The roar of engines returns to Newton, Iowa, as NASCAR Iowa Speedway hosts a thrilling weekend of racing on August 2-3, 2025. The NASCAR Cup Series’ Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol and the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Hy-Vee Perks 250 will electrify the 0.875-mile asphalt oval, with tickets already sold out for the Cup Series event, signaling massive fan excitement . As the Cup Series regular season nears its climax with only four races left, the battle for Playoff spots intensifies, making NASCAR Iowa Speedway a pivotal stop.
On Sunday, August 3, the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET, covering 306.25 miles over 350 laps. Chase Elliott, leading the points standings by a slim four points over teammate William Byron, aims to solidify his position. Hendrick Motorsports dominates, with Elliott, Byron, and Kyle Larson holding the top three spots, a feat achieved in seven races this year. The Playoff bubble is tight, with a 42-point gap between Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece—the largest of the season. Six drivers, including Elliott and Larson, have already clinched Playoff spots, while others like Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe could lock in with strong performances at NASCAR Iowa Speedway. Last year’s race saw three drivers above the cutline miss the Playoffs, underscoring the stakes.
The short-track nature of NASCAR Iowa Speedway favors veterans like Denny Hamlin, who has a win and a second-place finish in 2025’s short-track races, and Larson, with top-10 finishes in his last five short tracks. Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, with six short-track wins each in the Next Gen car era, are poised to dominate, having claimed the pole in the last eight short-track races. Fans can expect tight racing, as 18 of the last 20 short-track races saw the winner emerge after lap 124, and the last four ended with green-flag runs of at least 75 laps.
On Saturday, August 2, the Xfinity Series’ Hy-Vee Perks 250 runs 218.75 miles over 250 laps, starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. This marks the 22nd Xfinity race at NASCAR Iowa Speedway, with only Justin Allgaier (2018) and Sam Mayer (2024) on the entry list as past winners. JR Motorsports, fresh off their 100th series win, has won 12 races this season with six different drivers, including Connor Zilisch, who at 19 became the youngest to win three consecutive races. Chevrolet’s dominance—19 of 21 wins in 2025—sets the stage for a fierce battle. However, Austin Hill’s suspension for wrecking Aric Almirola at Indianapolis means Austin Dillon will drive the #21 car, adding intrigue.
NASCAR Iowa Speedway, designed by Rusty Wallace and opened in 2006, is a fan-favorite tri-oval modeled after Richmond Raceway. Recent upgrades, including a partial repave of all four turns in May 2024, promise fast racing. Off the track, fans can enjoy the Iowa Fan Fest in Des Moines on July 31, featuring driver appearances, show cars, and free sweet corn for the first 500 guests. Country star Corey Kent will perform before Sunday’s race, adding to the festive atmosphere.
With sold-out grandstands and Playoff implications on the line, NASCAR Iowa Speedway is set to deliver high-octane action. The weekend’s outcomes could reshape the postseason, as drivers fight for points and wins on one of the fastest short tracks in the sport.
