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

Colonel Patrick J. Hoye, Chief

Iowa State Patrol Plans for 2012 Race Season at the Iowa Speedway in Newton

Traffic Information

Law enforcement and Speedway officials are preparing for the 2012 race season at the Iowa Speedway in Newton and are asking Iowans and visiting race fans to do the same! Ten races have been scheduled this year. Attendance numbers will vary for each race, but organizers anticipate 17,000 – 50,000 fans will attend each race day.

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 will 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.

When exiting the Speedway use the same route.

Newton Club Members and Suite Owners:
Take Interstate 80 to exit 168 or exit 164. If arriving from the west you are encouraged to utilize 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.

When exiting the Speedway use the same route.

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 will be closed after the race. Also, southbound traffic on Iowa Speedway Drive at S 13th Ave E will be closed after the race to allow for safe and efficient egress.
 
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. Family members picking up Speedway employees or spectators are asked to come early before the race ends so as not to get caught in the egress traffic. 

2012 Race Schedule

May 19 – Graham Tire 150 NASCAR K&N Pro Series
May 20 – Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series
June 22 –Casey's General Stores USAC Challenge, USAC Racing Series
June 23- Iowa Corn Indy 250 IZOD Indy Car Series
July 13 – ARCA Series Race & NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice
July 14 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
August 3 – K&N Pro Series
August 4 – NASCAR Nationwide Series
September 14 – ASA Midwest Tour
September 15 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

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