The NASCAR Cup Series made its highly anticipated return to Iowa Speedway for the Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol, delivering a dramatic race filled with lead changes, multiple cautions, and late-race fuel drama. William Byron ultimately emerged victorious, capturing his second win of the 2025 season after a nail-biting final run to the checkered flag.

The 350-lap battle offered fans a mix of strategic duels, aggressive restarts, and high-intensity moments that kept everyone guessing until the final corner. Here are the major highlights from an unforgettable afternoon at Iowa.

Key Highlights

• William Byron scored his second win of the season, holding off Chase Briscoe in the final laps despite fuel concerns.

• Brad Keselowski dominated early, winning both Stage 1 and Stage 2.

• Multiple cautions, including spins from Cody Ware, Carson Hocevar, Denny Hamlin, and Eric Jones, shook up the running order.

• Shane van Gisbergen endured a rough day, spinning twice in his Red Bull Trackhouse entry.

• Late-race strategy played a decisive role as several frontrunners stretched fuel mileage to the limit.

A Fast Start Sets the Tone

The race began with Chase Briscoe on pole, but William Byron quickly made his presence known, taking advantage of the inside lane to move into the lead. Early on, Brad Keselowski’s pace was evident as he patiently worked his way past Byron after a 42-lap battle for the top spot.

Keselowski’s smooth moves and persistence paid off as he claimed his first stage win of the season. Austin Cindric and Ryan Blaney also showed speed in the opening laps, setting the stage for a multi-driver showdown.

Keselowski Sweeps the Stages

Stage 2 began much like the first, with Briscoe and Byron again battling for track position. A slow pit stop dropped Keselowski down the order, but the veteran driver powered back through the field. Ryan Blaney briefly threatened to steal the stage win, but Keselowski stayed aggressive on the bottom lane, making the crucial pass to secure his second consecutive stage victory.

Despite his strong early showing, Keselowski’s day turned into a strategy game as tire wear and fuel conservation became deciding factors in the final segment.

Cautions and Chaos Shake Up the Race

The middle portion of the Iowa Corn 350 was defined by cautions and wild restarts. Cody Ware triggered the first incident with a spin on the front stretch, followed by Carson Hocevar sliding to a stop later in Stage 2.

In the final stage, Denny Hamlin went around after contact with AJ Allmendinger, while Eric Jones spun following close racing with Bubba Wallace. Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell also tangled in a three-wide battle, further adding to the chaos.

Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen’s tough afternoon continued with two separate spins, derailing what could have been another solid road-course-style performance on the short oval.

Byron’s Fuel Gamble Pays Off

The closing laps saw fuel strategy become the focal point. While Byron held the lead, his Hendrick Motorsports team wasn’t sure he had enough gas to reach the finish. Chase Briscoe, Keselowski, and Blaney were all within striking distance as the race wound down.

Byron maintained his composure, hitting his marks lap after lap, despite Briscoe closing in with less than 10 laps remaining. As the field approached the white flag, Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet had just enough fuel left to hold off his rivals and take the win by a narrow margin.

A Memorable Iowa Return

The Iowa Corn 350 delivered on its promise of excitement in NASCAR’s first Cup Series race back at the short track in years. With multiple lead changes, heated battles, and late-race drama, the event reminded fans why short-track racing remains a cornerstone of the sport.

For William Byron, the victory was more than just a checkered flag—it was a statement of resilience, strategy, and determination in a race that tested every aspect of driver and team performance.

News in Brief: Race Highlights from 2025 Iowa Corn 350

From Brad Keselowski’s early domination to William Byron’s last-lap triumph, the Iowa Corn 350 offered some of the most thrilling highlights of the season so far. The combination of intense racing, unpredictable cautions, and fuel mileage drama kept fans on the edge of their seats all afternoon.

With the win, Byron strengthened his position in the playoff standings while Briscoe, Keselowski, and others left Iowa with renewed confidence heading into the next stretch of races.

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