The NASCAR schedule for next season is expected to be released this week, with a few key dates and race locations already announced. Amid the lingering rumors about what the Cup schedule will look like next year, one uncertainty has been whether or not Iowa Speedway will be on it.
The Athletic‘s Jordan Bianchi shared on Saturday’s episode of “The Teardown” that there will be a NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa next season.
“There’s a report out there that Iowa may or may not be happening and there have been conversations among NASCAR about not returning. I’m going to say this, unequivocally, Iowa will have a Cup Series date next year, 100 percent. I promise you that. That is on the Cup Series schedule.”
Jordan Bianchi on “The Teardown” regarding Iowa Speedway being on the 2026 Cup schedule
Related: Latest NASCAR Rumors on 2026 Schedule, Key Changes and Dates
Bianchi stated that while there might have been “chatter and rumors” about a rotation of tracks, including Iowa, there were “never any conversations” inside NASCAR about taking a race away from Iowa.
Iowa Speedway hosted its first-ever Cup Series race in 2024, drawing a sellout crowd of approximately 45,000. For its return this season, the temporary suites were not brought back, but NASCAR fans still came in droves, resulting in a sellout crowd for the second consecutive year.
Read More: 8 Big Changes NASCA Should Make for 2026 Season, including Playoff Format
As Bianchi mentioned, one flaw with taking Iowa off the schedule is that it would then require another race to take its place. NASCAR already removed the Chicago Street Race and Mexico City from next year’s schedule, replacing them with Chicagoland and a street race at Naval Base Coronado.
Racing in Iowa is also critical for NASCAR to maintain its presence in the region. Without it, fans in surrounding states face greater barriers to attending races. While TV revenue remains the sport’s primary income source, attendance is still crucial as NASCAR works to retain its core fanbase in the heartland.
With IndyCar potentially not returning to Iowa Speedway in 2026, there could be an opportunity for NASCAR to further entrench itself in the region. With its scheduled return for one race next season, a sellout crowd is likely for the third consecutive year.
Read the full article here