Fan favorites Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski elevate excitement for opening weekend
NEWTON, Iowa – May 9, 2011 – Iowa Speedway is proud to welcome NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski to the Iowa John Deere Dealers 250 presented by Pioneer NASCAR Nationwide Series on Sunday, May 22. The two will join a talented list of Nationwide Series drivers to compete for a spot in Victory Lane.
“I really enjoy going to Iowa Speedway. It’s close to home for me, so a lot of my friends and family will be there,” says Edwards. “It’s a special short track and still real new, and it will be cool to run there for the third year in a row. This year, it’s a Sunday race after the All-Star race. The area has a lot of good racing and the fans there understand it. Our No. 60 team has been strong and we are looking at a good finish there.”
Keselowski is also excited about his return to Iowa. “Iowa Speedway is a great facility and it’s a race that I really look forward to. For one, the layout is almost perfect for stock car racing,” he says. “I’ve said it before, I think the Cup cars would put on a great show at Iowa. They also get tremendous fan support there. As a driver, you love to walk out for driver introductions and see full grandstands. It’s validation that people enjoy what we do. I was fortunate to win the first Nationwide Series race at Iowa. No matter what I do as a driver from now on, that win at Iowa will always be one of my favorites.”
Iowa Speedway fans are always treated to action-packed racing, along with free parking, concerts, fireworks and tailgating. Having Sprint Cup drivers participate elevates the excitement, according to Jerry Jauron, Iowa Speedway President.
“These Cup drivers coming to Iowa Speedway is great for our fans,” says Jauron. “We’re constantly asked about Cup participation, so we’re extremely happy to welcome Brad and Carl here on May 22. They, and the many other outstanding teams who will be here, will no doubt give fans plenty to cheer about.”
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About Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility located just 30 miles east of Des Moines at I-80 Exit 168 in Newton, Iowa. The track is owned and operated by U.S. Motorsport Corporation and designed by former NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace, now an anchor and analyst for ABC-TV/ESPN. Iowa Speedway is designed for year-round use and includes 30,000 permanent grandstand seats. Call 1-866-RUSTY-GO or visit www.iowaspeedway.com http://www.iowaspeedway.com/ to learn more.
