The NASCAR Cup Series heads back to Iowa Speedway for the second consecutive year, with the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol set to take the green flag on Sunday, August 3. After last year’s electric debut and a packed house of 44,000 fans, NASCAR is once again bringing its top drivers to Newton, Iowa, for a weekend that promises non-stop short-track action.
This year’s event marks the first 2025 Cup Series race to air on USA Network, shifting from previous broadcasts on NBC and TNT earlier in the season. For fans who can’t be at the sold-out venue, knowing where and when to tune in is crucial.
Key Highlights
NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 takes place Sunday, August 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.
ARCA Menards Series Atlas 150 kicks off the weekend Friday night on FS1.
Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 set for Saturday, August 2, at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW Network.
Iowa Speedway sells out its second consecutive Cup Series race weekend.
Practice and qualifying sessions for both Xfinity and Cup Series will air on truTV and the CW App.
NASCAR Returns to Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway may have been a late addition to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, but its impact was immediate. The track hosted its first-ever Cup race after Auto Club Speedway was shut down for renovations, drawing an estimated 44,000 fans over the weekend. The atmosphere was electric, the racing was intense, and Ryan Blaney ultimately went to victory lane in a sold-out debut that exceeded expectations.
This success prompted NASCAR to bring the event back for 2025, with the Iowa Corn Growers Association extending its title sponsorship in a new multi-year deal. The 7/8-mile oval, long a favorite of fans and drivers in the Xfinity and IndyCar Series, has earned its spot on the calendar as the “Fastest Short Track on the Planet.”
While other traditional short tracks like Bristol and Richmond have seen attendance dips in recent years, Iowa Speedway has bucked the trend, selling out on both of its Cup Series dates to date. The combination of close racing, a unique venue, and enthusiastic local fans has cemented this event as a new summer staple for NASCAR.
Full 2025 Iowa Race Weekend TV Schedule
For fans unable to attend the sold-out event, a full slate of TV and streaming options ensures that no session will be missed. Here’s how the weekend breaks down across three days of racing:
Friday, August 1
7:00 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series Atlas 150 (FS1)
Saturday, August 2
11:00 a.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice (CW App)
12:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying (CW App)
1:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Practice (truTV)
2:40 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (truTV)
4:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 (The CW Network)
Sunday, August 3
3:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol (USA Network)
This marks the first Cup race of 2025 on USA Network, part of a schedule where the channel will handle all but four races airing on NBC’s main network. Fans can also stream select practice and qualifying sessions on truTV or the CW App.
Viewing and Attendance Notes
The Iowa Corn 350 is already sold out for the second year in a row. The grandstands are expected to hold around 24,000 fans, with temporary suites and camping spots adding another 20,000 spectators. This enthusiastic response shows how quickly Iowa has become a fan favorite on the NASCAR circuit.
While those lucky enough to hold tickets will enjoy the action in person, USA Network provides national coverage for everyone else. The mix of traditional cable channels, streaming apps, and new broadcast partners like The CW reflects NASCAR’s evolving media landscape under its current rights deal.
With short-track racing drama guaranteed and a passionate crowd ready to deliver a big-race feel, Iowa’s return to the Cup Series calendar is shaping up to be one of the must-watch events of the summer.
News in Brief: How to Watch the 2025 Iowa Corn 350 Weekend
The NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol is set for Sunday, August 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing live on USA Network. The sold-out event marks Iowa Speedway’s second consecutive year hosting Cup Series racing after last year’s successful debut. The ARCA Menards Series Atlas 150 opens the weekend Friday on FS1, followed by the Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 Saturday on The CW Network. Practice and qualifying sessions for both series will be available on truTV and the CW App. Fans can expect packed stands, intense short-track battles, and a new summer tradition cementing its place on the NASCAR schedule.
ALSO READ: Iowa Speedway’s Greatest Races: A Look Back at Landmark Wins and Legendary Moments
