Iowa Speedway will break ground for a $14M repaving project after this weekend’s NASCAR slate, which “encompasses the entirety” of the 20-year-old track, ahead of hosting its NASCAR Cup Series race in 2027, according to Christopher Braunschweig of the NEWTON DAILY NEWS. In 2024, a partial repave of the racetrack was completed and “received mixed reviews from IndyCar racers,” which did not return to the Newton racetrack for the 2026 season. Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson said that the full repave of the track “will be completed by November.” He noted that there are also “a number of ‘fan-facing’ upgrades planned for Iowa Speedway, including upgrades to the suites and the Newton Club.” Similarly, the areas at Turn 1 and Turn 4 — which overlook the racetrack — will also be “repaved to ‘add more fan amenities,’ potential camping spots and opportunities for more partners to activate on race weekend.” As a result, the concert stage on the northwest side of the track “will be removed.” Braunschweig noted all of the improvements are estimated to cost upwards of $19M as NASCAR and the France family are “primarily funding” the renovations (NEWTON DAILY NEWS, 8/6).
BRING THE FIREWORKS: In Des Moines, Chad Leistikow reported the NASCAR Cup Series will return to Iowa for a fourth straight season in 2027 on July 4 weekend. Iowa’s racing surface became a “major storyline in 2024,” as corners of the track had been “resurfaced with asphalt and other parts were left alone.” The track getting a full repave “seems like a good sign that the venue could be a Cup Series destination for years to come” (DES MOINES REGISTER, 8/6).