By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Green light district

Iowa Speedway brings ‘shake and bake’ to Newton

The nation’s largest spectator sport is roaring right here in Central Iowa. But Craig Armstrong says he is disturbed that more of our state’s residents haven’t heard about the Newton-based Iowa Speedway. Armstrong is the vice president and general manager of the 25,000-seat, 7/8-mile oval “Rusty Wallace Signature Series” track. We share his frustration.

You see, we are not informed racing fans here at Cityview. You may not be either, but you have to appreciate the efforts of those who are trying to attract more fans to the sport and to our state.

They deserve our attention. So before you turn the page and make some wisecrack about left turns, take the time and read this week’s cover story. You will learn some things that may surprise you, like the fact that Iowa has more actively successful race tracks per capita than any state in the country.

Or that the Iowa Speedway kicks off its first full season on Saturday with the Grand AM Cup/KONI Challenge — a race for “everyday cars” that go straight from the showroom to the track.

You will learn that the first NASCAR event will take place on May 20 with the NASCAR Grand National East-West races.

And if you don’t like racing, but like music, then look for concerts by country artists like Aaron Tippin and Blake Shelton.

If talks of a 300-room hotel/waterpark and a conference center trip your trigger, then read on. You might end up being a racing fan after all.

Thanks for reading.

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