Report: NASCAR to add Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway in 2024

For those hoping it would one day happen, NASCAR is heading to Iowa Speedway during the 2024 Cup Series season. In the past, there has been Xfinity and Truck Series action. Well, folks, we’re going to see Next Gen cars out on the track next season.

IndyCar found some success with their doubleheader weekend at Iowa this season. Now, NASCAR is going to the short track with the Cup Series. NASCAR going to Iowa is great, especially with Wisconsin off of the schedule now. It gives the Midwest another destination, a little further out in the middle of the country.

Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck of The Athletic broke the news. There is going to be an official announcement on Tuesday that will include Governor Kim Reynolds.

NEWS: NASCAR to add Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway in 2024, sources tell @TheAthletic . An official announcement is expected tomorrow in Des Moines that will include Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Story and analysis w/@jeff_gluck. https://t.co/XwEOEgn0gt

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 2, 2023

According to the report, the announcement is set for tomorrow, Tuesday at 11:30 AM CST. The governor’s office says it is to “announce a new major sports and entertainment event to be held in Iowa in 2024.”

From 2009 to 2019, the NASCAR Xfinity Series made appearances at the track. Also, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series operated there in those same years. The ARCA Menards Series still races at the track during their season.

The track is .875 miles in length, which is a little unique when it comes to other short tracks. Folks, it’s looking like less road courses and more ovals on next year’s schedule. Even if that is a good thing, will they be replaced with short tracks? Another shortcoming of the Next Gen car?

I love that NASCAR is heading to Iowa Speedway with the Cup Series. It shows the old fans that they still care about them, and hopefully, picks up new, younger fans as well.

NASCAR heading to Iowa in 2024

So, we have a few pieces of next year together. There is an expectation that NASCAR will release the full 2024 schedule this week. We know that NASCAR will bring back the Bristol Food City 500 instead of the dirt race.

The return of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has also been confirmed. There are tickets selling for the Chicago Street Race as well. North Wilkesboro Speedway is going to host the All-Star Race as well. And, Xfinity is leaving Road America behind.

This also likely means no Montreal race for 2024.

I know Wisconsin isn’t Iowa. However, this puts another race out in that geographic area. IndyCar pulled in a really great crowd for the races this season. Their camping was full or close to it.

NASCAR is dedicated to finding fanbases that will show up to races. North Wilkesboro packed the stands for NASCAR’s return. There have been major crowds at marquee events all season long.

Hopefully, when NASCAR goes to Iowa next year, the fans show up and prove they were right to bring the Cup Series to town.