aggressive passing outside the bottom groove. For IndyCar events later that year, the changes disrupted expected tire degradation patterns, prompting driver dissatisfaction and adjustments during testing, potentially altering historical dominance by figures like who thrived on the pre-repave wear. By August 2024, track president confirmed no further repaving, citing the 2024 NASCAR weekend's strong racing quality despite the modifications, with maturing asphalt expected to evolve grip dynamically into 2025 events. This approach underscores a causal link between surface age and racing dynamics: older, uneven asphalt promotes mechanical grip variation essential for on short ovals, whereas uniform fresh pavement risks homogenizing lines and exacerbating / over driver skill.

Community and Noise Disputes

Residents in , particularly those in Ward 3—which includes Iowa Speedway Drive—have reported disturbances from excessive noise generated by commercial trucks employing , commonly known as "jake brakes," to decelerate. On October 24, 2025, the Newton City proposed an ordinance prohibiting the use of such compression brakes within city limits to mitigate the loud, explosive sounds that disrupt nearby homes and businesses. Council member Stacy Simbro cited multiple complaints from constituents in the ward, noting that affected residents would welcome restrictions on the practice. Although these specific grievances pertain to truck traffic rather than track operations, Iowa Speedway's proximity to complaint-prone areas underscores broader community sensitivities to mechanical noise in the vicinity. The speedway, operational since 2006 and hosting events with engine sounds exceeding typical urban levels, has not faced documented lawsuits over racing noise but operates amid potential for such conflicts given residential development patterns. To preempt legal challenges from noise and related nuisances, the Iowa Legislature passed House File 645 in April 2025, signed into law by Governor on May 6, 2025, and effective July 1, 2025. The statute grants immunity to racetracks predating adjacent properties from civil claims involving operational , dust, vibrations, or odors, provided compliance with existing environmental regulations. This protection explicitly applies to venues like , safeguarding national-series events such as and races against actions by later-arriving neighbors. Proponents argued the measure preserves Iowa's infrastructure, which includes over 40 tracks, from shutdown risks posed by subjective complaints amid suburban expansion.

On-Track Incidents and Driver Feedback

The bumpy configuration of Iowa Speedway, particularly in turns 1-2 and 3-4, has contributed to handling difficulties for drivers across series, with progressive banking amplifying instability when cars encounter elevation changes. These bumps, a result of the track's semi-permanent asphalt surface settling unevenly over time, cause vehicles to porpoise or lose traction, as noted by competitors who describe the sensation akin to striking a large road irregularity. Partial repaving efforts, such as the 2024 work on the apron and lower groove, preserved higher-line roughness, prompting feedback that the track promotes single-file racing and exacerbates tire wear without improving passing opportunities. In the IndyCar Series, incidents linked to these conditions include Sting Ray Robb's Lap 11 crash during the 2024 Hy-Vee One Step 250 Race 2, where his No. 51 Dallara flipped airborne after slamming the outside wall at over 180 mph, registering a 109G impact that briefly caused him to lose consciousness. Robb attributed the loss of control to track roughness unsettling his car mid-corner, a view echoed in post-race analysis highlighting how bumps disrupt aero-dependent open-wheel machines. Similarly, in 2025's Race 1 at Iowa, Nolan Siegel's No. 51 entry struck the Turn 4 wall on Lap 248 with sufficient force to damage the SAFER barrier, requiring a red flag for repairs and sidelining him medically; Siegel reported the hit stemmed from sudden understeer amid the track's undulations. NASCAR Xfinity Series events have seen multiple tire delaminations and failures tied to the abrasive, uneven surface, notably in the 2024 Iowa race where drivers including , , and suffered flats leading to wall contact or spins. Allmendinger described the track's grip inconsistencies as punishing tires prematurely, forcing conservative strategies that fragmented the field. Contact incidents, such as Connor Zilisch's aggressive move on teammate in 2025's late stages, drew post-race apologies from Zilisch, who cited frustration with the track's limited passing zones as a factor in escalating on-track tension. Drivers across both series have provided mixed feedback, praising the track's "character" for demanding precise setups but criticizing persistent bumps for safety risks and reduced competitiveness. participants post-2024 repave highlighted diminished racing quality due to the bottom groove's smoothness contrasting with outer-line hazards, leading to pack-style starts and fewer overtakes. competitors, including those in practice sessions, have echoed concerns over blowouts from heat buildup on irregular asphalt, though track president maintained in 2024 that further repaving was unwarranted given the surface's recent refresh.

References

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