March 28, 2024

Loyal race fans enjoy perks at Iowa Speedway

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When Iowa Speedway named its ARCA Racing Series event “Fans with Benefits 150,” the idea was to dedicate the weekend to and thank fans and season ticket holders.

Loyal fans statewide took advantage of the perks and special events during the first ever National Iowa Speedway Day, but some said it was just like any race weekend to them.

Hundreds braved the heat to watch the Iowa Corn 300 race Sunday and to check out a number of activities such as, mini golf, pedal to the metal, XPOGO and indulge in a free appetizer of Iowa sweet corn.

The pedal to the metal activity is a fan favorite from last year and is meant for the youngest attendees to participate in a pedal tractor pull. The miniature tractors included a sled weight for difficulty and all contestants received a keepsake.

Next up for entertainment, was a new show, XPOGO, brought to the Iowa Speedway. Two competitors, one from Canada and one from Russia showed off their tricks and talent while bouncing for fans. The Extreme Pogo even got heated with fans deciding who could pogo the best between the two professionals.

In addition, displays were presented by Corn Feed, Iowa Corn and Chevrolet. The biggest attraction of the display was the free corn on the cob.

The family-fun weekend attracted race fan Allan Gugler of Mt. Vernon, and his wife Shirley. Gugler said he is a season ticket holder and enjoys visiting the town of Newton when he gets the chance to attend a race.

“We really enjoy the variety of the racing and the national known drivers,” Gugler said. “We like to bring the whole family with us.”

Gugler said whenever he and his family visit Newton they are sure to explore the town and go antique-ing.

Gugler said most of all when travels to the Iowa Speedway he knows he will witness, “A good quality, nice, clean and fast race.”

Although there were special events and more rewards offered throughout the weekend, two longtime race fans said they like to attend the races because of the support it brings to their local speedway.

Military veterans Bruce Brassfield and Russell Snitker have been attending the races at Iowa Speedway since its grand opening years ago.

The two season ticket holders said the uplifting atmosphere is a break in their daily routine.

“A lot of times I will run into people I haven’t seen in awhile or I’ll meet new people or veterans,” Brassfield said. “It’s a camaraderie.”

Snitker said he supports all local supports like Cardinal football.

“This is just like another sport to show loyalty to,” Snitker said.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com