NEWTON, Iowa — For the first time in Iowa’s history, NASCAR is racing into town for the Iowa Corn 350. But before the drivers start their engines in the Hawkeye State, here are four things to look out for this week at the Iowa Speedway.
- Bragging Rights
This is the first time NASCAR has hosted a Cup race at the Iowa Speedway. So, whoever takes home the trophy Sunday night instantly becomes a part of Iowa Speedway history. And drivers will be battling for first in front of a sold-out crowd.
“I was stoked, you know, I was happy. We’ve all been wanting a cup race here for a long time,” said Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
- Fastest Short Track
Coined as the fastest short track on the planet, the 7/8-mile oval short track opened back in 2006 and has 10 degrees of banking in the front stretch, with a banking system of 12 to 14 degrees in the track’s turns.
But there’s a catch, the Iowa Speedway had to repave certain parts of the track ahead of the race, which will create a new obstacle for drivers with or without experience at the Iowa Speedway.
“I’m a little bit worried now that the pace is going to be really fast and it’s going to be harder to pass. But the speeds are going to be tremendous that’s for sure,” said Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
- Drivers to look out for
Coming off a win at Sanoma, and being granted a playoff waiver, Kyle Larson currently leads with 561 points, 675 laps led and 7 stage wins.
But it was Brad Keselowski who passed Kyle Busch back in 2009 with only eight laps remaining to win the inaugural Xfinity race at the Iowa Speedway.
“It was hard for me to reconcile the fact that I haven’t been here in almost eight years. But when you get here it’s like putting on an old shirt. You know how it feels and where to be,” said Keselowski.
Keselowski currently ranks 7th in the NASCAR standings, but he’s looking for an inaugural repeat.
- Infield of Dreams
Is this heaven? Close, it’s the Iowa Speedway. And as far as the eye can see, the Speedway is surrounded by Iowa’s crown jewel: corn. Iowa leads the nation as the largest producer of corn. And Cup drivers will get well acquainted with the crop. As the cup race is sponsored by Iowa Corn, Powered by Ethanol.
A weekend full of Iowa firsts. The green flag drops for the Iowa Corn 350 Sunday night at 6 p.m. CT.