Iowa gets NASCAR Cup date

Iowa Speedway will host its first NASCAR Cup Series race in early June 2024.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one for NASCAR and for race fans in the state of Iowa,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR's senior vice president of racing development and strategy. “They have long sought a NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway, and we’re happy to deliver that for them.

“We fully expect this to be one of the most highly-anticipated dates on the 2024 schedule and an amazing weekend of NASCAR racing in The Hawkeye State.”

The inaugural Cup Series race will run Sunday, June 16, at 6 p.m. CT. It will cap off a weekend that also features the ARCA Menards Series running Friday, June 14, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series running Saturday, June 15, at 2:30 p.m. CT.

“The things Iowans value most are what NASCAR represents best – hard work, family and community – which is exactly why our partnerships has always been a natural fit,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “We’re thrilled to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway next summer and for this incredible opportunity to introduce millions of racing fans to our great state.”

Iowa Speedway hosted the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series from 2009 through 2019 (pictured). The track was acquired by NASCAR in 2013.

“This is a dream come true,” Rusty Wallace, Iowa Speedway co-founder and designer, said. “This track was built with the intent of hosting a NASCAR Cup Series race one day, and to finally see it come together is a testament to the tenacity of the great race fans in Iowa.”

Iowa Corn will be the entitlement sponsor of the Cup Series race. Iowa Speedway will be one of the 26 regular season races on the Cup Series schedule.

“For years, the Iowa community has patiently waited for the NASCAR Cup Series to come to town,” Brad Keselowski said. “It is with great pleasure for all of the racing community to announce they will finally see that dream come together. Iowa is a hotbed for motorsports fans, I saw that enthusiasm firsthand in 2009 for the inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series race, and can’t wait to see the atmosphere on race day in 2024.”