Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol 2026

The Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, opened its gates in 2006 and thus ranks among the younger oval courses in North American motorsport. From the outset, the racing facility was designed for versatile use: racing events under the NASCAR and IndyCar banners took place here in the inaugural season itself, which quickly earned the track the reputation of a true multi-purpose arena.

The design was significantly shaped by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, whose experience as an active driver directly influenced the track layout. For many years, Iowa Speedway was a permanent fixture on the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Truck Series calendars, before the track was eventually added to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol, named after the track’s long-time sponsor, has since become one of the most distinctive Cup events in the American Midwest.

With a length of 1.408 kilometers and just four turns, the D-shaped oval course ranks among the most compact venues on the Cup calendar. The progressive banking of 12 to 14 degrees was deliberately designed to allow drivers to race side by side on multiple lines, earning Iowa the nickname ‘Fastest Short Track on the Planet.’ This combination of high speeds and the tightness of a classic short track makes the facility technically demanding and regularly produces close pack racing.

The Iowa Speedway victory list reads like a reflection of this track’s character: In 2025, William Byron secured the triumph at the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol and joined the ranks of Cup winners at this special venue. The official track record has been held since that same year by Brad Keselowski, who completed the 1.408 kilometers in just 23.748 seconds, setting the benchmark for future editions of the race.