March 29, 2024

Washington County Pork Producers to sponsor pole day at Iowa Speedway

Pork Be Inspired Award to be given to top qualifier

NEWTON – Washington County Pork Producers has been named as the official sponsor of the Pork Be Inspired Award, given to the fastest driver in NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying, for the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by New Holland on Saturday.

“It is terrific to partner with Washington County Pork Producers, another proud member of the Iowa community,” said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. “‘Pork Be Inspired’ is a great fit for the award given to the driver who rises to the occasion and runs the quickest qualifying lap here at the Fastest Short Track On The Planet.”

NASCAR’s new qualifying format in 2014 has added excitement to the weekend as drivers and teams compete against each other and the clock to post the fastest time. The new format is concise, competitive and compelling as drivers race to advance to the next round.

“We are very excited to sponsor the Pork Be Inspired Award for the fastest qualifier,” said Heather Hora, Washington County Pork Producers Board member. “Partnering with Iowa Speedway affords us the opportunity to not only connect with our valued consumers but also with Pork Producers from around the Midwest.”

As part of the Pork Be Inspired Award, the fastest qualifier will receive $500 in pork products. The Pork Be Inspired Award was made possible through a partnership between Washington County Pork Producers, Cargill, Tyson, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Tama County.

Fans at Iowa Speedway will experience two rounds of qualifying on Saturday as drivers vie for the Pork Be Inspired Award. In the first session, all the drivers will be on the track in a 30-minute segment to earn the right to advance.

After a 10-minute break, the fastest 12 drivers in the first round will then move to a 10-minute second round, which will determine the pole sitter. The other cars will be placed on the starting grid based upon their best single qualifying lap during either the first or second sessions.

NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying begins at 3:40 p.m. followed by the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by New Holland at 7 p.m.. Fans planning to attend the race are encouraged to arrive before 5:30 p.m. to avoid congestion.