IndyCar returns to its roots this weekend at Iowa Speedway, the 7/8-mile oval in Newton. Sukup has taken over as sponsor of the two 275 lap races. The action is usually fast and furious on this bullring of a track, but last year it wasn’t furious. The event has been a double header since 2020, but there was no race in 2021. Although Alex Palou is running away with the championship, storylines abound this weekend.

A Return in 2026?

With the Texas race and possibly Mexico City joining the schedule next year, a double header at Iowa is unlikely. But will there be a race at all? Attendance has dwindled since the first big four concert weekend in 2022, and the racing last year was the worst in IndyCar’s time at the track.

The series and Firestone are working to help the competition. The tire company is bringing a new right front tire, and the series is shifting the point of downforce to the front of the car and lowering engine power.

Still unless the cars get lots of time to rubber in the second lane, we may see a parade again. From driver comments after the test a couple weeks ago, it seems there is some hope but little optimism for a better show. The 21 cars at the test did not use the changes to the cars.

Weather may be a factor this weekend, notably Friday and Saturday. Any high line work could be moot if rain washes away the rubber laid down in the outside line.

This track was made for night racing. IndyCar should return to a race beginning at dusk at Iowa. The night shows produced the best racing here.

If there is to be a double header, the races should be different lengths so that we don’t see two near identical pitstop patterns. Saturday’s race should be 300 laps, and the series should run 250 laps on Sunday.

Penske Rebound, Part 5

I have asked this several times this season, but this weekend is likely Team Penske’s last and maybe best chance for s great result in 2025. Josef Newgarden has won at Iowa six times, most recently in Race 2 in 2023. Scott McLaughlin and Will power have also won here. The pair split last year’s races. Team Penske has won nine times in the 21 Iowa races.

Notes

I think we are likely to see the 4th different winner of 2025 in at least one of the races. Pato O’Ward has a strong record here, finishing near the top several times and winning in 2022 race 2 after coming home second in race 1.

Conor Daly was fastest in the recent Iowa test, and one other driver believes he has a good shat at victory.

David Malukas is my pick to win one of the races and earn his first IndyCar win. For the other race, look for Colton Herta to finally break through.

I will be enroute to Newton Friday morning and should arrive at the track before the practice period begins.

I will provide weather updates along the way.