Iowa Speedway

Iowa Speedway stands as one of the most distinctive racing venues in the United States, located in Newton, Iowa, approximately 30 miles east of Des Moines. The 235-acre racing complex opened on September 15, 2006, and has since established itself as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts. NASCAR acquired ownership of the speedway in 2013, cementing its place in American racing culture. NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace contributed significantly to the track's design, drawing inspiration from Richmond International Raceway while adding unique elements that set Iowa Speedway apart from other racing circuits across the country.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The main oval track at Iowa Speedway measures 0.875 miles (1.408 kilometers), making it the only 7/8-mile paved oval in the world. The D-shaped oval features progressive banking in the turns ranging from 12 to 14 degrees, allowing drivers to find multiple racing lines. The front stretch has a 10-degree banking, while the back stretch features a more modest 4-degree banking. The track surface consists of asphalt and maintains a consistent width of 60 feet, providing ample space for side-by-side racing action. Beyond the main oval, Iowa Speedway offers a 1.3-mile road course designed by Alan Wilson. This technical layout incorporates nine turns and combines sections of the oval with an infield course. The facility also includes seven additional road course layouts, a "roval" configuration, 1/4 and 1/5-mile ovals, and a 1/8-mile drag strip, making it versatile for various racing disciplines.

Racing History and Major Series

Iowa Speedway hosted its first major event in 2007 with the inaugural IndyCar Series race, the Iowa Corn Indy 250. Throughout its history, the track has welcomed several prominent racing series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2009-2019, returning in 2024), NASCAR Truck Series (2009-2019), and IndyCar Series (2007-2020, returning in 2022). The 2024 season marked a significant milestone with the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race, the Iowa Corn 350, bringing NASCAR's premier series to the track for the first time.

Circuit Features and Design Elements

Known as the "Fastest Short Track on the Planet," Iowa Speedway combines the high speeds of larger tracks with the close-quarters racing of a short track. The progressive banking system stands as one of its most innovative features, creating multiple racing grooves that produce exciting wheel-to-wheel competition. Iowa Speedway made history as the first track to install the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier around its entire perimeter, demonstrating its commitment to driver safety. The speedway features approximately 30,000 seats and boasts excellent sightlines throughout the facility. A unique multi-tiered RV viewing area spans the 869-foot backstretch, adding to the venue's spectator capacity and creating a distinctive viewing experience for fans.

Impact and Legacy

Iowa Speedway brings tens of thousands of visitors to the state annually, generating significant economic benefits for the region. Easily accessible via Interstate 80, the track has established itself as an important professional sports venue in Iowa. The track's combination of high speeds, multiple racing lines, and short-track action has earned praise from drivers and fans alike, making it a beloved destination on the racing calendar and a testament to thoughtful track design in modern motorsports.