Iowa Department of Public Safety
Larry L. Noble, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Colonel Patrick J. Hoye, Chief

2010 IOWA SPEEDWAY TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Newton, IOWA --- Law enforcement and Speedway officials are preparing for the next big race of the 2010 season at the Iowa Speedway in Newton and are asking Iowans and visiting race fans to do the same! This weekend the Speedway will host the last of the nine major events on the schedule. Attendance numbers vary, but organizers anticipate 42,000 – 50,000 fans on race days this July 30-31, 2010.

The Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, Newton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Speedway Officials are working in conjunction with a private traffic control company to erect signs and cones which will clearly mark travel routes for fans attending the race. Officers will be working intersections along the route to ensure traffic moves in a safe and efficient manner. Motorists traveling to and from the speedway are reminded to expect slow traffic and possible delays, obey all traffic laws, pay attention to flashing lights and signs, and always follow officers’ directions. Motorists should avoid stopping on the traveled portion to ask questions unless it is an emergency. The key to safe and efficient traffic flow, with minimal delays will be a cooperative effort between the motoring public, law enforcement and speedway staff.

Designated Travel Routes

All Race Traffic on Interstate 80:
Take Interstate 80 to exit 168. Take exit 168 to Speedway Drive and turn south. Continue south on Speedway Drive and staff will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Traffic may not be allowed to turn onto Rusty Wallace Drive from this interchange. Rusty Wallace Drive has been designated as an emergency route and will only be utilized for emergencies and to relieve traffic congestion.

Newton Club Members and Suite Owners:
Take Interstate 80 to exit 164. Exit south onto U.S. 14. Continue traveling south on U.S. 14 approximately 3.6 miles. Turn east on South 60th Avenue. Continue east 2¼ miles and turn north on County Road S-74. Continue north 3.6 miles. Turn east on Rusty Wallace Drive, signs and staff will direct you to parking from here.  Although this may not be the shortest route, Newton Club Members and Suite Holders will save time and have easy access to their designated parking by utilizing this route for ingress and egress.

Egress:
Attendees should use the same route for egress as they used when arriving at the Iowa Speedway.

Travel Tips for Race Fans

• Buckle up for safety
• Allow plenty of travel time
• Plan on arriving early
• Be prepared for slow or stopped traffic
• Obey all traffic laws and follow signs, cones and signals
• Be patient
• Be courteous
• Do not stop to ask directions, officers and staff will direct you
• Follow directions of officers and parking staff
• Be cautious and watch for pedestrians
• Drink responsibly and always have a designated driver

With a traffic increase of this magnitude some delays are possible near the Speedway.  Highways most likely to be affected are Interstate 80 near Newton at the 164 and 168 mile-markers and U.S. 14 south of Newton. 

Officials expect traffic to be heaviest approximately two hours before and after each race. East and west bound exit ramps at the 168 interchange may be closed after the race. This possible closure will be determined by officials on race day, but is anticipated for the June 20th, July 11th and July 31st races.  
 
Law enforcement and Iowa Speedway Officials are sensitive to the needs of local businesses and residents. To avoid congested roadways and possible delays, Jasper County residents are encouraged to use alternate routes during peak traffic periods.

Remaining 2010 Race Dates:

Friday July 30th - USAR Pro Cup Series
Saturday July 31st - U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series

To enroll in the DPS E-mail Notification system simply log on to https://dpsemailnotify.iowa.gov and follow the instructions to enroll as a new user.