April 23, 2024

Iowa Corn Indy 300 set for July 18, 2015

By Newton Daily

Ryan Hunter-Reay (28) comes down pit road after winning the 2014 Iowa Corn Indy 300 in July. Hunter-Reay and the rest of the IndyCar drivers will return to the Speedway in 2015. (Jocelyn Sheets)

Fans anxious for the return of the Verizon IndyCar Series and open wheel standouts like Ed Carpenter, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Helio Castroneves to central Iowa next summer can start making plans.

Iowa Speedway announced Thursday the addition of the Verizon IndyCar Series to its action-packed 2015 schedule, which includes the previously released schedules for the NASCAR XFINITY Series (currently the NASCAR Nationwide Series), USAC Silver Crown Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.

“The Fastest Short Track on the Planet” will host the Iowa Corn 300 – the 14th race of the INDYCAR season – July 18. Start times will be announced at a later date.

“The return of INDYCAR to Iowa Speedway in 2015 is exciting news for our race fans, sponsors, and the entire region,” said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. “INDYCAR races here are not only thrilling sports entertainment, but also a boon for the local economy. Our track provides some of the best racing you’ll see anywhere, making this a can’t-miss weekend.”

Andretti Autosport has won six of the eight races at Iowa Speedway, including the last five. Ryan Hunter- Reay stole what appeared to be a dominant race win from Tony Kanaan just two laps from the checkered flag in this year’s Iowa Corn 300. Kanaan led 247 of the race’s 300 laps, but couldn’t stave off Hunter-Reay after a late-race pit stop for tires catapulted the 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series champion to another win at Iowa Speedway.

Scott Dixon set the Iowa Speedway two-lap qualifying track record during qualifications for this year’s race. Dixon’s two-lap average of 186.256 mph shattered the previous speed record of 180.375 mph held by Takuma Sato since 2011. Castroneves set the one-lap track record (186.809 mph) on his second qualifying lap, breaking his previous track record (185.687 mph) on the 7/8-mile oval, further solidifying Iowa Speedway as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet.”

“Announcing our INDYCAR weekend in October allows our fans, local businesses and the City of Newton to plan ahead, and will better facilitate future planning for those who want to participate in the event,” said Small. “We have established a strong INDYCAR tradition in Iowa. I know that race fans, like me, will look forward to July 17-18 of 2015 with great anticipation.”

As soon as the 2015 schedule is completed, more details, including on-sale dates and season ticket holder renewal information, will be announced. Iowa Speedway will continue to focus on enhancing the fan experience as its top priority, and will build upon successful improvements made in 2014.