DES MOINES – Law enforcement and Speedway officials are preparing for the 2014 race season at the Iowa Speedway in Newton and are asking Iowans and visiting race fans to do the same. Six races are scheduled this year. Organizers anticipate large crowds with nearly 40,000 fans in attendance on any given race day.
The Iowa Speedway, “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace located 30 miles east of Des Moines, at I-80 Exit 168 in Newton, Iowa. NASCAR purchased the facility in 2013 through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Iowa Speedway LLC.
The Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, Newton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Speedway Officials are working in conjunction with a private traffic control company, to erect signs and cones which will clearly mark travel routes for fans attending the race. Officers will be working intersections along the route to ensure traffic moves in a safe and efficient manner. Motorists traveling to and from the Iowa Speedway are reminded to expect slow traffic and possible delays, obey all traffic laws, pay attention to flashing lights and signs, and always follow officers’ directions. Motorists should avoid stopping on the traveled portion to ask questions unless it is an emergency. The key to safe and efficient traffic flow, with minimal delays will be a cooperative effort between the motoring public, law enforcement and speedway staff.
Designated Travel Routes
All Race Traffic on Interstate 80:
Take Interstate 80 to exit 168. Take exit 168 to Iowa Speedway Drive and turn south. Continue south on Iowa Speedway Drive and staff will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Traffic will not be allowed to turn onto Rusty Wallace Drive from this interchange. Rusty Wallace Drive has been designated as an emergency route and will only be utilized for emergencies and to relieve traffic congestion.
When exiting the Iowa Speedway use the same route.
Newton Club Members and Suite Owners:
Take Interstate 80 to exit 168 or exit 164. If arriving from the west you are encouraged to utilize exit 164. Exit south onto U.S. 14. Continue traveling south on U.S. 14 approximately 3.6 miles. Turn east on South 60th Avenue. Continue east 2¼ miles and turn north on County Road S-74. Continue north 3.6 miles. Turn east on Rusty Wallace Drive, signs and staff will direct you to parking from here.
When exiting the Iowa Speedway use the same route.
Travel Tips for Race Fans
Buckle up for safety
Allow plenty of travel time
Plan on arriving early
Be prepared for slow or stopped traffic
Obey all traffic laws and follow signs, cones and signals
Be patient
Be courteous
Do not stop to ask directions, officers and staff will direct you
Follow directions of officers and parking staff
Be cautious and watch for pedestrians
Drink responsibly and always have a designated driver
With a traffic increase of this magnitude, some delays are possible near the Speedway. Highways most likely to be affected are Interstate 80 near Newton at the 164 and 168 mile-markers and U.S. 14 south of Newton.
Officials expect traffic to be heaviest approximately two hours before and after each race. East and west bound exit ramps at the 168 interchange will be closed after the race. Also, southbound traffic on Iowa Speedway Drive at S 13th Ave E will be closed after the race to allow for safe and efficient egress.
Law enforcement and Iowa Speedway Officials are sensitive to the needs of local businesses and residents. To avoid congested roadways and possible delays, Jasper County residents are encouraged to use alternate routes during peak traffic periods. Family members picking up Speedway employees or spectators are asked to come early before the race ends so as not to get caught in the egress traffic.
2014 IOWA SPEEDWAY EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 17 – Casey’s General Stores 150, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East vs. West Challenge (150 laps)
Sunday, May 18 – Get To Know Newton 250, NASCAR Nationwide Series (250 laps)
Friday, July 11 – American Ethanol 200, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Saturday, July 12 – Iowa Corn Indy 300. IndyCar Series
Friday, August 1 – Autolite Iridium XP 150, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East vs. West Challenge (150 laps)
Saturday, August 2 –NASCAR Nationwide Series (250 laps)
Thank you for stating. I for one am a huge racing fan and will be there.