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Iowa Speedway’s NASCAR Race Weekend Begins Next Friday

Published 1h ago

Grandstands at Iowa Speedway prepared for the upcoming NASCAR race weekend with 30,000 fans expected.

The engines are prepped and the countdown is underway for the upcoming race weekend at Iowa Speedway. Next Friday, August 7th, marks the start of a series of events that draw fans from across the region to the seven-eighth-mile track.

For the third year in a row, the venue expects a sell-out crowd of 30,000 spectators for the NASCAR Cup Series race. The economic footprint of these events is significant. Data from 2024 and 2025 indicates the races contributed over $150 million to the economy of central Iowa.

Newton Mayor Randy Ervin notes that the influx of visitors benefits local businesses beyond the track gates. Hotels in communities like Newton, Des Moines, Marshalltown, and Grinnell see high occupancy rates during this time. Restaurants and gas stations throughout the area also report increased activity as fans arrive for multi-day stays or day trips.

The action starts on Friday, August 7th, at 6 p.m. with the JR & CO. 150 ARCA Menards Series race. Saturday’s schedule is packed, featuring the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 at 4 p.m., followed by the USAC Silver Crown Series Iowa 100. The weekend concludes on Sunday, August 9th, with the Iowa Corn 350 Powered By Ethanol, which is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. green flag.