IRL IndyCar event switching to night race
Instead of a blazing sun over head, an array of lights will bathe the track for the Iowa Corn Indy 250, which is slated for Saturday night, June 25.
“This is what I’ve wanted from Day One," said the track’s vice president and general manager Craig Armstrong. “It’s been a goal to find a way to convince them to give us a night race, and I think it will be very dramatic."
The three previous Iowa Corn Indy 250s ran during the day on Sundays, attracting crowds of more than 35,000 each time.
Two of those races were broadcast on ABC.
Last season’s event aired on Versus because of World Cup conflicts, and Armstrong said the 2011 race will likely be destined for Versus as well.
“I’m pretty sure, but that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be a decision sometime between now and then where ABC would come forward and say, ‘We really want to do that night race.’ "
Also, the USAR Pro Series will not return in 2011.
Iowa Speedway announced earlier this month the track would get two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, on May 22 and Aug. 6.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return July 16, paired with the ARCA Racing Series.
Iowa Speedway’s 2011 Schedule
May 21—NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West challenge
May 22—NASCAR Nationwide Series 250.
June 24—USAC Midgets/Silver Crown and IndyCar Series qualifying.
June 25—Iowa Corn Indy 250, Firestone Indy Lights race
July 15—NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/ARCA practice, “Fan Fest"
July 16—NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 200, plus Prairie Meadows 200
Aug. 5—ASA Midwest Tour super late models, plus NASCAR Nationwide practice
Aug. 6—US Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.