Iowa Speedway: Where Speed Meets History
The Iowa Speedway has become a proving ground for racing legends, hosting thrilling races and record-breaking performances. This unique track, known for its challenging layout, has witnessed countless victories and unforgettable moments, solidifying its place in motorsport history.
Track’s Genesis and Design
Construction on the Iowa Speedway commenced on June 21, 2005, in Newton, Iowa. This D-shaped, 7/8-mile oval, completed on September 15, 2006, was designed with input from NASCAR icon Rusty Wallace, and shares certain qualities with Richmond Raceway. The track quickly earned the moniker, “Fastest Short Track on the Planet.” The inaugural race took place in September 2006; the NTT INDYCAR SERIES made its debut at Iowa on June 23-24, 2007.
INDYCAR’s Iowa Legacy
Many of INDYCAR’s finest drivers have triumphed at the Iowa Speedway. Josef Newgarden leads the series with six victories, with wins in 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022, and a doubleheader sweep in 2023. Ryan Hunter-Reay, a former INDYCAR SERIES champion, has earned three victories at Iowa. Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe each have two wins at the track. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has presented twenty-one races at Iowa Speedway, including seven under the lights.
Records and Notable Achievements
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has hosted doubleheaders in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The 2020 event stood out as one of the first major events in Iowa following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 and 2023, Iowa Speedway was the only track on the schedule to hold a doubleheader.
INDYCAR Series Race Records at Iowa Speedway
- Most victories: 6, Josef Newgarden (2016, 2019, 2020-R2, 2022-R1, 2023-R1, 2023-R2)
- Most poles: 6, Will Power (2017, 2018, 2022-R1, 2022-R2, 2023-R1, 2023-R2)
- Closest margin of victory: .0681 of a second, Dario Franchitti over Marco Andretti, 2007
- Widest margin of victory: 6.1784 seconds, Josef Newgarden over Pato O’Ward, 2022-R1
- Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 282, Josef Newgarden (2016)
- Least Laps Led by a Race Winner: 2, Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014)
- Most Caution Periods: 7 (2014)
- Least Caution Periods: 1 (2020)
INDYCAR Series Track Records at Iowa Speedway
- Fastest Race (300 Laps): 1:47:32.4666, James Hinchcliffe, 2018
- Fastest Two-Lap Qualifying: 34.5588 seconds, Scott Dixon, 2014
- Fastest Qualifying Lap: 17.2283 seconds, Helio Castroneves, 2014 ***
- Fastest Race Lap: 17.4908 seconds, Ryan Briscoe, 2008
*** Set on second lap of two-lap qualifying run.
Iowa Speedway Quick Statistics
| YEAR | RACE WINNER | POLE WINNER |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Dario Franchitti | Scott Dixon |
| 2008 | Dan Wheldon | Scott Dixon * |
| 2009 | Dario Franchitti | Helio Castroneves * |
| 2010 | Tony Kanaan | Will Power |
| 2011 | Marco Andretti | Takuma Sato |
| 2012 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Dario Franchitti ** |
| 2013 | James Hinchcliffe | Helio Castroneves ** |
| 2014 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Scott Dixon |
| 2015 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Helio Castroneves |
| 2016 | Josef Newgarden | Simon Pagenaud |
| 2017 | Helio Castroneves | Will Power |
| 2018 | James Hinchcliffe | Will Power |
| 2019 | Josef Newgarden | Simon Pagenaud |
| 2020 (R1) | Simon Pagenaud | Conor Daly |
| 2020 (R2) | Josef Newgarden | Josef Newgarden |
| 2022 (R1) | Josef Newgarden | Will Power |
| 2022 (R2) | Pato O’Ward | Will Power |
| 2023 (R1) | Josef Newgarden | Will Power |
| 2023 (R2) | Josef Newgarden | Will Power |
| 2024 (R1) | Scott McLaughlin | Colton Herta |
| 2024 (R2) | Will Power | Scott McLaughlin |
* Qualifications Rained Out; Starting Lineup Based On Points
** Starting Lineup Based On Finish In Three Heat Races
INDY NXT at Iowa Speedway Quick Statistics
| YEAR | RACE WINNER | POLE WINNER |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Alex Lloyd | Wade Cunningham |
| 2008 | Dillon BATCHISI | I am mistakey behind behind you, J. |
| 2009 | Ana Beatriz | JR Hildebrand |
| 2010 | Sebastian Saavedra | Sebastian Saavedra |
| 2011 | Josef Newgarden | Esteban Guerrieri |
| 2012 | Esteban Guerrieri | Tristan Vautier |
| 2013 | Sage Karam | Carlos Munoz |
| 2015 | Max Chilton | Max Chilton |
| 2016 | Felix Serralles | Ed Jones |
| 2017 | Matheus Leist | Colton Herta |
| 2018 | Pato O’Ward | Pato O’Ward |
| 2022 | Hunter McElrea | Hunter McElrea |
| 2023 | Christian Rasmussen | Jacob Abel |
| 2024 | Louis Foster | James Roe |
Looking ahead, the Iowa Speedway continues to evolve, consistently drawing large crowds and exciting races. The track’s consistent ability to provide thrilling races with close finishes has made it a fan-favorite on the INDYCAR schedule. According to a recent study, motorsports viewership increased by 15% in the past year (Motorsport Industry Report 2024), which could translate to even greater attendance at Iowa Speedway events.
