The 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Series schedule includes a unique stop at Iowa Speedway, marking the only race of that year at the 0.5‑mile oval. The event will be known as the Hy‑Vee Perks 250 and will be the 23rd time the series has visited the Newton, Iowa venue, underscoring the track’s enduring place on the calendar.
A Sole 2026 Date at Iowa
That appearance offers a compact weekend for teams and fans alike, with the series opting for a single date at the track rather than spreading the schedule across multiple weekends. The race will serve as a focal point for the season, drawing attention to the historic venue and its passionate local audience.
Qualifying for the Hy‑Vee Perks 250 follows a straightforward one‑lap format, with each of the 30 entries completing a solo run and the metric times dictating the starting grid. The order of those runs has already been released, listing every driver by their assigned race number and providing a clear picture of the grid before the green flag drops.
Qualifying on a Single Lap
In 2025, Jesse Love claimed the pole position at Iowa, securing his second of three poles that season and setting a benchmark for the upcoming race. His performance highlighted the competitiveness of the field and added extra excitement for the 2026 edition, where drivers will aim to replicate or surpass that early‑season momentum.
The combination of a tight 0.5‑mile track, a modest 250‑lap distance and a concise qualifying session creates a distinctive atmosphere that appeals to both longtime followers and newcomers. As the series prepares for its sole 2026 appearance at Iowa Speedway, anticipation builds around how the format will influence strategy and on‑track battles.