The NASCAR Iowa Corn 350 prize money has reached a new peak for the 2025 season, as the Cup Series purse climbs close to $10 million for its anticipated return to Iowa Speedway in Newton. Set against the excitement of a rare Cup event at this short track, the increased stakes are drawing top drivers and teams as the series rolls into Iowa after the Brickyard 400.
With the Truck Series taking a break until next week’s race at Watkins Glen, attention focuses on the Cup and Xfinity Series as they reunite at the 0.875-mile oval in Newton. This year’s event is notable, as it marks only the second appearance of the Cup Series at this venue, intensifying the competitive spirit among participants eager to capitalize on the larger prize pool.
Major Prizes on Offer at Iowa Speedway
NASCAR has increased the financial incentives for 2025, raising the Cup Series purse to $9,797,935, up from the previous $8,881,630. This sum includes rewards for finishing positions, bonus funds tied to past achievements, and year-end points bonuses. The Xfinity Series purse has also been increased, now totaling $1,651,939, compared to last year’s $1,408,568.
The purse structure for the Iowa weekend covers payouts for every race position, as well as year-end points fund, contingency bonuses, and special considerations based on team performance over time. Notably, Cup Series teams with charters receive adjusted payouts for both competitive and historical accomplishments.
“Purses for Iowa weekend, including all payouts, all positions, plus year-end points fund, contingency awards, etc., and for Cup, all charter-based payouts for competing and historical performance. Cup: $9,797,935 Xfinity: $1,651,939” — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 30, 2025
The track’s configuration features 10 degrees of banking along the frontstretch, four degrees on the backstretch, and progressive turns banked from 12 to 14 degrees. This challenging layout requires drivers to adapt quickly, often resulting in action-packed racing and constant pressure on teams to make smart pit decisions, especially as the Next Gen car continues to pose new challenges on short tracks.
Teams will monitor tire wear closely, as rapid fall-off could dictate pit strategy, while evolving track conditions are likely to keep race officials, crews, and fans on the edge of their seats throughout the event.
Top Drivers to Watch at the Iowa Corn 350
Ryan Blaney, last year’s winner, is set to attract significant fan attention as he returns to Iowa Speedway. Blaney’s win was marked by a strategic call from crew chief Jonathan Hassler, who opted for two fresh tires during a late caution, helping Blaney control the final stages and secure his place as the only driver to win at Iowa across NASCAR’s three national series.
However, the competition will be intense. Short track specialists Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin arrive with momentum, having amassed eight wins over the last 14 short track events. Christopher Bell also brings a winning pedigree, boasting consecutive Xfinity Series victories at Iowa in 2018 and 2019. Alex Bowman, Chase Briscoe, and Chris Buescher likewise have impressive histories at the track, each securing past wins across NASCAR or supporting series like ARCA Menards at the Iowa venue.
Kyle Busch, a multi-series winner at Iowa with victories in both the 2010 Xfinity Series and the 2009 ARCA East/West showdown, joins the list of favorites. William Byron, having claimed wins in both the Truck and Xfinity Series at Iowa in 2016 and 2017, also returns as a contender capable of challenging for top honors. These seasoned racers, together with rising talents, form a compelling field for the race weekend.
What the Larger Purse Means for the Iowa Event
The near $10 million NASCAR Iowa Corn 350 prize money marks a significant jump that underlines the event’s growing stature on the racing calendar. The enhanced rewards reflect NASCAR’s commitment to making the Iowa Speedway date a highlight for teams and fans, incentivizing stronger competition and rewarding consistent performance over the season.
With the bonus-rich purse, strategic racing, and a strong lineup of contenders led by names such as Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Alex Bowman, and William Byron, this year’s Iowa event promises heightened excitement. The increased focus on tire management, pit tactics, and car setup at this demanding bullring should ensure fans witness a fiercely contested showcase, setting the stage for even more growth in future editions of the race.
