IndyCar returns to Iowa in 2022

Circuit desires more ovals, plans July doubleheader

IndyCar will return next season to Iowa Speedway, a short oval track beloved by fans and drivers that had fallen off the schedule after 14 years.

The track in Newton will host a doubleheader next July in a deal brokered between IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske, team owner Bobby Rahal and grocery chain Hy-Vee, which is based in Iowa. The company has been increasing its presence in IndyCar as an occasional sponsor for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Hy-Vee was named the entitlement sponsor of the July 22-23 races.

“With our strong connection to local communities and involvement in the state, we plan to host an event that will receive national attention and make Newton an annual destination for racing fans,” said Randy Edeker, chairman of Hy-Vee.

Edeker also said Hy-Vee will be a full-time sponsor for Rahal next season. He cited Formula One’s growth in the U.S. in the 16-to-35 age demographic, and said he thinks IndyCar can gain similar ground under Penske.

“With Penske taking ownership, they have a lot of plans, lot of strategy to mimic some of that and bring it into the sport of racing,” Edeker said. “From a company standpoint that’s a demographic we have to do well with, need to do better with.”

Iowa Speedway opened in 2006 and IndyCar added the track to its schedule the next season. IndyCar ran 15 races at the “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” including a doubleheader last year that Penske Entertainment promoted as the series tried to salvage its season during the pandemic.

The track, which was bought by NASCAR in 2013, dropped off the IndyCar schedule this year and likely would not have returned without a title sponsor. NASCAR pulled the Xfinity and Truck Series races from Iowa after the 2019 season and only sent its minor league ARCA Series to Newton the past two years.

Edeker said 4,000 seats will be added to Iowa Speedway before the IndyCar event next season.

“One of my main concerns when we took over the sport was we need more ovals,” Penske said. “I think that wheel-to-wheel racing makes it better. To have two races and have it supported by Hy-Vee: It’s a home run on both sides.”

The 2022 doubleheader will be part of a festivaltype weekend at the track about 30 miles east of Des Moines.