NASCAR: 3 eventual replacements for the Bristol dirt race
By Randy Smith
Bristol dirt replacements: No. 3 – Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway would serve as an established track in NASCAR history that could easily serve as an equalizer for Cup Series drivers to prove their ability in the Gen 7 car.
The four-turn, 0.875-mile (1.408-kilometer) oval in Newton, Iowa has progressive banking in the turns and a banked frontstretch and backstretch which could make for a mixture of short track-style racing and tire management, which has shown to be an essential factor in the Gen 7 car.
It’s not uncommon for NASCAR to take a track that has been used in other touring series and add it to the Cup Series schedule. Just last year, Road America, which had long hosted Xfinity Series races, was brought back to the Cup Series schedule for the first time since 1956, though it won’t be returning in 2023.
While primarily used in the past for the Xfinity Series and Truck Series, Iowa Speedway could follow tracks such as World Wide Technology Raceway and Nashville Superspeedway and host Cup Series races as well.
Taking an existing track without any nuances of a new style of racing or criticism of a “gimmick race” could be what the sport needs after mixed reviews of the Bristol dirt race and perhaps more action in this weekend’s Bristol concrete race.
Next. Kyle Busch announcement misses one key detail. dark
What will NASCAR decide to do in 2024? Is the idea of taking dirt track racing off the schedule a feasible one after just three seasons? With the concrete version of Bristol Motor Speedway already bringing out the best of drivers, it could be time for a change. If so, Iowa Speedway could be the answer.