walking through the patio area of the club, and overheard more than one of them say — with awe dripping off their voices, their mouths agape, staring at the brand new racetrack in front of them — “I can’t believe this place is right here in Newton, Iowa.”

Over and over again, with the same level of admiration ... that someone would build a multi-million-dollar facility like this in their hometown, and in Newton itself for having shaken off the angst of losing Maytag and forging a new future in entertainment and tourism. I was literally moved to tears by the sincere outpouring of civic pride.

Since that first event day, we have found that the Newton Club could be many things besides the absolutely coolest place (sometimes literally!) to watch a race with your family and friends.