NASCAR Cup - Iowa

The Iowa Speedway hosts the prestigious Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR Cup race. This event brings top-tier stock car racing to the 0.875-mile asphalt tri-oval track in Newton, Iowa. Fans know Iowa Speedway as "The Fastest Short Track on the Planet" due to its unique design and variable banking from 12 to 14 degrees in the turns.

Iowa Speedway offers excellent viewing opportunities with approximately 30,000 seats and a multi-tiered recreational vehicle area along the backstretch. The track features 10-degree banking on the frontstretch and 4-degree banking on the backstretch, creating multiple racing lines for drivers to explore.

NASCAR Cup drivers face a challenging 350-lap contest covering 306.25 miles at Iowa Speedway. Competitors like Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney showcase their skills on this demanding circuit. Ryan Blaney claimed victory in the inaugural NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway in 2024.

The track opened in 2006 with input from NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace, who modeled it after Richmond International Raceway. Iowa Speedway made history as the first track to install the SAFER Barrier around its entire perimeter, highlighting its commitment to driver safety.

NASCAR Cup cars at Iowa feature powerful V8 engines perfectly suited to the short-track environment. The 2025 event introduces the Open Exemption Provisional, allowing world-class drivers from other series to secure starting positions in the race.

Located just 35 miles east of Des Moines, Iowa Speedway combines accessibility with Iowa's famous hospitality. The track's popularity shows in its ticket sales, with the 2024 event selling out before officially going on sale. This NASCAR Cup race continues to build Iowa Speedway's reputation as a premier motorsports destination.