Christopher Bell is excited about the NASCAR Cup Series coming to Iowa Speedway for the first time.
As he prepares for Sunday’s race, the .875-mile track looks different from what he is used to.
Bell has a strong track record at Iowa Speedway in NASCAR’s other series, with seven top five finishes in nine starts, including two wins in the Xfinity Series.
However, the track underwent a partial repaving in the turns, changing the dynamics of the racing surface. The top-to-bottom racing that was characteristic of the track in the past may not be present for Sunday’s 350-lap race.
“If we were on the old pavement, I feel like it would be a big advantage to have,” Bell said. “But with the repave we have, it’s essentially a new race track. I really think it’s anybody’s ballgame.”
An estimated 40,000 fans are expected for Sunday’s race, with tickets for Saturday and Sunday sold out early in the spring. Friday’s Cup and Xfinity practice sessions, as well as an ARCA Menards Series race, were also nearly sold out.
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The inclusion of a Cup race at Iowa Speedway is a significant achievement after years of efforts to secure a spot on the NASCAR schedule.
The track, designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, first opened in 2006. The IndyCar Series held its inaugural race at the track in 2007, followed by NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck series in 2009.
NASCAR acquired the track in 2013 to prevent financial troubles, and despite challenges, it remained operational. After a limited 2021 due to the pandemic, the IndyCar Series returned with successful doubleheaders in 2022 and 2023, leading to NASCAR announcing a Cup Series race for the current season.
Eighteen of the drivers in Sunday’s field have previously won at Iowa Speedway in other NASCAR series.
“I walked out here and I felt like it was a lot bigger than I remembered,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a three-time Xfinity Series winner at the track. “I felt like it was a pretty small short track, but obviously you get going pretty quick here.”
“It’s still Iowa, but it’s not the same Iowa,” commented Chase Briscoe, the winner of the last Xfinity Series race at the track in 2019.
Bell also expressed his nostalgia for the old Iowa Speedway, saying, “I miss the old Iowa.”
Larson up front
Kyle Larson secured the pole position with a fast lap of 136.458 mph, followed by Ryan Blaney in second at 136.311 mph.
Inclement weather on Saturday morning affected Xfinity Series qualifying and forced alterations to the Cup Series qualifying format, with drivers divided into two groups to determine the top 10 starting positions.
Larson, the last driver to qualify, benefitted from the evolving track conditions. “It helped to go last,” Larson noted. “I’m sure the track was getting a little bit better.”
if you build it
Joey Logano reflected on his first race at Iowa Speedway as a 16-year-old, acknowledging the enthusiastic reception the Cup drivers have received. “They love it,” Logano said, recalling the packed stands during a Pro Cup race years ago. He compared the atmosphere to the movie “Field of Dreams.”
Hawkeye state
Corey LaJoie’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, featuring the University of Iowa’s Tigerhawk logo, will attract attention from local fans. Gainbridge, LaJoie’s primary sponsor, received recognition from former Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark, showing support for the black-and-gold car in a social media video.
