Chevy Preview Iowa Corn Indy 250

Last year's winner was Marco Andretti after a fierce battle with Tony Kanaan. Both are Chevy drivers this year.

One-half of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season is in the record books, and it has been successful for the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 engine with five victories and 13 podium finishes in eight races. Chevrolet continues to lead the Series’ Manufacturers’ standings, and a Gold Bowtie driver has led the driver’s point standings since the checkered flag flew at race one.

Now up is Iowa Speedway, a 0.875-mile banked oval. This will be the third consecutive race on an oval, although none of the three (Texas Motor Speedway, Milwaukee Mile and Iowa Speedway) are similar in configuration or length. Coming off a strong performance for Chevrolet at the Milwaukee Mile with a sweep of the top-six finishing positions and eight of the top-10, the Chevy IndyCar V-6 teams are looking to continue to show their strength at the Newton, Iowa track.

"Congratulations to Ryan Hunter-Reay and Andretti Autosport on their win at Milwaukee," said Chris Berube, Chevrolet Racing Program Manager, IZOD IndyCar Series. “Team Chevrolet heads to Iowa Speedway this week with momentum after last weekend's sweep of the podium by our Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 teams and drivers. Our technical partners in the Chevy IndyCar program have been working tirelessly with the Chevrolet teams, to continue to maximize the performance of the direct injected twin turbo engine. This collaborative effort has resulted in on-track success."

Located in The Heartland of America, Iowa Speedway will add several new elements for teams, drivers and fans alike. INDYCAR officials have issued a technical bulletin aimed at putting the race back in the hands of the drivers. Teams have been directed a maximum rear flap angle of 37 degrees with no wicker allowed for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 on June 23. The aero package will be identical to the short track package used at the Milwaukee Mile, closely resembling the road/street course aero package. With less downforce, drivers will be working closely with their crews to get the perfect setup under their car as handling becomes even more critical.

Another addition adding a completely new dimension to the competition will be a departure from single-car qualifications. Three heat races will be held June 22 to set the starting grid for the 250-lap race. Qualification groups will be determined by lap times recorded by entries in the second (45-minute) practice session earlier in the day.

"Iowa Speedway presents a new set of challenges for the Chevrolet teams and drivers," Berube concluded. “It is the last in a grueling stretch of five consecutive races. At just under one-mile, with shorter straightaways and wide, sweeping banked corners, Iowa will require the handling needed on a short track and the power to utilize the banking to full advantage. It will be an exciting race. I am looking forward to seeing the Chevy powered drivers up front battling for the win."

Two current Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 drivers competing this weekend in the Iowa Corn Indy 250 have previously won at Iowa Speedway. Andretti Autosport’s Marco Andretti is the defending race winner. Tony Kanaan, KV Racing Technology, took the win in 2010.

Chevrolet competed previously in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, winning 105 races, powering six driver champions, and scoring seven Indianapolis 500 victories.

For the fans at Iowa Speedway, the Chevrolet Performance Racing Display featuring the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 will provide them the opportunity to get up-close to many vehicles from the full Chevrolet line-up. Also on display will be a variety of parts and accessories from Chevrolet Performance that Chevrolet owners can get from their local Chevy dealer. Crate engines will be on display, and interactive games will entertain fans of all ages. Several of the Chevrolet IndyCar stars will make appearances at the Display throughout the race weekend. Fans should visit the Display for the driver line-up and times. The display will be open Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT.

The 250-lap Iowa Corn Indy 250 is scheduled to start on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. CT (10:00 p.m. ET) with live television coverage on NBC Sports Network.