The NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series will converge on Iowa Speedway for a three‑day weekend that begins on August 7 and culminates on August 9. The event marks the highly anticipated return of the premier stock‑car divisions to the 0.875‑mile oval located just east of Des Moines, a venue long celebrated for its blistering speeds and tight competition.
Iowa Speedway opened in 2006 and has since become a staple of American open‑wheel and stock‑car racing. The track is widely regarded as the fastest short oval in the world, having hosted IndyCar, NASCAR and a variety of other series. After IndyCar departed for Phoenix due to declining attendance, the venue is once again poised to showcase its unique character under the NASCAR banner.
A Fast Return to the Fastest Short Oval
The schedule is packed with action: ARCA will take the green flag on August 7 at 6 p.m. Central Time, followed by the Truck Series on August 8 at 4 p.m., and the Cup Series will close the weekend on August 9 at 2:30 p.m. Central. Each race promises a distinct set of storylines, from rookie breakthroughs to veteran comebacks.
The Cup race will feature a showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars, William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports and Ryan Blaney of Team Penske. Byron captured the 2025 Iowa Corn 350, while Blaney won the inaugural event in 2024. They will be joined by a competitive field that includes Sam Mayer, Connor Zilisch and Brenden Queen, among other talented drivers eager to add their names to the track’s storied history.
The return of NASCAR to Iowa Speedway underscores the venue’s enduring appeal despite the shifting landscape of open‑wheel racing. With a rich heritage, a reputation for high‑octane competition and a dedicated fan base, the track continues to prove why it remains one of the most exciting destinations on the American motorsport calendar.