Nascar in Iowa?
Monday, May 8th, 2006 6:41pm CDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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We’re going to step out on the limb of speculation on this one. However, there are certain things in place with this that could potentially unfold. We’ll explain why.
We’ve all read about the track up in Iowa that retired Nextel Cup driver Rusty Wallace has designed. It’s a 7/8 mile track, located around Newton. Note the length, that’s important.
This past weekend ticket sales for their opening year, which consists of 3 races in mid September and 2 in October, and they greatly exceeded the expectation of the Speedway according to Iowa Speedway spokesman Mike Beech.
Granted, this track is in its infancy. But a few things to keep in the back of your mind:
- This track will grow from the 30,000 seats it will open with.
- Rusty Wallace designed it, and we all know the strength of his “connections”.
- This track is a unique length, and not the typical “cookie cutter”.
- Development around the track also will include a hotel, water park and restaurants.
- This track is in an area that Nascar “could” use to expand its mid-west fan-base.
Granted, none of this says in neon flashing lights that the intent will be to try and attract one or more of Nascar’s top series’. However, one can’t rule out the possibility that it is a possible scenario. Sure, there’s a track outside of Kansas City, and one outside of Chicago, but what do they bring to the table that makes them unique other than their location?
Kentucky Speedway is currently involved in legal proceedings to try and gain a cup date for its track. Whether this disgusting tactic being used to get their way will work, who knows. Personally, I certainly hope not. But hey, it worked for Bruton Smith to get a second date. However, supposedly the circumstances were different.
In a time where Cup dates are coveted, and none to be had, it’s unfortunate the people will build a track and expect Nascar to show up. Especially when that track has nothing unique to offer. Read that last statement as Kansas, Chicago, Kentucky. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot that the banking is slightly different by a degree or so. Read that as pure sarcasm.
I applaud Iowa Speedway for not being on the bandwagon of building a track and expecting Nascar to show up the following week. I have yet to read or hear anything to convince me otherwise.
However, what they have done is put something in place that could be very attractive to Nascar, should they decide to run there in the future. They offer something unique, which not only benefits Nascar, but benefits the fans as well.
Time will tell.
Filed Under: Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Tracks
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