March 28, 2024

NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski to challenge U.S. Cellular 250 field

Iowa Speedway officials announced Thursday that defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski, who won the Newton track’s inaugural Nationwide race in August of 2009, will drive the Penske  No. 22 Discount Tires car in the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by The Enlist Weed Control System NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday evening, Aug. 3.

Keselowski, whose popular win over perennial rival Kyle Busch captivated one of the largest crowds in Iowa Speedway history, will split his time between Iowa Speedway’s second Nationwide Series event of the year and the NASCAR Cup race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania on Sunday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brad Keselowski and his full-throttle style of racing back to Iowa,” said Iowa Speedway President Stan Clement.  “No doubt, Brad is a fan favorite at Iowa Speedway, but he also loves our track and knows how to get to Pizza Ranch Victory Lane.  You shouldn’t bet against him when the Nationwide Series returns to Newton for the U.S. Cellular 250 on August 3!”

The Checkered Flag Foundation, a charity established by Keselowski, will also benefit from the Michigan native’s participation in the U.S. Cellular 250, as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation.  Keselowski’s foundation strives to support those individuals who have sacrificed greatly, including military members, veterans, first-responders and their families, among others.

“I always enjoy getting a chance to go back and race at Iowa Speedway,” said Keselowski. “My win there in 2009 ranks as one of the biggest of my career. I still remember being able to hear the crowd as I passed the 18 car for the lead that day. The support of the fans and the community there is unmatched. The fact that they are going to honor and support the work that we do with the Checkered Flag Foundation makes it even more special.”

Tickets for the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by The Enlist Weed Control System', scheduled for 7 p.m.  on Saturday, Aug. 3, start at $20 and are available online at www.iowaspeedway.com, or by calling the track's toll-free ticketing hotline at 1-866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946).  Tickets are also available at the Iowa Speedway Ticket Office, located at 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive in Newton, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The final NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West challenge race of the season will kick off the Nationwide Series weekend on Friday, August 2, with the Pork Be Inspired 150 at 8 p.m.  Tickets for the twice-annual clash of NASCAR’s rising stars start at $20, and are available through all Iowa Speedway ticketing options.

The final major event weekend of Iowa Speedway's 2013 racing season will be Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, and will feature the Prairie Meadows 150 ARCA stock car race and the Iowa 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series clash.  Tickets and weekend passes are available for those two events at www.iowaspeedway.com as well.