Located in Newton, IA, Iowa Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility that hosts some of the most thrilling racing events in the country.
With its unique track layout and fan-friendly amenities, Iowa Speedway has become an important destination for racing enthusiasts worldwide.
From NASCAR and IndyCar races to other exciting events, Iowa Speedway offers a wide range of entertainment options for casual fans and die-hard racing enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a fan of speed, adrenaline, or just good old-fashioned competition, Iowa Speedway is worth visiting.
Official Website: https://www.iowaspeedway.com/
Address: 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton, IA 50208, USA.
History of Iowa Speedway
Since its creation in 2006, the Iowa Speedway has become one of the most popular racing destinations in the Midwest.
But what’s unique about this track is that it is actually a combination of two tracks.
The original track was built in 2001 and was known as the Newton Speedway.
After a few years of success, it was sold to NASCAR and rebranded into the Iowa Speedway.
Let’s take a look at the history of the Iowa Speedway and how it became one of America’s premier racing destinations.
The Birth of Newton Speedway
The idea of building an oval racetrack near Newton, IA, was proposed in 2004 by then-owner Jerry Jauron.
After securing $25 million in funding from private investors, Jauron began construction on what would become the Iowa Speedway.
Construction on the track was completed in April 2006, and just over two months later, the first race took place at the Speedway on July 1st, 2006.
The inaugural event featured several different divisions of cars, such as stock cars, late models, sprint cars, and modified cars.
Growth and Expansion
In 2008, NASCAR announced that they had purchased a stake in the Speedway with plans to make it an integral part of NASCAR’s nationwide series schedule.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of fans have flocked to Newton each year to watch racing’s biggest stars compete for top honors at the Iowa Speedway.
Over time, the track has also been expanded from a 7/8th mile track to a 1-mile long oval with 12 degrees banking on both straights and 18 degrees banking in turns.
This allows for higher speeds than ever before, which has brought even more fans out for races each year!
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Iowa Speedway continues to host some of the biggest races on both regional and national levels, such as IndyCar Series races, USAC Silver Crown series races, IMSA sports car endurance races, and many more.
It is also home to several grassroots-level events like go-karting championships and midget car racing series, attracting thousands of fans yearly.
With so much going on throughout the year, there’s never a dull moment at Iowa Speedway!
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Track Features
Iowa Speedway is a 7/8-mile paved oval track with variable banking, which allows for multiple racing grooves and plenty of side-by-side racing action.
Here are some of the key features of the track.
Track length and configuration
The track at Iowa Speedway is 7/8 of a mile long and features a unique egg-shaped layout.
This configuration allows for varying degrees of banking in the corners, which creates multiple racing grooves and exciting competition.
Banking and turns
The turns at Iowa Speedway are banked between 12 and 14 degrees, which creates high speeds and plenty of opportunities for passing.
The straightaways are banked at 10 degrees, which allows drivers to carry even more speed into the turns.
Pit road and garage areas
Iowa Speedway has a spacious pit road and garage area, allowing teams to make quick pit stops and make any necessary repairs to their cars.
The garage area is also open to fans during certain events, which gives them a unique behind-the-scenes look at the teams and drivers.
Fan amenities and seating options
Iowa Speedway offers a variety of fan amenities, including concessions, merchandise vendors, and a fan zone with interactive exhibits and activities.
The track also has a variety of seating options, including traditional grandstands, luxury suites, and RV camping areas.
The track’s location in the heartland of America also offers a unique and family-friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to fans of all ages.
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Racing Events
Iowa Speedway hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year, ome of them are listed below.
NASCAR races held at Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway hosts two NASCAR events each year, one for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and one for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
These races feature some of the top up-and-coming drivers in the sport and are always highly competitive.
IndyCar races held at Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway hosts one race each year for the NTT IndyCar Series.
This event brings some of the top drivers in open-wheel racing to the track and always produces thrilling and intense competition.
Other racing events hosted at Iowa Speedway
In addition to NASCAR and IndyCar races, Iowa Speedway also hosts various racing events throughout the year.
These events include the ARCA Menards Series, the USAC Silver Crown Series, and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.
Iowa Speedway has also hosted other events, such as the Global Rallycross Championship and the American Ethanol Late Model Tour.
Overall, Iowa Speedway is a popular destination for racing fans. It offers a diverse range of events to suit all tastes.
Whether you’re a fan of NASCAR, IndyCar, or any other form of racing, there is sure to be an event at Iowa Speedway that you won’t want to miss.
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Fan Experience
Attending a race at Iowa Speedway is a thrilling experience, and here are some tips for fans looking to make the most of their visit.
Parking and transportation options
Iowa Speedway offers several parking options, including on-site parking and shuttle services from nearby locations.
Fans should plan to arrive early and allow plenty of time for parking and getting to the track.
The track is located off of I-80, making it easily accessible from various locations.
Food and beverage options at the track
Iowa Speedway offers a variety of food and beverage options for fans, including traditional concessions and beer vendors.
The track has several premium dining options, including luxury suites with catered meals and full-service bars.
Activities and attractions for fans
Iowa Speedway offers a variety of activities and attractions for fans, including the Fan Zone with interactive exhibits and activities, a kids’ zone with inflatables and games, and autograph sessions with drivers.
The track also has a large video board that displays live race footage and provides up-to-date information about the race.
General tips for attending a race
Fans should dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring ear protection to block out the noise of race cars.
Carrying cash is also a good idea, as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
Overall, attending a race at Iowa Speedway is an exciting and unforgettable experience, and fans should be sure to take advantage of all the amenities and attractions the track offers.
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Future of Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway has a bright future ahead, with plans for upgrades and improvements to enhance the fan experience and attract new racing events.
Here are some of the key developments to look forward to.
Plans for upgrades and improvements
Iowa Speedway has recently undergone several upgrades and enhancements, including the installation of a new high-definition video board, new luxury suites, and a renovated fan zone.
The track is also exploring options for additional seating and amenities, such as a new infield tunnel and expanded camping areas.
Potential for new racing events at Iowa Speedway
With its unique egg-shaped configuration and variable banking, Iowa Speedway is an attractive destination for a variety of racing events.
The track is actively exploring options for new events, such as a potential return of the Indy Lights series and other forms of motorsports, such as sports car racing and drag racing.
Importance of Iowa Speedway to the local community
Iowa Speedway is an important cultural and economic asset to the local community, providing entertainment and tourism dollars to the area.
The track hosts several major events each year, which draw visitors from all over the country and generate significant revenue for local businesses.
In addition, Iowa Speedway is committed to giving back to the community through its partnerships with local charities and organizations.
Overall, Iowa Speedway is poised for continued success and growth. It remains an essential fixture in the racing community and a valuable asset to the local community.
Racing fans and community members alike can look forward to exciting developments and events at the track for years to come.
Final Words
Iowa Speedway is a must-visit destination for racing fans of all types.
With a rich history, unique track features, and exciting racing events, the track offers an unforgettable experience for fans and drivers alike.
From hosting major NASCAR and IndyCar races to offering a variety of amenities and attractions for fans, Iowa Speedway has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun and thrilling day out, Iowa Speedway is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Iowa Speedway is a true gem of the racing world, and any racing fan owes it to themselves to visit this historic and unique track at least once in their lifetime.
