INDYCAR and Iowa Speedway announced a two-year extension today that will see the Verizon IndyCar Series return to the 0.894-mile oval through the 2018 season. The race dates for the next two Iowa Corn 300 races have also been set, both taking place on Sunday: July 9 in 2017 and July 8 in 2018.
The Verizon IndyCar Series has raced at Iowa Speedway each year since the facility opened in 2007, with this year marking the series’ 10th race. Iowa Corn has been a sponsor of the event since its inception, making it the second-longest entitlement sponsorship in INDYCAR.
“The success of our partnership with INDYCAR is a testament to our partnership with Iowa Corn and our loyal race fans in Iowa,” said Jimmy Small, Iowa Speedway president. “The Iowa Corn 300 has become a bucket-list item for race fans and we’re thrilled to make the announcement now so our fans can start planning ahead for the next two epic seven-eighths-mile showdowns.
“We love everything that the Iowa Corn 300 has grown into and I’m proud to have them on board for two more years.”
The Iowa race has become an anchor of the Verizon IndyCar Series’ mid-season schedule, settling into its July date the past three years. Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations, noted the stability of the “Fastest Short Track on the Planet” as important to the overall schedule’s continuity.
“Iowa Speedway has become a staple of the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule and we’re happy to confirm we’ll be returning here in 2017 and 2018,” Frye said. “The level of competition at this track is incredible and showcases some of the best Indy car racing you’ll see all year.
“We’re thankful for the continued support from Iowa Corn and Iowa Speedway track president Jimmy Small. Both of their teams have been instrumental in making this such a strong event.”
In a historic early offering, Iowa Speedway season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to renew beginning July 29-30, ahead of when season tickets go on sale Aug. 2 at the track box office and on IowaSpeedway.com.
Announcement of the 2017 Iowa race brings to seven the number of dates that have been confirmed for next season. Previously announced 2017 races are St. Petersburg (March 12), Long Beach (April 9), the 101st Indianapolis 500 (May 28), the doubleheader weekend at Detroit’s Belle Isle (June 3-4) and Road America (June 25).