Is IndyCar Saying Goodbye to the Iowa Speedway?

As is often the case in Iowa, the biggest headline belongs to the weather. IndyCar Racing returned to the Iowa Speedway last weekend, only to be overshadowed by bad weather and poor attendance numbers. A tornado touched down last Friday, just one and a half miles from the track, sending drivers and fans alike seeking shelter. The weather cleared up for Saturday and Sunday, but the fans simply didn't return.

The Des Moines Register reports that many on the IndyCar circuit thought that this was a make-or-break year at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. Driver Graham Rahal told the Register, "If it doesn't go well, I don't see us coming back here." After this year's event, many wonder if IndyCar is done in the Hawkeye State.

What was the Attendance at this year's Iowa IndyCar Race?

The Register reports that the Iowa Speedway grandstands can hold 24,000 fans, and up to 45,000 when camping and temporary suites are built. But this year, ticket sales of just 6,000 for each of the doubleheader events were recorded.

Hy-Vee is No Longer Sponsoring The IndyCar Race

Hy-Vee played a huge part in getting both IndyCar and NASCAR back at the Iowa Speedway in 2022. The Register reports that Hy-Vee agreed to be the title sponsor and the promoter of the race, responsible for ticket sales, promotions, and even paying the sanctioning fee to IndyCar.

Then, a series of A-list concerts were added to the race weekends with acts like Carrie Underwood, Post Malone, Kenny Chesney, and more. The hope was that concert fans would buy race tickets. The concerts were held in 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, Hy-Vee pulled out as the race sponsor in February, and no concerts were held this year.

Will IndyCar be back at the Iowa Speedway Next Year?

According to the Register, IndyCar plans on holding a race in Iowa in 2026, but a return is not guaranteed. Next year's schedule will be released sometime in August. Right now, it appears at least one Iowa race next year is a safe bet. But with planned races in Arlington, Texas, and in Mexico, and cities like Denver wanting in, IndyCar racing in Iowa could become a thing of the past.