NASCAR’s return to Iowa Speedway in 2024 carried the weight of anticipation, tradition, and unfiltered short-track racing. The HyVee Perks 250 was more than a calendar date; it was a test of grit and patience, bringing one of the sport’s most beloved tracks back into the spotlight after years of absence. With fresh faces, seasoned contenders, and a dramatic finish, the race cemented Iowa’s significance in NASCAR’s fabric and set the stage for future storylines that fans in 2025 still remember vividly.
Key Highlights
Iowa Speedway hosted its first Xfinity Series race since 2019, reigniting short-track excitement in the Midwest.
Chandler Smith dominated early, leading 131 laps before fading late in the race.
Sam Mayer capitalized on an overtime restart to secure his second win of 2024.
Riley Herbst and Corey Heim impressed with strong finishes, adding depth to the competitive field.
The event drew over 25,000 fans, reaffirming Iowa’s importance on the NASCAR schedule.
A Long-Awaited Return to Iowa
After five years off the schedule, Iowa Speedway once again welcomed NASCAR Xfinity Series cars for the HyVee Perks 250. The short, 0.875-mile oval is famed for its multi-groove layout and relentless pace, pushing drivers to balance aggression and tire conservation. For fans, the buildup was electric. Campers filled the infield, grandstands were packed, and a festive atmosphere turned Newton, Iowa, into the center of the racing world for the weekend. The 2024 edition marked the 10th running of the event, extended to 253 laps after a late overtime finish.
Pre-race talk focused on rising stars such as Chandler Smith and Sam Mayer, alongside veterans and part-timers eager to make their mark. Local vendors, autograph sessions, and a sense of community brought a classic Midwest racing vibe back to life. For a track that many believed was overlooked in recent years, the return was both a celebration and a statement of relevance for Iowa Speedway.
The Race: Strategy, Speed, and Shifting Fortunes
Chandler Smith wasted no time asserting dominance, surging to the lead and controlling the race for 131 laps. Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, his pace on fresh tires and ability to handle the abrasive surface set him apart early on. Behind him, Riley Herbst and Corey Heim played the strategy game, experimenting with different lines and pit calls to stay in contention.
The abrasive Iowa surface demanded careful tire management. Teams had to decide whether to push hard early or save grip for later stages. Mid-pack battles were fierce, with frequent side-by-side racing leading to minor scrapes and intense position fights. Every caution reset the field, forcing teams to rethink their approach in real time.
As the final stage unfolded, Smith’s car began to lose its edge. Changing track conditions opened the door for others. Sam Mayer, who had methodically climbed through the field, emerged as the main challenger. With late cautions compressing the pack, the tension built toward a classic Iowa finish.
The last yellow set up a two-lap overtime sprint. Mayer made his move on Riley Herbst, seizing the lead with precision and holding strong through Turns 1 and 2. Herbst fought back, but Mayer’s throttle control and line choice proved decisive. The No. 1 Chevrolet crossed the finish line first, marking Mayer’s sixth career Xfinity win and his first at Iowa Speedway. Herbst settled for second, with Heim completing the podium. Smith, despite his early dominance, slipped to eighth by the checkered flag.
Notable Performances and Takeaways
Mayer’s victory highlighted his maturity as a driver, capitalizing on opportunity without overreaching. Herbst’s runner-up finish stood out as one of his strongest Iowa runs, nearly giving Stewart-Haas Racing a breakthrough win. Heim’s third-place showing put Sam Hunt Racing on the map, a career-defining moment for a young talent still making limited starts.
Smith’s day was bittersweet. While 131 laps led proved his speed, the late fade underscored how punishing Iowa’s surface can be on even the fastest cars. Other young guns and Cup regulars sprinkled through the top 10 added unpredictability, making every restart a wild card. The event reminded fans why Iowa has long been considered a “driver’s track,” where skill and adaptability outweigh raw horsepower.
The atmosphere added another layer of meaning. Over 25,000 fans packed the stands, eager for grassroots-style racing at a national level. The paddock buzzed with energy, reinforcing that Iowa belongs in NASCAR’s future, not just its past. For teams, it was a chance to test strategy under short-track chaos. For fans, it was a long-overdue reunion with a beloved venue.
News in Brief: 2024 HyVee Perks 250 Recap
The 2024 HyVee Perks 250 at Iowa Speedway marked the return of the NASCAR Xfinity Series to Newton after a five-year hiatus. Chandler Smith dominated early, leading 131 laps, but Sam Mayer surged late to win in a two-lap overtime shootout. Riley Herbst finished second, with Corey Heim claiming third in a breakout performance. Over 25,000 fans witnessed a race filled with strategy, unpredictability, and memorable moments. The event reaffirmed Iowa’s value to NASCAR’s schedule.
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