Iowa 300
Iowa Speedway, Newton, IA
July 18-20, 2019
Round #12
GENERAL INFO – The Iowa Speedway is the newest oval to the IndyCar Series. Born in 2007, it’s first IndyCar event was held in 2008. Known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet” the track was designed by famous driver, Rusty Wallace. Located about 35 miles east of Des Moines, Iowa, they have their own Interstate exit #164 off I-80. The track is also close to the famous Knoxville Speedway, known for sprint car racing on dirt and a museum. Iowa residents have a lot to be proud of in their loyalty to open wheel auto racing. Iowa Speedway has the distinction for being the world’s only 7/8 mile paved track! It can also be noted that the Iowa Speedway is the only major professional sports venue in the state of Iowa!
Food and drink vendors are located behind the grandstand, only one concession in the infield. Food is varied with emphasis on pork dishes, as Iowa produces much of the nation’s pork supply. Outside of Ticket Booth 1 (near turn one, fans can line up for a courtesy transportation ride to the infield, a tram pulled by a tractor. Nice on a hot day. The NTT IndyCar Series will be joined by the ARCA Racing Series for the weekend, their race on Friday night. This track is pretty much rural, except for the town of Newton. You may have to travel up to 40 miles for hotels. Book early, don’t rely on just finding a hotel when you arrive. No grandstand smoking, smoking permitted in designated areas only.
The NTT IndyCar Series race will start at 6 pm Central Time. Only 3 nighttime, oval races on the schedule for 2019; Texas, Iowa and St. Louis (Gateway). This helps spectators in the heat of the summer and it is very interesting and captivating to watch a race start in the daylight and finish in the dark.
Dress comfortable, including shoes, as every possible weather condition can appear quickly. Come prepared with sunscreen and rain gear. You will be sitting on metal bleachers (all grandstand seats have backs), so bring a cushion if you desire. The higher your seats, the better the view. Any seat in the upper section will allow you to view the entire track. Very little shade in the track, most shade is under the grandstands! Bring extra funds, as no food or drink are allowed in. The track offers free parking for 15,000 vehicles! Guide or service animals only, must remain on a leash. Pets are permitted in designated camping areas.
NTT IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe is having a blood drive with assistance from the American Red Cross on Thursday, July 18. Known as the Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood drive, it will utilize the Newton Club (center of the grandstand area behind the grandstand structures). The drive will be from Noon until 5 pm CT. Make your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code iaspeedway. Walk-ins are also welcome. All presenting donors will receive one (1) weekend IndyCar Paddock Pass!
SPECIFIC LOCATION – 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr., Newton, IA 50208. Central time zone.
TRACK WEBSITE – iowaspeedway.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – 7/8 mile paved oval. 10-degree banking on the front stretch and 4-degrees on the back stretch. Turns are progressively banked starting from 12-degrees at the bottom and escalating to 14-degrees in the top.
PREFERRED AIRPORTS –Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 37 miles from the track. Newton Municipal Airport (TNU) is about 25 miles from the track.
PARKING – Free general parking including handicapped spots for 15,000 spaces. Limited paved parking, but the parking is on solid grass lots. Handicapped parking is well marked, follow the signs, major lot is outside of Ticket Booth 1. Display State hang tag and follow signs. You can reserve a parking space for a fee. Call 1-866-787-8946. Traffic flows well in and out. Expect delays when leaving, but the traffic moves quickly toward I-80. Verify which direction you wish to travel, east or west and follow signage.
CREDENTIALS – The credential building is located near the tunnel in turn 1. When entering track property from I-80, exit #164, make a right turn about half- way to the back of the road. The building is a small block facility, only building in the area left of the tunnel entrance. Fan walk passes and paddock passes are for sale. Call their ticket number 1-866-787-8946 for cost and availability.
ENTRY POINTS – Gates are located throughout the grandstand area. It is a small track, so it really doesn’t make much difference which gate you use. Arrive early, as track security is very thorough and they inspect every pouch of every bag. If they reject an item, you can take it to your vehicle or surrender it. No items will be held for pickup at the end of the event. Refer to prohibited items tab. If you wish to leave the gated area, make sure to have your hand stamped and carry your ticket for re-entry.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No ATVs, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters or mopeds inside the gates. Guide and signal dogs only, no pets except in designated camping areas. No carry in bags, blankets or sleeping bags. Everything brought in is subject to search by track security. No aerosol cans, glass containers, balloons or beach balls, chairs, explosives, fireworks or drones. Leave home laser pointers, noise makers, outside food or drinks. Bicycles, scooters, segways, skateboards skates, rollerblades, tripods, bipods, weapons or any kind or umbrellas. No seat cushions with arms or frames, as all grandstand seats have backs. Foam type cushions are acceptable. No roller bags larger than 14”x14”x14”. Empty soft sided coolers are allowed using the same dimensions. Iowa Speedway security is very strict.
TICKET INFO – Kids 12 and under are free to all events, call ticket office to reserve seats. Kids 3 and under do not need a ticket, but do not get their own seat. Ticket number is 1-866-787-8946. Order as early as possible for best seats. Any seat in the upper seating area, you can see the entire track. ADA seating is also available, call ticket number before you arrive. In the event of postponement, keep your unused ticket or stub. They will be honored on the rescheduled date. Iowa Speedway will not refund or exchange tickets under any circumstances.
CAMPING – Iowa Speedway is blessed with land and over 200+ general camping spaces are available mostly on the Southwest side of the track. Motorhome parking is allowed on the backstretch trackside area. Fees may be charged, call ticket number at 1-866-787-8946 for specific details and availability.
QUESTIONS? – iowaspeedway.com
Judy Bickel, IndyCar Nation member