Fall truck race tabbed as one of best of 2012 by NASCAR

The day is quickly approaching that NASCAR will have no choice but to give the Iowa Speedway its much-coveted Sprint Cup race date. “America’s Place to Race” just got another feather in its cap.

According to Iowa Speedway Communications Director Craig Armstrong, the Sept. 15 American Ethanol 200 was cited as one of the two “top races” of 2012 in the Camping World Truck Series by NASCAR officials. The announcement came with a glowing endorsement of Newton’s 7/8-mile speedway.

“Iowa Speedway has quickly developed the reputation of providing unmatched entertainment and drama when hosting NASCAR national series events,” the NASCAR announcement said. “This one was no different.”

The nationally televised race pitted a pair of NASCAR’s up-and-coming “young guns,” Parker Kligerman and Ryan Blaney. Kligerman led the most laps, but Blaney led the only lap that mattered, making him the youngest winner in series history just a few short miles from where his father, Sprint Cup driver Dave Blaney, made a name for himself in motorsports.

During the race, the track got a stamp of approval, as well as an endorsement for a Cup race, from owner-driver Michael Waltrip, who served as a color analyst during the televised race broadcast.

“Naturally we are very proud that our ‘American Ethanol 200’ race was honored by NASCAR,” said Iowa Speedway CEO, Doug Fritz.  “We like to say that Iowa Speedway is the perfect racetrack for close and exciting competition.  Clearly that’s not just promoter hype, it’s a fact.”

The speedway recently began selling tickets for the 2013 season with packages for the season and individual races available. The track also is offering “Holiday Family Packs” that can be given as Christmas gifts.

For more information about the Iowa Speedway, call 1-866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946) toll free or visit www.iowaspeedway.com online.