The 23rd race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will take place at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, a 0.894‑mile, four‑turn short track that has quickly become a fan favorite since its inclusion on the schedule in 2024.
Qualifying for the Iowa Corn 350 follows a unique two‑lap format, with the average of the two speeds determining each driver’s position on the grid; the order is further refined by owner points and the results of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
All 36 entries have been accepted, and the official starting lineup was finalized once every team submitted its driver roster, ensuring a full field of competitors ready to battle for pole position.
Live coverage of the event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on USA Network, with a pre‑race show that highlights the storylines and statistical trends heading into the weekend.
Key contenders and what’s at stake
Ryan Blaney, pilot of the No. 12 Team Penske entry, is among the drivers expected to contend for the front row, while Kyle Larson in the No. 5 car and Chase Elliott in the No. 9 machine bring championship experience and strong recent performances.
For many of the teams, a strong showing in Iowa could influence playoff positioning, making the race a critical waypoint as the season approaches its midpoint.