DSM USA, Start Your Engines

The IndyCar Series Iowa 300 will be racing under the lights the evening of Saturday, July 20, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton — “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet.”

Although I am an Iowa native, I moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to work for a large law firm after graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law. During my time in Indy, I had the opportunity to attend the Indianapolis 500 multiple times. When I was a kid, I watched the race on TV and knew the names of many of the top drivers. Needless to say, attending the race in person is quite the experience, and something I would recommend to anyone who has never attended.

DSM: IndyCar Racing Destination

Luckily, I got a great career opportunity and was able to boomerang back to Iowa. Even though I was very excited to be returning to my home state, I never thought I would see IndyCar racing come to Greater Des Moines (DSM) in my lifetime. Then, in 2007, the Iowa Speedway announced it would be hosting an IndyCar race that would feature their top drivers. Since that time, I have attended almost every IndyCar race at the Iowa Speedway and will be there again this year.

Having attended IndyCar races at both tracks, I can say that I much prefer watching races at the Iowa Speedway. Some of you may be shocked to hear me say that, but this is why. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a two-and half-mile track. Even with the best seats at the top of the grandstands in either turn one or turn four, you can still only see part of the track. The cars go so fast that it is very difficult to tell who is winning and to follow the race without watching the jumbo video screens. At the Iowa Speedway, which is only seven-eighths of a mile around, you can see the entire track and watch the race develop from start to finish.

The Iowa Speedway also makes it very easy to get to the race, park your car, gain access to the infield and experience close-up views of the cars, drivers and crews. And best of all, the Iowa Speedway provides a very affordable, family-friendly experience. 

If you have never attended an IndyCar race, this is your chance. If we want to have these amenities and activities in Iowa, we need to support them. I hope I see lots of you there to hear the most famous words in racing, “Drivers, Start Your Engines.”

Named as the #13 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and #7 Best City for Living the American Dream, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is the fastest growing metro in the Midwest. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.