Armstrong named as Director of Communications at Iowa: Craig Armstrong, who has been the general manager and promoter of I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri for the past 14 months, will now be spear-heading the communications efforts at the 7/8 mile Iowa Speedway. Doug Fritz, CEO of Iowa Speedway, said Armstrong has always been successful in the motorsports industry and looks forward to him joining the Iowa Speedway team. Armstrong, who was with Iowa Speedway from 2006-2010, also expressed his enthusiasm about coming back to the Newton area. "I couldn't be happier to be returning to my' home track', and to my own home in Newton," Armstrong said. "Iowa Speedway is widely recognized as one of the top motorsports entertainment facilities in North America, and I'm excited for this tremendous opportunity."(Iowa Speedway)(6-3-2012)
American Ethanol to sponsor both Iowa truck races: Officials from American Ethanol and Iowa Speedway are excited to announce that both NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, the first one being on July 14 and second being on September 15, now have an entitlement sponsor – the America Ethanol 200, July 14; the American Ethanol 200, September 15. In September of 2011, it was announced that Iowa Speedway would add another NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race for the 2012 season. The July 14 American Ethanol 200 race weekend will also feature the Prairie Meadows 200 ARCA race on Friday night, July 13. The September 15 event weekend will be accompanied by the ASA Midwest Tour series on the September 14th.(Iowa Speedway PR)(5-20-2012)
Iowa Speedway forms Fan Council: Iowa Speedway officials have announced a brand new fan initiative to continually improve the overall fan experience - the 2012 Fan Advisory Council. The 2012 Fan Advisory Council will be the first of its kind at Iowa Speedway. Doug Fritz, CEO of Iowa Speedway, said nothing was off limits with the Fan Advisory Council. "Members of our 2012 Fan Advisory Council include general season ticket holders, campers, suite holders, and Newton Club members. We want them to take notes on everything all while enjoying the events taking place." Leading the Fan Advisory Council will be Iowa Speedway's director of ticketing, Jason Christofferson. The 2012 Fan Advisory Council's first meeting will be held Saturday, May 19 in conjunction with the first race weekend at Iowa Speedway.(Iowa Speedway)(5-15-2012)
Pizza Ranch to Sponsor Iowa Victory Lane Through 2013: Pizza Ranch, the popular Midwest pizza and chicken buffet restaurant, has renewed its sponsorship of Pizza Ranch Victory Lane and will continue to deliver a winning pizza to every driver who visits it at Iowa Speedway through the 2013 season. "We are extremely proud of the fact that we have helped create a tradition at Iowa Speedway," said Cody Pierce, vice president of marketing for Pizza Ranch. "Everyone knows there will be pizza after the race. From fans and teams to drivers and series officials, everyone enjoys this delivery after the race." Pizza Ranch Victory Lane lets a fan get right in the celebration with the winning team, which is located in the middle of the Casey's General Store Fan Walk. Fan walk tickets are free for season ticket holders, and it also allows some of the best access to your favorite drivers in all of motorsports.(Iowa Speedway)(3-30-2012)
Iowa Speedway ownership dispute: Last summer’s ownership change at Iowa Speedway in Newton has sparked a still-escalating court battle between two Iowa families, with charges in each direction involving unpaid bills and contractual breaches. Jasper County court papers allege that Manaco Corp. and Manatt’s Inc., corporate arms of the family that built Newton’s racetrack, stiffed the new buyers for more than $1.8 million in unpaid bills when the speedway changed hands last June. The new owners, a corporation formed by members of the Clement family, say they in turn have been accused of defaulting on the deal because they held back on scheduled payments to the Manatt family because of the unpaid bills. Documents say the Manatts have threatened to file their own lawsuit against Conrad Clement, the founder of Featherlite Corp., a since-sold Cresco company that makes trailers, and three of his relatives if the Manatts aren’t paid in full within 10 days. The latest version of the lawsuit, a 64-page document filed this week by Des Moines attorney Scott Brennan, alleges that the Clements were stuck with nearly $1.85 million in unpaid bills after the speedway changed hands on June 30, 2011 – despite a provision in the purchase contract that required the Manatts to pay any outstanding debts. To compensate, the new owners (who financed some of the $19 million purchase with loans from Manaco) paid only $152,588.37 as part of the scheduled payoff of a $2 million loan that was due Dec. 31. The lawsuit does not involve Rusty Wallace, who continues to own roughly 8% of the speedway.(more at the Des Moines Register)(2-11-2012)
Iowa Speedway adds two staff members: Iowa Speedway welcomes two new members to its marketing team. Tami Hansen is the new Director of Marketing. She previously led promotional efforts at Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, IA. Jenny Will will assist her as the new Marketing Coordinator. Will has a strong sports marketing background and joins Iowa Speedway from Iowa Energy. Iowa Speedway's season tickets sales push is in full swing. Season tickets start at just $129 and are available by visiting iowaspeedway.com or calling 1-866-RUSTY-GO.(Iowa Speedway)(11-23-2011)
Drive the track at Iowa Speedway: Start your engines, race fans! You can live your dream of driving around Iowa Speedway's famed 7/8-mile oval track between 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Nov. 12. Individuals who give a minimum $10 donation to the annual Combat Hunger fundraising event may enter the track's infield through the vehicle tunnel and drive their personal cars, for three laps, around the track. Drive the Track started in 2010 as a part of Combat Hunger's 20th anniversary celebration. Combat Hunger, Iowa's largest two-day food drive, is a collaborative effort among 190 Central Iowa businesses and schools. The event benefits the Food Bank of Iowa, which supplies food and other materials to hundreds of agencies in 42 Iowa counties.(Iowa Speedway)(11-6-2011)
Iowa Speedway Welcomes New Executive Management Team: Doug Fritz, former president of Richmond International Raceway, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Speedway. Fritz, along with President Stan Clement, will lead Iowa Speedway’s long-term strategic initiatives, events and facilities development and capital reinvestments.
“Iowa Speedway is one of the fastest-growing entertainment and motorsports venues in the country, and I’m thrilled to be joining their team,” says Fritz. “I'm really looking forward to working closely with the loyal race fans and supporters of Iowa Speedway, as well as the staff. Together, we will continue to elevate Iowa Speedway into a premier motorsports destination. The fans will always be our number-one priority, and we will continue to enhance their experience.” Conrad Clement, chairman of Iowa Speedway, believes Fritz’s industry knowledge will help position the track for record-breaking growth in 2012. Next year’s schedule includes two NASCAR Nationwide, two NASCAR Camping World Truck and two NASCAR K&N Pro Series races; plus stops from the IZOD IndyCar, ARCA Series, USAC and ASA Midwest Tour. Season ticket renewal packets are in the mail and are available immediately online at www.iowaspeedway.com. For more information please call 866-RUSTY-GO.(Iowa Speedway)(10-1-2011)
President of Iowa Speedway leaving:Iowa Speedway president Jerry Jauron is resigning after 3½ years. Jauron told The Associated Press on Monday he is leaving to become a general manager at Urbandale, Iowa-based C & L Companies, a motorsports manufacturing company. Jauron oversaw the Iowa Speedway during a period of significant growth with addition of NASCAR Nationwide and Trucks series races. The track's annual IndyCar race also grew into one of the more popular stops on the open-wheel circuit. The 0.875-mile track is set up for its biggest season yet in 2012, with the two Nationwide races, two trucks series events and an IndyCar race on the schedule. Jauron said he's staying on as track president through the middle of October, adding that joining C & L was a "great opportunity" for himself and his family which will also allow him to stay in central Iowa.(Associated Press/ESPN)(9-20-2011)
Iowa Speedway releases 2012 schedule: Iowa Speedway officials on Saturday night unveiled a 2012 schedule that features an extra race weekend and a second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. The Camping World Truck Series, which attracted an announced crowd of 24,408 in July for the Coca-Cola 200 at Iowa Speedway, will stage a race on July 14, 2012 and circle back around to Newton for another race on Sept. 15. Race fans could also have two opportunities to watch Danica Patrick next year in her first full-time season on the NASCAR Nationwide circuit. Patrick announced last month that she planned to leave IndyCar in 2012 to race a full Nationwide schedule and part-time on the Sprint Cup series. For the second consecutive year, Iowa Speedway will stage two Nationwide races. The Nationwide series and NASCAR K&N East/West Challenge will race in Newton on May 19-20 and again on Aug. 3-4.(Des Moines Register)(9-18-2011)
Only temporary seating available for Nationwide race at Iowa: Iowa Speedway announced that main grandstand tickets for the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by the Enlist Weed Control System Race are sold out. Fans who still want to attend the race should purchase temporary seating tickets for $55 and $60. The U.S. Cellular 250 presented by Enlist Weed Control Systems Race is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. "This is the first season that Iowa Speedway has earned the right to host two stops on the NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule," says President of Iowa Speedway Jerry Jauron. "The first race sold out and this one will too. We're pleased that people enjoy watching great racing at our track."(Iowa Speedway)(7-20-2011)
Racing movie being filmed at Iowa Speedway: Zac Efron and Emmy-nominated actor Dennis Quaid will be at Iowa Speedway in Newton on July 16 taping scenes for an untitled racing movie. Fans are invited to be part of the movie magic. Tickets for the 4:15 p.m. Prairie Meadows 200 ARCA Series race and the 7 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Coca-Cola 200 race are on sale for $25 online. Fans purchasing tickets at iowaspeedway.com will be entered into a drawing, and 100 winners will have the chance to participate in the prerace festivities — and could appear in the crowd scenes in the movie. The film is an untitled, Iowa-based movie starring Efron as a rural teen aspiring to become a professional race car driver. Quaid plays Efron’s father. Producers will shoot Efron walking across the pre-race stage, Quaid cheering from the stands and racing footage during the Prairie Meadows 200. Film director Ramin Bahrani was called the “director of the decade” in 2010 by film critic Roger Ebert. “I hope fans will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see A-list celebrities and be part of a movie,” Iowa Speedway president Jerry Jauron said.(Des Moines Register)(7-11-2011)
Iowa Speedway sold: An ownership group headed by Featherlite Trailers owner Conrad Clement and former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Rusty Wallace has purchased Iowa Speedway from its founders, US Motorsport Entertainment Group. Wallace, who helped design the speedway, told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody, “We’ve been working on the sale for about a year. The former owners’ core business is road construction. It’s what they do, and they’re ready to get back to that. We’ve been talking to them about buying the track for the last six months, and I’m real happy that the deal is finally done. Conrad and Stan Clement have worked their butts off to make this happen, and I’m excited to get to work."
Wallace said the new ownership group “will be in constant pursuit of a (NASCAR Sprint) Cup race. We want one, but also know we can’t be too greedy. We started with a K&N Pro Series race a few years ago, and eventually got dates on the Nationwide, Truck and IndyCar Seriesschedules. This track has been so successful, and the fans are wearing us out saying, `When can we get a Cup race?’ We want one, for sure, but there are no opportunities out there at the moment to get one. We’ll have to have some conversations and shake a few trees to see what’s possible? We’re not having any conversations at present, and I don’t want to mislead people into thinking we are. But things change every day, and we’re going to be aggressive about seeing what’s possible.”
AND Five years ago, Conrad Clement waved the green flag to start a NASCAR East-West Series race at the newly opened Iowa Speedway. He waved some more green at the track last week. Clement, the former president and CEO of Cresco’s Featherlite trailer company, was introduced as the key figure in the new primary ownership group of the speedway at a Tuesday news conference. His brother, Stan, and sons, Tracy and Eric, joined him to buy U.S. Motorsports Corp. — the holding company that owns the speedway — effective June 30. Rusty Wallace, the track’s designer, remains as a minority partner.The track had been owned by the Manatt family of Brooklyn, Ia., for its first 58 months, but the plan had always been to find new owners within five years, speedway president Jerry Jauron said. That will allow the Manatts to return their attention to their heavy construction company, Manatts Inc.
Clement said the speedway’s staff will remain intact, and that the fans should see no difference in their raceday experiences. The next event at the speedway is a NASCAR Camping World Trucks race on July 16. Terms of the sale were not released. Built on 226 acres of farmland, the track had an assessed value of $44 million as of June 2009. The original estimate of the track’s worth when it was built was $70 million. The speedway was lauded as a needed financial shot in the arm for Newton, a city of about 15,000 then dealing with the loss of manufacturer Maytag.(more at the Des Moines Register)(7-6-2011)
Group seeks NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Iowa: A group of Iowans have banded together in hopes of bringing a NASCAR Sprint Cup race to the Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA. The Green Flag Alliance, a coalition that includes Newton mayor Chaz Allen, says it's seeking to boost fan interest and sponsorship support in hopes of landing stock car's premier circuit. The group says it's the perfect time for the Speedway to host a Sprint Cup race after landing two lower-tier NASCAR Nationwide races for 2011. The group says that analysis from other markets indicates that a Sprint Cup race can generate as much as $150 million to the local economy.(Associated Press/USA Today)(4-22-2011)
Iowa Speedway expands Fan Walk: Thanks to title sponsorship from Casey's General Store, Iowa Speedway's popular Fan Walk is set to become a longer and more exciting journey. The Casey's General Store Fan Walk presented by Mello Yello spans the entire length of Pit Road - and for the first time will extend to the area previously occupied by the infield grandstands. The sights, smells and sounds of top-level racing will merge with interactive displays where fans can enjoy free product samples, opportunities to meet drivers, a casual atmosphere and an up-close-and-personal view of Iowa Speedway's state-of-the-art facility. Even better: Access to the Casey's General Store Fan Walk presented by Mello Yello is free to season ticket holders, Newton Club members, suite ticket holders, and those who purchase one of the hospitality options, including the party deck, luxury suites, and hospitality chalets. Access for other fans is still a bargain. Adult tickets cost just $10 per event and children ages 12-and-under are admitted free with a paying adult.(Iowa Speedway)(2-28-2011)
Iowa Speedway names Director of Media Relations: Rob Gray, a sports reporter at The Des Moines Register for 10 years, has joined the Iowa Speedway to serve as Director of Media Relations. Gray's duties will include, but not be limited to, writing articles for IowaSpeedway.com, coordinating the release of track-related information to accredited media outlets, and assisting members of all media before, during and after the four race weekends slated for 2011 at "America's Place to Race.'" Gray covered every race at Iowa Speedway for the Register.(Iowa Speedway)(1-30-2011)
Tickets on sale for Iowa races: Iowa Speedway 2011 season tickets have been available to the general public since November 5, but according to speedway Director of Ticketing Operations, Jason Christofferson, race fans may purchase seats for the track’s 2011 racing season as Holiday gifts on a new layaway plan. Christofferson added that the track’s layaway plan was very straightforward, and allowed season ticket holders to pay off the balance on their 2011 seats in three easy installments, beginning on February 1. Starting at $129 per seat, Iowa Speedway season tickets are priced exactly as they were in the 2010 racing season, but Christofferson also noted that a second NASCAR Nationwide Series race was added to the track’s 2011 line-up of events at no additional charge. For more info and to order tickets call 866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946), or go to www.iowaspeedway.com.(PR)(12-3-2010)
Iowa Speedway nears sellout: Grandstand seats for Iowa Speedway's NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the 'U.S. Cellular 250 presented by John Deere and Northland Oil' on Saturday, July 31, are close to being completely sold out according to track President, Jerry Jauron. "Out of over 55,000 total seats for the 'U.S. Cellular 250', we have less than two thousand seats remaining to be sold," Jauron said. "I urge anyone wanting reserved seats for our Nationwide race to buy their tickets now, as we will sell every seat before race day." Reserved seat tickets for Iowa Speedway's second annual NASCAR Nationwide Series race are priced from $55 to $70, and are available online at www.iowaspeedway.com, or may be ordered from the track's special toll-free telephone line, 866-787-8946, Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm, or Saturdays 9 am to 3 pm.(Iowa Speedway)(7-22-2010)
- Iowa Speedway replaces Mansfield for Truck Series race: NASCAR announced that Iowa Speedway will host a Camping World Truck Series race on September 5 in place of the event that was originally scheduled May 23 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. The realignment of the race was a result of Mansfield’s request that the event be moved from its track because of its inability to meet the requirements necessary to remain a NASCAR sanctioned facility. In addition to the Camping World Truck Series race, Iowa will host theNationwide Series, as well as the NASCAR Camping World East and West Series in 2009.(NASCAR PR)(12-18-2008)
- Iowa Speedway gets Nationawide race: Iowa Speedway, the 7/8 mile oval track in Newton, Iowa, designed by former NASCAR Champion and ABC/ESPN commentator, Rusty Wallace, has announced its 2009 schedule. While most of 2008 races will return, a major new event is being added: the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a 250 lap race scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009.(Iowa Speedway)(9-24-2008)
- Iowa NNS race? Schedules release Tues? Iowa Speedway chief executive officer Stan Clement promised big news and excitement but few details regarding a news conference planned for Tuesday at the track. But Clement, reached Saturday night by the Des Moines Sunday Register, confirmed the facility's designer, Rusty Wallace, would be in town for the event. He also said NASCAR will release its 2009 schedules for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series the same day.(Des Moines Register)(8-17-2008)
- Kyle Busch to run at Iowa: Iowa Speedway announced that #18-Kyle Busch will compete in the July 20 ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Model race. "I enjoy going back to my roots to help promote Late Model events," Busch said in the release. "It gives me a chance to give something back to racing fans. The ASA super late model race in Iowa will likely be very competitive and, of course, I’d like to win it."(Des Moines Register)(2-8-2008)
- Busch, Trucks Will Not Run at Iowa Next Year: Stock car racing fans will have to wait until at least 2009 for a chance to see a Busch Series or Craftsman Truck Series event at Iowa Speedway in Newton. The track's 2008 slate will include return visits by the IndyCar Series and NASCAR's Grand National Division, but the Busch and Craftsman Truck Series will not expand next season, Iowa Speedway's vice president and general manager Craig Armstrong said Monday. "They are certainly looking at us as a prospect for 2009 and beyond," said Armstrong.(Des Moines Register), been told that no major changes or tracks will be added until the Kentucky lawsuit is settled.(9-26-2007)
- DEI teams testing Iowa: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Paul Menard, #1-Martin Truex, Jr., #01-Mark Martin, Jeff Earnhardt, and others are scheduled to be testing Nextel Cup and Busch series cars on August 21-22 at the state-of-the-art 7/8 mile Iowa Speedway oval designed by former NASCAR Champion and ABC/ESPN motorsports commentator, Rusty Wallace. Iowa Speedway President, Stan Clement, says the test dates “offer Iowans and other racing fans the chance to watch world-class NASCAR drivers up close and in person. Earnhardt, Martin, Truex, and Menard – these are some of the most famous names in racing – and these guys will be a lot of fun to watch”. Iowa Speedway officials say tickets go on sale Monday, August 6, with prices at $20 for a single day ticket and $30 for a 2-day ticket. Children 12 and under accompanied by a ticket paying adult will be admitted free. In addition, the first five hundred people in attendance each day will receive a free souvenir gift. Food, beverages, and merchandise will also be on sale.(Iowaspeedway.com)(8-3-2007)
- Logano beats Harvick in Iowa: The largest crowd in Iowa Speedway history - 24,741 estimated paid attendance – watched Sunday afternoon as 16-year-old Joey Logano out-dueled Nextel Cup veteran Kevin Harvick to win the NASCAR Grand National Featherlite Coaches 200. Logano, from Middletown, Conn., drove the Joe Gibbs Driven Chevrolet to a 10-car-length victory over Harvick, who was slowed with engine problems early in the race. Logano and Harvick dueled virtually side-by-side the first 20 laps and, although Harvick led later in the race as well as being out front early, his effort was hampered by engine woes. The race – first-ever NASCAR event at Iowa Speedway – was an entertaining one for the fans. Harvick and Logano changed the lead 15 times during the race. Logano raced in the USAR Hooters Cup a year ago and competed at Iowa Speedway in that division, but this is the first season he’s been eligible to race in the NASCAR Grand National Division. That eligibility came because NASCAR lowered the age from 18 to 16 prior to this season. Third place went to Jesus Hernandez of Fresno, Calif., in a Chevrolet, while Johnny Borneman of Ramona, Calif., (Chevrolet) and Mike Duncan of Bakersfield, Calif. (Ford) rounded out the top five. The event drew more than 50 entries with 42 cars taking the green flag.(Iowa Speedway site)(5-21-2007)
- Harvick and Childress off to Iowa Speedway on Sunday: #29-Kevin Harvick [who won the Nextel Challenge Saturday night] and owner Richard Childress will head to Iowa Speedway where Harvick will compete in the NASCAR Grand National Division combination race between the Busch East Series and the West Series. The Featherlite 200 will be the first NASCAR-sanctioned race at the track located in Newton, Iowa. Harvick will compete in the race while Childress serves as the Grand Marshal. Richard Childress Racing also has two development drivers in NASCAR's Grand National Division, with Ryan Foster and Tim McCreadie in the West Series. Other Grand National Division drivers with development ties to the Nextel Cup Series are Joey Logano and Marc Davis (Joe Gibbs Racing), Jeffrey Earnhardt (DEI), Chase Austin (Rusty Wallace Inc.), Jamie Hayes (Ken Schrader Racing), Ruben Pardo and Pierre Bourque (Fitz Racing), and Jesus Hernandez (Ginn Racing). Rusty Wallace played a key role in designing the Iowa Speedway.(LMS Pit Notes). The race be aired live on HDNet at 4:00pm/et.(5-20-2007)
- Featherlite to Sponsor Iowa Grand National Race: Featherlite Coaches Inc. — known throughout the country by owners, racing teams, drivers and fans — will share its logo with NASCAR. The state-of-the-art Featherlite Luxury Coaches will be on display at Iowa Speedway on May 20, for the NASCAR Grand National Series - Featherlite Coaches 200. Iowa Speedway vice president and General Manager, Craig Armstrong, said Iowa Speedway is honored to have Featherlite Coaches as sponsor for the first NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway. (Newton [IA] Daily News)(5-2-2007)
- Harvick and Martin to race at Iowa: #29-Kevin Harvick and #01-Mark Martin will race at Iowa Speedway this year. Harvick, driving for Richard Childress Racing, will race in the track’s first NASCAR race, the NASCAR Grand National East-West Sunday, May 20. Martin, driving for Ginn Racing, will race Friday night, July 13, in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series race. The announcement was made by Iowa Speedway Vice President and General Manager, Craig Armstrong.(Iowa Speedway site)(4-12-2007)
- Iowa gets IRL race: The IndyCar Series will make its first 2007 visit to Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for a race at the new “Rusty Wallace Signature Series Track.” The inaugural IndyCar Series event at Iowa Speedway is scheduled for June 22-24, 2007 and will feature the IndyCar Series running a 250- lap race on June 24 and the Indy Pro Series running 100-mile event on June 23.
The announcement was made in conjunction with an IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series compatibility test that included 2003 IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing and 2005 Indy Pro Series champion Wade Cunningham of Brian Stewart Racing. The 7/8-mile tri-oval has a track width of 60 feet with 12-14 degree compound banking in the turns. The front stretch features 10 degrees of banking and the backstretch has 4 degrees of banking. Iowa Speedway is the first track to ever have the SAFER Barrier installed around the entire perimeter of the race track and first to use the New-Age SAFER Barrier, which does not have a concrete wall behind the energy absorbing barrier. Additionally, Iowa Speedway will also be the first racetrack to have state-of-the-art camera angles – with audio -- embedded in the racing surface similar to how current race facilities have miniature cameras in the walls.(Iowa Speedway PR/Site)(8-4-2006)
- Iowa Speedway Begins Asphalt Paving: Construction crews - working under a blazing Iowa sun with temperatures approaching 100 degrees on the track infield - have begun laying the paving process for the racing surface of Iowa Speedway. Track officials and racing fans consider the paving of the 7/8 mile oval track, designed by racing great Rusty Wallace, to be a significant
milestone in the development of the track. Iowa Speedway General Manager Todd Melfi said asphalt materials were thoroughly tested prior to application and, weather-permitting, the paving should take about two weeks to complete. Once surface work on the "Rusty Wallace Signature Series Track" is completed, further testing of the surface will be conducted before the Inaugural Season begins and competitive racing starts at Iowa Speedway September 15, 2006.(Iowa Speedway PR)(6-8-2006)
- Richard Petty Driving Experience To Run at Iowa Track: The Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) has just announced they will be visiting the brand new Iowa Speedway next summer. The visit will mark the first time RPDE has been to Iowa and the first
time a driving program has been offered at the new facility. The inaugural visit to Iowa Speedway will take place August 10th and run
through August 13th, as students get the opportunity to challenge the 12-14 degree banking on this brand new 7/8-mile tri-oval layout.
Participants can ride-along with professional drivers making a 3 lap mock qualifying run and/or drive themselves around the speedway in 3 different programs to be offered; the 8 lap Rookie Experience, the 18 lap Kings Experience and a 30 lap Experience of a Lifetime program. "We are really excited about bringing our programs to that part of the country", says seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty, who hopes to be on hand as well for the debut. "The sport continues to grow so fast out in middle-America and I think the fans are hungry to see what it feels like to be behind the wheel of a real stock car." Costs will range from the $99 Ride-Along up to the $1,249 Experience of a Lifetime. Richard Petty Driving Experience, headquartered Concord, N.C., will operate more than 1,100 track days at more than 20 locations nationwide in 2005, including permanent locations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Walt Disney World Speedway(R), Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Il. For more information, call 1-800-BE-PETTY or visit our web site at www.1800bepetty.com. Iowa Speedway, located in Newton, Iowa, will be home to four different racing events in 2006 including a Hooters Pro Cup Series and USAC Silver Crown/Sprint Car Series race on September 15 and an ASA Late Model Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series Race on October 15. For more information goto www.iowaspeedway.com.(12-21-2005)
- Iowa Track Gets Funding: City of Newton has received a letter from the Manaco Corporation stating with funds secured through Wells Fargo Bank, Manaco is "committed to provide the funding necessary to complete the construction of the Iowa Speedway". The letter further states that Manaco is willing to enter into a Construction Guarantee Agreement with the City of Newton. The letter goes on to state "Manatt's are very excited about providing the funding for a project that will greatly benefit Newton, Jasper County, and the State of Iowa for many years to come." The receipt of the letter will allow the City of Newton to move forward to begin the bid process on Rusty Wallace Drive and other city provided infrastructure related to the Speedway project. Mayor Allen anticipates this action will be taken at the Monday, December 19th Council Meeting. "Merry Christmas" stated an elated Mayor Allen. "I want to ensure we thank all the folks who have worked so very hard to make this project a reality and Manatt's Inc. for their commitment to the City of Newton and the Speedway project. Now the real work must begin on behalf of the city."(Iowa Speedway PR)(12-13-2005)
- Newton puts Iowa speedway road on hold: Newton, Iowa officials have put the brakes on a road to the 70 million dollar Iowa Speedway. The City Council rejected a 1.7 million dollar contract for the road project. The council says it won't spend additional money without assurances that the developer, U-S Motorsports, has the money to finish the track. The group's Dennis Chalupa says he's confident the group will provide the information the city wants and that the road will be built in time for the racing season, which is scheduled to start in September. The NASCAR-style Iowa Speedway is being built on more than 200 acres south of Interstate 80.(WQAD.com)(11-30-2005)
- Iowa Track gets first race...ARCA: Officials at the Iowa Speedway in Newton announced Wednesday the first race at the track, which is under construction. An ARCA RE/MAX Series stock car racing event has been scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at the 7/8-mile track, according to a news release.(Des Moines Register)(9-30-2005)
- Iowa Speedway Progress: Construction Crews continue to make progress with work on Iowa Speedway by finalizing the Infield Tunnel. Crews poured the final section of the roof on the tunnel on Monday and are now prepping the tunnel for back fill work. Good weather and persistent efforts by workers have contributed to keeping the project on track for its 2006 Opening. Iowa Speedway released a statement today saying that over half of the VIP Luxury Suites have been sold and the procurement of sponsorship is going better than initially expected. "We have sold far more of our 28 Luxury Suites then we had ever expected we would have by this time and are very close to solidifying some of our Official Marketing Partners for 2006 and beyond", stated Todd Melfi, General Manager. "We have been extremely pleased thus far with the level of support from local, regional and national companies that have shown a sincere interest in getting involved with Iowa Speedway on the ground floor." Melfi also stated that the overall sale of Newton Club Seats, the Speedway's initial release of premier seating, has picked up considerably and seats are going fast. Only 2,000 total seats are available in the Speedway's Newton Club. Log onto www.iowaspeedway.com for all of the updated news and information, as well as, updated construction photos.(9-15-2005)
- Iowa Speedway Begins Concrete Work on Infield Tunnel: Iowa Speedway construction crews recently began pouring the first
batch of concrete that will form the Infield Pedestrian Tunnel, which runs underneath Turns 1-2 of the track. The massive concrete operation led by Manatts Corporation began as the tunnel now begins to take shape. The massive earth moving operation also continues full force as crews continue to shape the facility and almost all of the dirt has been moved out of the infield area of the track itself and the racing surface is beginning to come in. Iowa Speedway hopes to get at least one, possibly two, layers of asphalt down on the track before this winter. Construction of the buildings and grandstands will take place over the winter and finishing touches will be placed on the Mid
Western Racing Gem in the spring of '06 with opening weekend still on track for mid July of 2006. Log onto www.iowaspeedway.com for all of the updated news and construction photos.(8-10-2005)
- Is the Iowa racetrack in jeopardy? At the moment the money to build it is missing. The only people paying for what's being billed as a NASCAR-style race track are taxpayers and private investors. Funding for the multi-million dollar complex isn't all there, at least not yet. The city of Newton has already invested more than 200-thousand dollars of taxpayer money in the project. Its share of the costs includes paving gravel roads to improve access to the racetrack. Now some there say they shouldn't spend anymore money until they know for sure the track will be there. Both the Mayor and the company backing the raceway says there's no doubt financing will come through. They expect everything to be finalized by the end of the week or early next week.(whotv.com)(7-13-2005)
- Rusty will test but not race at Iowa track: Rusty Wallace says he won't take part in the first race at the Iowa Speedway when it opens next summer. The legendary NASCAR driver is retiring from the Nextel Cup Series at the end of the season and designed the track which broke ground last week in Newton. Wallace says he will drive some laps at the track with his car to check the smoothness of the track and to "I'll drive the laps at the new track to make sure the consistency is right the racing's right on it before I sign off on it," Wallace says.Wallace says there are enough super speedways out there and the track of 7/8ths mile will fill a need. He says he believes it'll be "the most awesome speedway in the entire world that I've everworked on."Sanctioning bodies like ARCA and USAC are expected to hold events at the track and Wallace says down the road NASCAR events are a possibility. He says NASCAR "is totally in the loop" for everything they're doing at the Newton track.(Radio Iowa)(6-30-2005)
- Iowa Speedway breaks ground: Rusty Wallace took the wheel of a bright yellow bulldozer and lumbered up a dirt mound. The NASCAR driver thought he'd never reach the top of the hill, and the photo opportunity publicizing Tuesday's long-awaited official groundbreaking for the 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway. Wallace's little-bulldozer-that-could climb to the summit signified progress as well as the financial and political obstacles the project had to traverse. "I had several meetings and brought this project pretty far along only to be spooked off a couple times that maybe the financing was going to fall through and being disheartened, like, 'Oh, man, this may turn out like the other projects that just didn't make it,' " Wallace said. "So when I finally found out it made it I was really excited." Representatives from the U.S. Auto Club and the ARCA/ReMax Series spoke at the event and expressed desire to race at the facility when schedules allow. The track is expected to be race-ready in mid-July 2006, but no races have been lined up. "We're going to fill it up with the best racing that's available at that time," Wallace said. "In order to get some major sanctioning bodies involved, they've got to see the facility - they want to see it done. So many people want to build a race track, and if you could go up to NASCAR and say, 'Hey I'd like to have a (Nextel) Cup date,' and they said, 'OK, you've got a date, go build the track,' they'd all do it. They want to see the commitment not only of the racetrack but of the infrastructure system, the roads, the excitement level of the people, the elected officials - can we work with these people or are they knuckleheads and hard to work with? They won't touch it if that's the case. Fans number one, a great facility number two, and you've gotta want it. And this track will want it." ARCA - a minor-league stock car series that sometimes serves as a springboard to NASCAR - expects to be involved with racing at the track. "Based on its length, based on the market, based on the people involved, it definitely fits into our future," ARCA president Ron Drager said. USAC president Rollie Helmling said eventually racing at the Newton track would fit in "perfectly" with plans for the sanctioning body, which features its signature Silver Crown series as well as sprint car and midget racing. Fans backed the investors in US Motorsport Entertainment Corp., the group behind the track, with cheers, and applauded nearly 20 state lawmakers who helped push through a multimillion-dollar sales tax break for the track. They also saluted Wallace - who will retire from full-time NASCAR competition after this season - by forming an autograph line hundreds of people deep.(Des Moines Register)(6-22-2005)
- Iowa Track to break ground June 21st: Groundbreaking for a $70 million NASCAR-style auto racing track along Interstate 80 in central Iowa is scheduled for June 21. The state-of-the-art track will offer seating for 40,000 people and racing on a 7/8th mile asphalt oval. Veteran driver Rusty Wallace, who is designing the track, is expected to join racetrack owners and state and local officials at the event at 1 p.m. on June 21, which is open to the public. The racetrack is expected to employ 25 full-time staff, 10 seasonal employees and up to 500 employees during major events.(the Iowa Channel)(6-16-2005)
- Iowa Track Gets Tax Break, Racing in 2006: The governor's signature Wednesday on a 10-year sales tax break for a $70 million Iowa Speedway project raised the green flag for developers, who said they will break ground later this month. The auto-racing track should open next summer for its first race, investor and Newton lawyer Dennis Chalupa said. The investor group wants to have the seven-eighths-mile asphalt track in place before winter. "We are hoping still this month yet to start construction," Chalupa said. "We hope to have our first race in July of '06. That's an aggressive construction schedule." He said negotiations are under way with sanctioning bodies for potential races. The facility will have permanent seating for 25,000 people and additional temporary seats and a lawn area for a capacity of 81,000. The track will be located near the city's airport on 232 acres. Rusty Wallace will have a hand in track operations.(Des Moines Register)(5-5-2005)
- Tax Break for Proposed Iowa Track: A unique state tax break that would help finance a planned Newton race-car track received the green light from a Senate committee Tuesday, despite sharp criticism from opponents. Members of the tax policy committee voted 10-3, with one abstention, in favor of the proposal to allow the track to keep up to $12.5 million in state sales taxes collected by the facility in its first 10 years of operation.(Des Moines Register)(3-31-2005)
- Iowa Track a Go: After nearly two years of stops and starts, the group developing a race track in Newton [Iowa] says it has the financing necessary to build the $70 million complex. Racing could begin in summer 2006. U.S. Motorsport Entertainment Corp. said today that it plans to build a 7/8-mile asphalt track and entertainment complex. It will have 25,000 permanent seats, with room for 16,000 people on lawn chairs and blankets, plus the ability to add 40,000 temporary seats. The facility is south of Newton and Interstate Highway 80 on 640 acres. The Newton City Council, which has agreed to provide $10 million for the project, will meet next week to consider modifying the development agreement. The group says negotiations with sanctioning racing bodies are slated to begin soon. Long-time NASCAR star Rusty Wallace will design the track and operate the facility. The group has twice delayed beginning construction of the project, citing difficulty raising money.(Des Moines Register)(2-26-2006)
- Iowa Track Funding almost in place: One of NASCAR's top drivers says he is confident a racetrack will be coming to central Iowa. Rusty Wallace signed on to design the 50 million dollar motor speedway planned for Newton. He says the project has been delayed this past year by funding problems. Wallace says however that the developers are close to securing the financing for the project and remains hopeful the project will get underway soon. A spokesperson for the motor speedway project says groundbreaking could be sometime this fall. The first race would not happen now until 2006.(whotv.com)(9-8-2004)
- Iowa Track on hold: The 7/8-mile Newton, Iowa, track that Rusty Wallace was to design has been held up by lack of funding, according to the Des Moines Register. The track was scheduled to open this summer. The newspaper reported that a farmer has planted his crops on the land that would have housed the track.(Roanoke Times)(6-24-2004)
- Iowa Track in trouble? A proposed speedway in Newton [Iowa] has hit a snag. The Des Moines Register reports that no work has started yet on the $50 million project, raising questions about its fate. In February, NASCAR star Rusty Wallace signed on as a consultant for the first-ever driver-designed speedway. The developer of the track had planned to break ground this spring for an opening in summer 2005. The original goal was to open the speedway this fall. City officials say supporters are worried that the proposed speedway will never be built in a city that desperately needs an economic boost. City officials have approved spending about $10 million for its construction. Calls to a West Des Moines developer who helped arrange the project were not returned. A project spokesman handling financing said developers don't want to comment yet on the fate of the proposed complex. The complex would require 14 months to build and offer permanent seating for about 42,000 people.(theiowachannel.com)(6-10-2004)
- Rusty to Design Iowa Track: Rusty Wallace, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Nextel Cup series, has signed on as a consultant for the first-ever driver-designed speedway in Newton, Iowa. Tuesday, Wallace signed a consulting agreement with Iowa's U.S. Motorsport Corp. "My expertise is going to be like a golfer who's designing a golf course," Wallace told NewsChannel 8 in an exclusive interview. The 25,000-seat track will be located just south of Interstate 80 near the Newton Airport. The financing for the $60 million facility is still being worked out, but planners know the racing track will seven-eighths of a mile long with 16-degree turns. "I'm going to take my ideas of a lot of the best race tracks I've ever driven in the world and try to combine them into one world-class facility," Wallace said. He has input on everything the multipurpose facility will have to offer. "Input on the suites, input on locations of the suites, input on the location of roads, input on a lot of things," Wallace said. Wallace said he thinks there will be groundbreaking in a few months, and the racing should begin in 2005. "It's going to be a reality and it's going to happen and it's going to be beautiful," Wallace said. The consulting deal means the NASCAR legend will be visiting central Iowa often. "I'll be on the board of directors, I've got a stake in it. There will be some Rusty-Wallace-theme things around around the track. I'll visit a lot," Wallace said.(TheIowaChannel.com)(2-27-2004)
- Iowa Track Update: U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Complex, Newton, Iowa, Opening in 2005. The U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Complex, developed by the U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Corporation, will carry a minimum assessment of $30 million and will be located on a 226 acre piece of land lying south of S. 24th Ave. E., immediately east of and adjoining the Newton Airport. The 7/8 mile, asphalt paved, oval motor speedway will include a 16 degree banking at the steepest point. The complex will also be complete with 42,020 permanent seats with the option of adding 40,000 temporary seats, concession facilities, pit and garage areas, ticket and administration office buildings. Planned events include auto racing and entertainment such as exhibitions, car shows, trade shows, concerts and other entertainment activities.
Rusty Wallace will help lead the team in the first-ever driver-designed speedway. The Rusty Wallace signature track will be the first of its kind. The complex will also be home to an interactive race museum and a racing-themed restaurant. The museum is being tabbed the Rusty Wallace Interactive Experience and will include race memorabilia for traditional race fans along with an abundance of interactive opportunities. Upon entering the museum visitors will wear an electronic headset to guide them through the museum. ARCA, USAC and ASA have all agreed to sanction races at the complex. The U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Corporation also plans to petition the IRL for open wheel racing and NASCAR for a Craftsmen Truck and Busch Series event.(Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau site)(11-12-2003)
- Rusty to Design a Racetrack UPDATE: Rusty Wallace, has entered into a consulting agreement and will help lead the team in the first-ever driver-designed speedway. Wallace will fuel the success of a proposed speedway as part of The U.S. MotorSport Entertainment Corporation's planned complex in Newton, Iowa. He was in nearby Des Moines this week, beginning his services as a consultant to the project. The asphalt track will have 25,000 permanent seats with the option of adding 20,000 more temporary seats. Beyond the anticipated hosting of ASA, USAC and ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America)-sanctioned speedway events, the complex will also offer entertainment opportunities. U.S MotorSport Chairman, President and CEO Paul R. Schlaack has announced that Rusty Wallace, 46, of Charlotte, North Carolina, will serve as ongoing consultant for the Corporation and be actively involved with the Corporation as it builds the track and motorsport entertainment complex. The proposed $30 million complex has received significant support from Newton, Iowa City Council, which has approved a development agreement, including a city contribution of $9 million, an additional $1.3 million economic development grant for purchasing a 226-acre tract and more than $7 million for public improvements.(Tom Roberts PR)(6-20-2003)
UPDATE: Wallace is designing a seven-eighths of a mile speedway in Newton, Iowa, that he hopes will court various Midwest racing series and maybe, some day, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck, Busch Series or an Indy Racing League event. The track is located about 15 miles from Des Moines, Iowa. Wallace, who was asked to design the track and is serving on the speedway's board, wants to make the speedway similar in shape to Richmond's three-quarter-mile speedway. Wallace said groundbreaking is expected to take place Sept.1. The track is set to have 25,000 seats and will have some form of an energy-absorbing barrier.(Roanoke Times)(6-22-2003)
- Iowa Track News: Despite a Vision Iowa rejection and a bailout by developers, Newton's mayor isn't giving up on the idea of having a racetrack in the central Iowa city. Mayor David Aldridge says he is looking at the city's role in persuading developers to reconsider putting the 50-million-dollar track there. Developers notified the city last week that they were no longer interested in placing the track there, but were looking at other sites in Iowa and Wisconsin. The news came after the state's Vision Iowa board rejected the city's application for funds. Aldridge calls the racetrack, which was expected to draw NASCAR races, the greatest economic opportunity the city has had in ten years.(KCRG TV/AP)(11-26-2002)
- Iowa Track? A $76 million, 40,000-seat speedway that eventually could attract NASCAR and Indy-car racing has been proposed for a site near Des Moines, Iowa. The Jasper County board of supervisors met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the possibility of issuing $30 million to $40 million in bonds for the track, which is proposed by Cincinnati developer Jerry Carroll(who owns Kentucky Speedway). The three-member board voted to schedule a meeting with the Newton City Council next week to discuss the issue. While NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies are not involved in the project, the track could land a NASCAR race - most likely a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Other possible races include the Indy Racing Northern Light Series.(Des Moines Register and an additional story at: SpeedVision)(11-22-2000)
- Quad Cities: a few weeks old but....After a long wait, the highly anticipated approval from legislators of the Community Attraction and Tourism
(CAT) Bill has arrived for the Quad Cities International Raceway Park(QCIRP) proposed race track to be built. "We are thrilled about the decision," said John McChurch, developer of the Quad Cities International Raceway Park. "Now we can apply for funding through the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the city of Davenport can purchase the land, and Bruton can build the track! This is a wonderful announcement not only for the Quad Cities, but for the entire state of Iowa, as well,"(QCIRP Site). Some other details: The "Bruton" is none other than Bruton Smith, of Speedway Motorsports. Smith has said he would put $5 million towards the project if the state of Iowa would put at least $10 million towards it. The funding from the state of Iowa is $12.5 million per year for the next 2 years. However, its still in question whether newly-elected Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is gonna sign the 2nd year of the money. Another $7 million would come from
the city of Davenport(Local Newspapers)(5-13-1999)
- Iowa says no to track: An against-the-clock effort to secure state funding for a professional race-car track in Davenport failed Wednesday in the Iowa House of Representatives. Developer John McChurch, of East Moline, was seeking a $2 million forgiveable loan for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and $5 million the following year to help build Quad-Cities International Raceway Park.(Dispatch/Argus Online)(4-23-98)
- Info on a Quad Cities proposed track can be found at Dividing up $15 million, More prison beds, auto race track are on legislators' lists, "Proponents say state help is needed to get the 70,000-seat auto track up and running on a 450-acre site on Davenport's west side. The project, which is expected to draw NASCAR auto
and truck events and an "Indy" car race and add 1,442 jobs in the Quad Cities area.(Gazette Des Moines Bureau/The Gazetteonline)(4-14-98)
- An Iowa revenue review committee cleared the way for possible funding for a
proposed racetrack development in northwest Davenport on Friday, if enough broad-based support for the project exists. State Rep. David Millage, R- Bettendorf, confirmed Friday that the state's Revenue Forecasting Conference increased state revenue from state gambling proceeds by $14.8 million, more than $2 million of which is not earmarked for specific projects. Mr. McChurch has asked the Iowa Legislature for $7 million in state financing and $3 million from Davenport. Speedway Motorsports Chairman Bruton Smith, owner of the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Texas International Raceway, has pledged $5 million if the project has state and local financial support.Dispatch from Moline, IL)(4-12-1998)
