Iowa Speedway will host the Cup Series for the first time this coming weekend on June 16st, 2024. It’s uncharted territory for quite a few drivers on the roster, but the NASCAR Ford stable isn’t too concerned about The Blue Oval’s chances on the 7/8-mile short track. In fact, Ford has a habit of winning inaugural events in NASCAR, and it’s looking to keep that tradition alive.
Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is no stranger to success on new racetracks. He won the first Cup Series dirt race at Bristol back in 2021, and also crossed the line first in the Clash at the Coliseum the first time NASCAR raced there in 2022. He also won the Cup Series’ return to World Wide Technology Raceway (also known as Gateway) in 2022.
“Until you get there you don’t really know. It’s probably the most interesting repave-ish thing that we’ve seen,” Logano said in a statement. “Like I said, I can’t really form an opinion until I make laps on it, but it’s definitely unique. Good or bad, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
While the Cup Series hasn’t visited Iowa, the Xfinity Series has. In 20 races, NASCAR Ford drivers account for nine wins, the most of any manufacturer. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Brad Keselowski each have three wins in the division at Iowa, and current NASCAR Ford drivers Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe and Chris Buescher account for the remaining three.
Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Mustang, said that he’s looking forward to the challenge of racing on the redone surface at Iowa, but that it could pose a challenge throughout the weekend.
“I know they were going to pave over the patchwork in three and four that’s been there for a little while, so obviously new pavement is gonna add grip and you’re gonna have to run through it,” he said. “I think it all just kind of depends on how wide it is. Even at North Wilkesboro, that’s an extreme example with an extremely old surface… I think we’re all really excited about going to Iowa.”
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