Iowa Speedway Secures #NASCAR Cup Race

June 16, 2024

 

NASCAR today announced that it is bringing its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT on USA Network. This inaugural Cup Series race in Iowa Speedway culminates a weekend that will also include the NASCAR Xfinity Series at 2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network and ARCA Menards Series racing on June 14-16, 2024.

 

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one for NASCAR and for race fans in the state of Iowa,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy. “They have long sought a NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway, and we’re happy to deliver that for them. We fully expect this to be one of the most highly-anticipated dates on the 2024 schedule and an amazing weekend of NASCAR racing in The Hawkeye State.”

Iowa, the place dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/I5aCeClbys

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 3, 2023

“The things Iowans value most are what NASCAR represents best—hard work, family, and community—which is exactly why our partnership has always been a natural fit,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “We’re thrilled to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway next summer and for this incredible opportunity to introduce millions of racing fans to our great state.”

 

Iowa Corn will be the entitlement partner for the first-ever Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. Comprised of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn works to unlock the potential of corn in a sustainable manner to meet the global need for food and energy. The name and logo of the Cup Series race will be announced in the near future.

 

“Iowa Corn is no stranger to racing and the Iowa Speedway as we helped introduce farmer produced biofuels to consumers through race sponsorships for a dozen years,” shared Craig Floss, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “By bringing the NASCAR Cup Series to Iowa, farmers are able to showcase the power and performance of Sunoco Green E15 at the fastest short-track on the planet, which is surrounded by corn fields, the very source of that amazing, renewable, homegrown and affordable biofuel.”

 

Iowa Speedway successfully hosted the Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series from 2009-2019, while the ARCA Menard Series has competed at the track in all but one season since the facility opened in 2006. Yet, since the racetrack opened in 2006, and was acquired by NASCAR in 2013, placing a Cup Series race at the venue had yet to materialize – until June 16, 2024.

 

If you build it, they will come.

See you next June, @NASCAR 👋 pic.twitter.com/y39LYwHi2H

— Iowa Speedway (@iowaspeedway) October 3, 2023

 

source: Iowa Speedway Media

Martinsville Speedway #NASCAR Masters

The Best at ‘the Paperclip

 Richard Petty: 15 Wins

'The King' certainly is the king of the 'Paperclip' with an astonishing 15 victories -- tied with North Wilkesboro as his winningest track. He also holds 30 top fives, 37 top 10s and 2,823 laps led at the Virginia track. 

 

 

*****

 

 

Darrell Waltrip: 11 Wins

The three-time series champion not only finished first many times at Martinsville, but also started in the No. 1 spot a lot with eight Busch Pole Awards. The NASCAR Hall of Famer had an average finish of 10.8, thanks to his 31 top-10 results. 

 

 

*****

 

 

Jeff Gordon: 9 Wins

Gordon's final NASCAR Cup Series win came at the .526-mile track, a win that earned him a spot in the 2015 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The iconic victory served as the perfect bookend to the four-time champ's career.

 

 

 

*****

Jimmie Johnson: 9 Wins

He may be known as 'Seven-Time,'  but he's 'Nine-Time' here. Five of Johnson's nine wins fall in a six-race stretch from 2006-09. The Hendrick Motorsports veteran holds a 9.9 average finish and has just two DNFs in 38 starts. 

 

 

*****

 

Rusty Wallace: 7 Wins

Five of Wallace's seven wins here came in just a seven-race span from 1993 to 1996, in which he finished second and third in the two races he did not win. The other two victories came in 1986 and 2004.

 

 

*****

Cale Yarborough: 6 Wins

Yarborough's final win here (1978) also marked the year of his third consecutive premier series title. He was unstoppable in all of '78 with 10 wins, 23 top fives, 24 top 10s and eight pole awards. 

 

 

*****

 

Dale Earnhardt: 6 Wins

Any all-time best list in NASCAR, and of course the 'Intimidator' will be on it. Martinsville was his fifth-strongest track in terms of wins, yet he only started first once (1989).

 

 

*****

Fred Lorenzen: 6 Wins

The 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee was dominant here in the 1960s with five wins over a span of six races. 

 

 

*****

 

Denny Hamlin: 5 Wins

The Virginia native is the winningest active driver at Martinsville. It is one of Hamlin's best tracks, with his average start (8.5) and average finish (9.7) in close proximity, not to mention 22 top-10 results in 31 showings.

 

A sp👀ktacular day for an elimination race.

Who will join @KyleLarsonRacin in the #Championship4? @Xfinity | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/OkQ9U3e97M

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 31, 2021

 

 

source: Martinsville Speedway
Photo Credit: Getty Images

#RIPBarryDodson - Winning #NASCAR Cup Crew Chief

Barry Dodson, age sixty-four passed away Wednesday. Dodson had been battling some health issues and had a pacemaker inserted last year to help deal with heart problems.

“Barry’s death leaves us with heavy hearts and we’re really going to miss him,” his brother, John Dodson, told Motorsport.com. “He touched a lot of people in the sport of NASCAR and really put a lot into everything he did in the sport. “We love him and we’re all really going to miss him.”

Dodson was known as a savvy crew chief who led NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace to his lone premier series championship in 1989. Barry had nineteen Cup Series wins as a crew chief for Wallace, Tim Richmond and Darrell Waltrip.

“In my opinion, he was one of the greatest crew chiefs ever in the history of NASCAR. He worked for Raymond Beadle, Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip and myself."

"One of the reasons I loved Barry so much is that Barry guided me personally to a lot of victories and to a championship. In ’89, it was such a magical year.” Rusty Wallace

Our thoughts & prayers are with Barry Dodson’s family. Barry was an incredible leader & one of our sport’s best crew chiefs. We had a lot of success together & had a lot of fun too. If it weren’t for Barry, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/2TrpuRb0JS

— Rusty Wallace (@RustyWallace) December 21, 2017

Trent Owens, is Barry’s stepson and serves as crew chief at JGT Daugherty Racing with driver Chris Buescher.

With sadness, my brother and sisters dad Barry Dodson went to join them in heaven this morning. He missed his children so much. He was a great and loving step father, and had much to do with my own career path, BD will be greatly missed 🙏 ❤️

— Trent Owens (@wtrentowens) December 20, 2017

Barry Dodson's speech at the 1989 Winston Cup awards banquet, receiving an award for being the champion crew chief.

Barry Dodson's speech at the 1989 Winston Cup awards banquet, receiving an award for being the champion crew chief. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/WVtqC8LXav

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) December 21, 2017

Family statement from Barry’s brother, John Dodson

“Barry’s passing leaves us all with heavy hearts. He left his mark in the NASCAR history books and he served the sport with a passion that few will ever match. We love him and we miss him. “

NASCAR Statement on the Passing of Barry Dodson

"Barry Dodson’s talent as a crew chief was evident, winning a championship in 1989 and a number of races throughout a career that lasted parts of three decades at the top levels of the sport. His extraordinary skills around a racecar were rivaled only by his passion for the sport, and his perseverance in the face of adversity. NASCAR extends its condolences to the family and friends of Barry Dodson. He will be missed."

Sad to hear of the passing of Barry Dodson. He was always incredibly nice to me, from the day I met him. I will never forget how caring and supportive he was.

— Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 21, 2017

One of the unsung heroes of ur sport passed away today, Barry Dodson worked for me for a short period of time, I’m sorry to hear about his passing, he was a great guy, RIP my dear old friend, God Bless and praying for his family!

— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) December 21, 2017

Sad 😞 to hear of the passing of my first Crew Chief in my Nascar career, Barry Dodson. I started working with him right after the death of his 2 kids in a car accident. I think now he can finally have the peace that he longed for, back with Trey and Tia 🙏 #BarryDodson #Nascar https://t.co/x3cnwV5TmB

— David Hamm 🇺🇸 (@dhammiam) December 21, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with TO and the entire Dodson family. Barry was a true racer. https://t.co/om1yq2e2Oq

— Richard Petty Motorsports (@RPMotorsports) December 21, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of Barry Dodson. He was one of the people that made me feel welcomed in the Cup garage from my very first day there. He will be missed.

— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) December 21, 2017

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Over the Edge At ONE DAYTONA

The First 200 Fundraisers To Raise A Minimum Of $1,000 In Donations Earned A Spot To Go Over The Edge At ONE DAYTONA. 

 

The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals Northeast Central Florida hosted the "Over the Edge At ONE DAYTONA" fundraising initiative on Thursday, with VIPs kicking off three days of donation-supported rappelling down the eight-story International Motorsports Center.

Go mom!! #OverTheEdgeDaytona pic.twitter.com/QIXF3X1iXl

— Ben Kennedy (@BenKennedy33) November 16, 2017

First to scale down the 102-foot structure were International Speedway Corporation CEO/NASCAR Vice Chairperson Lesa France Kennedy and former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Rusty Wallace.

They're our superheros! #OverTheEdgeDaytona pic.twitter.com/ebnpADHop0

— TheNASCARFoundation (@NASCAR_FDN) November 16, 2017

Thursday-Saturday, rappelling will continue with participants having secured donations that will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. Donations are expected to exceed $150,000 for the event.

International Speedway Corporation Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer & Legal Counsel Gary Crotty rappels
down the eight-story International Motorsports Center headquarters
during the Over the Edge At ONE DAYTONA event to benefit The
NASCAR Foundation in Daytona Beach, Florida on Nov. 16, 2017.

Participants pose after rappelling down the eight-story International
Motorsports Center headquarters during the Over the Edge At ONE
DAYTONA event to benefit The NASCAR Foundation.

ISC CEO/NASCAR Vice Chairperson Lesa France Kennedy rappels down the
eight-story International Motorsports Center headquarters.

Lesa France Kennedy and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace pose before
rappeling down the eight-story International Motorsports Center headquarters.

The NASCAR Foundation executive director Nichole Krieger rappels down the
eight-story International Motorsports Center headquarters.

Daytona International Speedway president Chip Wile rappels down the
eight-story International Motorsports Center headquarters during the Over
the Edge At ONE DAYTONA event to benefit The NASCAR Foundation.

All monies raised will be shared equally between The NASCAR Foundation and Easterseals Northeast Central Florida - strong, local, 501(c)3 charity partners who are equally dedicated to providing healthcare and services to children in our community who need it most! Space is limited, so fire up the adrenaline and act now!

What an experience. Thanks to the @NASCAR_FDN for the opportunity. pic.twitter.com/1xZjrndecH

— Chip Wile (@ChipWile) November 16, 2017

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Remembering the First Lady of #NASCAR

Betty Jane, the widow of Bill France Jr., was known throughout the racing world as the "First Lady of NASCAR." Her impact on stock car racing and her commitment to helping others, especially children was legendary. Betty Jane died this year at age 78 of unspecified causes.

Below is an informative and tender video tribute to Ms. France.

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Andy Hoffman #Wins Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

The NASCAR Foundation hosted its first-ever Honors Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City Sept. 27 to unveil the winner of its signature Betty France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide. The inaugural event raised $1.6 million to benefit hospitalized children across the country through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund. The Gala was hosted by Krista Voda of NBC Sports.

This sixth annual 'Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide' was awarded to Andy Hoffman, Founder of Team Jack Foundation. Hoffman, who will receive a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation, started the Team Jack Foundation after his son developed pediatric brain cancer.  He has raised $3 million to help eradicate the disease since 2011. *

Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists Logan Houptley, Jim Giaccone, Parker White and Andy Hoffman attend First Annual NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala on September 27, 2016 in New York City. *

Singer Sara Bareilles performs onstage during First Annual NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala 

**

Vice chairman of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Mike Helton, NASCAR Driver Rusty Wallace, Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist Logan Huptley and President and Chief Executive Officer of Jon Hall Automotive Group Glenn Ritchey attend First Annual NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala.*

NASCAR Driver Jimmie Johnson speaks onstage.**

NASCAR drivers Julia Landauer (L) and Danica Patrick.*

NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. speaks onstage.*** 

Vice chairman of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Mike Helton, Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist Parker White and Chief Executive Officer of Jon Hall Automotive Group Glenn Ritchey. *

Vice chairman of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Mike Helton, Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner Andy Hoffman and President and Chief Executive Officer of Jon Hall Automotive Group Glenn Ritchey.  *

Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner Andy Hoffman (L) and Sportscaster Krista Voda. ***

Board vice chairperson, NASCAR Jennifer Bates (L) and NASCAR driver Ben Kennedy speak onstage during First Annual NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala on September 27, 2016 in New York City. **

(L-R) Ty Dillon, Richard Petty, and Austin Dillon **

Jennifer Bates, Lesa France Kennedy, Andy Hoffman, Amy France, Brian France, and Ben Kennedy pose with award onstage during First Annual NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala on September 27, 2016 in New York City. ***

The following NASCAR champions and stars in attendance were: 

• six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, 
• seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, 
• reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch, 
• NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, 
• two-time NASCAR XFINITY Series Champions Martin Truex Jr., 
• two-time NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 
• NASCAR Camping World Truck and XFINITY Series Champion Austin Dillon 
• Ray Black Jr., 
• Ryan Blaney, 
• Alex Bowman, 
• Ty Dillon, 
• Kasey Kahne, 
• Ben Kennedy, 
• Julia Landauer, 
• Kyle Larson, 
• Danica Patrick, 
• Eddie Wood,
• Len Wood.

*Photo by Mike Stobe/NASCAR via Getty Images

**Photo by Bennett Raglin/NASCAR via Getty Images

***Bryan Bedder/NASCAR via Getty Images

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#NASCAR Pro Series East vs West Who Will Win in Iowa?

Iowa Speedway, a .875-mile asphalt tri-ovaI designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, has held one East-West combination race each season from 2007-2011 and has had two each year since 2012.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West will compete again on Friday, July 31, 2015 for the second of their two annual East-West combination races in Newton.

Brandon McReynolds celebrates in Victory Lane at Iowa Speedway
after winning the Casey's General Store 150.
(Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)

In May of this year, Brandon McReynolds, a West driver, earned his first NASCAR victory in the Casey's General Store 150, the first 2015 combination race. Driving the No. 16 - NAPA Auto Parts Toyota for Bill McAnally Racing, McReynolds became only the second West driver in twelve events to win the combination competition. He led twice for 22 laps, including the ‘all important’ final eight.

After capturing his first ‘21 Means 21 Pole Award’ Rookie William Byron steered the pack to the green. The currant East Series Points Leader led a race-high 128 laps yet finished second to McReynolds. However, as the first East driver across the Start/Finish Line, he was credited with the victory in his series.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series is the top step in NASCAR’s developmental ladder. The optional “spec” engine (introduced in 2006) and composite body help teams control costs while providing them the opportunity to advance their drivers from their hometown short tracks to the next level and to one of the three national series.

Overall Combination Race Winners include NASCAR Notables:
Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano. 

The 2015 K&N Pro Series East and West schedules include a combined
27 dates across 17 different states. (Getty Images for NASCAR)

The series continues to introduce NASCAR fans to their next generation of stars and these races are always thrilling to witness. If you are in the area do not miss this opportunity to witness these young and eager motorsport athletes as they battle their path toward prominence. 

After Eight Races - East Driver Points: 

1	William Byron *	331
2	Austin Hill	302
3	Scott Heckert	298
4	Kyle Benjamin *	288
5	Dalton Sargeant *	285

After Seven Races - West Driver Points: 

1	Chris Eggleston	274
2	Noah Gragson *	273
3	Gracin Raz *	271
4	Ryan Partridge *	267
5	David Mayhew	261

 

The West Series Championship Points spread is extremely close – with six races remaining, only thirteen points separate the top five drivers.

* Denotes rookie of the year contender