Iowa Corn 350 Qualifying Order: The Iowa Corn 350 qualifying order has been revealed, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown on the track. With Austin Dillon leading Group A, alongside seasoned veterans like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, the competition promises to be fierce. Rising talent Zane Smith adds unpredictability, while Group B, led by Justin Haley and featuring the formidable Joey Logano, guarantees that the qualifying session will be anything but predictable. As fans prepare to tune in on USA Network and MRN, the anticipation builds for what could be a defining moment in the racing season.
Key Highlights
- Austin Dillon leads Group A in the Iowa Corn 350 qualifying order.
- Group A includes notable drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Zane Smith.
- Justin Haley leads Group B for the Iowa Corn 350 qualifying session.
- Group B features prominent drivers such as Joey Logano.
- Fans can watch the qualifying session live on USA Network and MRN.
Event Overview and Schedule
The Iowa Speedway, renowned for its demanding 0.875-mile short track, will host the highly anticipated Iowa Corn 350 this weekend, marking the 17th race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. As the excitement builds, fans are eagerly anticipating the green flag at 7 pm ET on Sunday, June 16, when drivers will navigate 350 laps over a distance of 306.25 miles.
The weekend will be packed with activities and events designed to engage all the die-hard NASCAR enthusiasts and newcomers equally. The festivities will kick off on Friday, June 14, with practice sessions at 5:35 pm ET that will allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the track and fine-tune their vehicles for top performance. These practice runs will be essential, as the Iowa Speedway’s short track demands precise handling and strategy.
Saturday, June 15, will feature the highly anticipated qualifying rounds at 1:05 pm ET. During these sessions, drivers will compete to secure their positions on the starting grid, with each lap providing a vital opportunity to demonstrate skill and speed. The results of these qualifying rounds will not only set the stage for Sunday’s main event but also offer fans a peek into the form and readiness of their favorite drivers.
Sunday’s race day will be a spectacle of precision driving and strategic skill. Pre-race ceremonies will begin in the afternoon, leading up to the 7 pm ET start time. Throughout the weekend, fans will have opportunities to meet their favorite drivers, enjoy interactive exhibits, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere that only a NASCAR Cup Series event can provide.
Track Details and History
Opened in 2006, Iowa Speedway stands out for its distinctive combination of banking angles and progressive turns, offering a unique challenge to drivers and an exhilarating experience for fans. Located in Newton, Iowa, this 7/8-mile oval track is renowned for its intricate design that demands precision and adaptability from racers.
The frontstretch features a 10-degree banking, providing a swift entry point that sets the stage for the subsequent challenges. Conversely, the backstretch, with a modest 4-degree banking, requires strategic handling and serves as an essential overtaking zone.
The track’s most defining feature is its progressive banking in the turns, which ranges from 12 to 14 degrees. This gradual increase in banking allows multiple racing lines, encouraging daring overtakes and close battles throughout the race. Such design subtleties make Iowa Speedway a favorite among drivers and teams who appreciate the technical demands of the track, as well as fans who relish the thrilling drama it consistently delivers.
Beyond its architectural ingenuity, Iowa Speedway has solidified its reputation as a significant venue in American motorsports. In addition to its importance on the Cup Series calendar, it also hosts races from the Xfinity and ARCA Series, making it a cornerstone of racing weekends. These events not only highlight emerging talent but also provide a dynamic racing spectacle that appeals to a wide audience.
Our biggest stars meet our fastest short track. pic.twitter.com/indF1BumRM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 13, 2024
Practice and Qualifying Details
How will the drivers adapt to the intricacies of Iowa Speedway during the practice sessions kicking off on Friday, June 14, at 5:35 pm ET? This question looms large as the Iowa Corn 350 approaches, with drivers and teams keen to perfect their strategies and setups on the 7/8-mile oval. Known for its unique combination of short-track characteristics and high-speed challenges, Iowa Speedway demands precision, adaptability, and a keen understanding of its variable banking and tight corners.
During the practice sessions, drivers will focus on fine-tuning their cars to master the track’s distinctive features. The variable banking, which ranges from 12 to 14 degrees, requires a balanced setup to maintain speed while negotiating the tight turns. Teams will pay particular attention to tire management, as the track’s abrasive surface can lead to significant tire wear, impacting handling and race strategy.
Moreover, practice sessions will offer drivers the opportunity to test different lines and find the best racing groove. The ability to adjust and quickly identify the fastest lanes will be pivotal, especially during the heat of the race. Data gathered from these sessions will inform key adjustments, from suspension tweaks to aerodynamic refinements, ensuring that cars are primed for peak performance.
With the qualifying session set for Saturday, June 15, at 1:05 pm ET on USA Network, practice will also serve as an important precursor to securing favorable starting positions. The division of drivers into Group A and Group B, as tweeted by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, adds complexity and strategy to the proceedings. As teams finalize their approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively they can harness the insights gained from practice to shine in the qualifying rounds and beyond.
Qualifying Order and Viewing Information
As teams and drivers synthesize their practice insights, the spotlight now turns to the qualifying order and viewing information for the 2024 Iowa Corn 350. The qualifying session is assured to set the stage for an exhilarating race weekend at Iowa Speedway.
In Group A, the charge is led by Austin Dillon, followed by a lineup of formidable competitors including John Hunter Nemechek and Daniel Hemric. The group also features seasoned drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, who are renowned for their skills on the track. Not to be overlooked are rising stars such as Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, who are keen to make their mark.
Group A Qualifying Order
| Drivers | Score |
| Austin Dillon | 34.3 |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 29.7 |
| Daniel Hemric | 27.6 |
| Kaz Grala | 26.75 |
| Chase Briscoe | 26.1 |
| Denny Hamlin | 25.75 |
| Zane Smith | 23.9 |
| Erik Jones | 21.9 |
| Carson Hocevar | 20.4 |
| Bubba Wallace | 19.7 |
| Corey LaJoie | 18.1 |
| AJ Allmendinger | 15.35 |
| Todd Gilliland | 14.6 |
| Kyle Busch | 13.05 |
| Christopher Bell | 9.6 |
| Michael McDowell | 8.6 |
| Tyler Reddick | 7.05 |
| Chase Elliott | 3 |
In Group B, Justin Haley takes the lead position, with other notable drivers like Joey Logano and Kyle Larson positioned to provide strong competition. The group includes a mix of veterans and young talents, promising an engaging qualifying session.
Group B Qualifying Order
| Drivers | Score |
| Justin Haley | 32.1 |
| Josh Berry | 29.65 |
| Harrison Burton | 27.25 |
| Noah Gragson | 26.7 |
| Ty Gibbs | 25.95 |
| Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. | 24.15 |
| Ryan Preece | 22.6 |
| William Byron | 21 |
| Joey Logano | 19.7 |
| Austin Cindric | 18.5 |
| Martin Truex, Jr. | 17.65 |
| Alex Bowman | 15.1 |
| Daniel Suarez | 14.4 |
| Brad Keselowski | 11.5 |
| Ryan Blaney | 8.75 |
| Chris Buescher | 7.4 |
| Ross Chastain | 6.45 |
| Kyle Larson | 1 |
Fans can catch all the thrilling NASCAR Cup Series action live from Iowa Speedway this weekend on USA Network and MRN (Motor Racing Network).
News in Brief: Iowa Corn 350 Qualifying Order
The Iowa Corn 350 qualifying session promises to be a captivating spectacle, with top drivers such as Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano leading their respective groups. Rising talents like Zane Smith further add to the excitement.
Fans can witness the dynamic performances live on USA Network and MRN, ensuring a thorough and thrilling viewing experience. This event continues to uphold the rich tradition and competitive spirit of motorsports at Iowa Speedway.
ALSO READ: Iowa Corn 350 Weather Forecast: What to Expect at Iowa Speedway
