Live in Newton? You should be a racing fan

Everyone in Newton should be a race fan. And, if you happen to run into an out-of-town race fan this weekend, you should thank them for being here.

Through the Iowa Speedway, Newton is elevated to a position of national prominence many other communities would spend a lot of money to achieve today. It brings a lot of good business to our community, which has been a big lift since Maytag closed its doors a few short years ago.

NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace said, “Build it and they will come,” and they have. Each year, the Iowa Speedway has increased its attendance numbers, and it continues to add new and exciting events to its schedule.

And while the focus right now is on the big ARCA/NASCAR Camping World Truck Series weekend at the track, in a few weeks’ time, we will get to experience a new first for the Iowa Speedway with the inaugural I-80 Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally. Once again, the Clements family, Newton natives, and their highly talented staff — including Doug Fritz, Craig Armstrong, and Chuck Spicer — have found another way to add value to not only the speedway, but the Newton community as a whole.

Ask the management at Culver’s or Pizza Ranch, two local businesses that serve as concession vendors at the Iowa Speedway, what that has meant to their bottom lines. But, by bringing big names — and all the fans who want to see them — to Newton, the race track is bringing a lot of new business to the community.

So, we should support the Iowa Speedway, too. Be sure to get some tickets and go to this weekend’s races.

Because when you’re there, you’re supporting your community, too.