5/23/2012

A quick glimpse at the Iowa Speedway opener

Just a quick note from the past weekend at Iowa Speedway and a chance to share some of Conrad Nelson’s pictures with you. 

Between NASCAR’s K&N series on Saturday and the Nationwide race on Sunday, I think fans were treated to two good races. There was a lot of passing, a lot of two-and-three-wide racing, and the results came down to the final laps on who would win and finish in the top five in both events. It was also a chance to feel a little older as I watched Bill Elliott and Dave Blaney’s sons among others turn laps and do it quite well – obviously since Elliott was Saturday night’s winner. We’ve been watching second and third generations race on local dirt, but when you see the more “national” names showing up with new generations, that makes it even more noticeable. Neat to see too, as that means the sports continues to strengthen its roots. Hopefully those roots gain some ground in the grandstands too. It seems like I may be seeing more kids at the races these days, but that may just be wishful thinking.

Nothing shocking or mind blowing came out of the media center at the speedway. Everyone was well behaved, and there have been enough races at the track that the newness has rubbed off and it is more like a reunion when the various sanctions and media members come to Iowa. For me, working with the racers and the media is one of the best jobs and the most fun you could have at work. I’m looking forward to IndyCar’s visit in June.

Enjoy Conrad’s pictures!
Chase Elliott hoists the trophy after his K&N Pro Series win. - Conrad Nelson photo

Chase Elliott (9) races with Brandon Bowles (46). - Conrad Nelson photo

Ricky Stenhouse celebrates his impressive win. - Conrad Nelson photo

Cedar Rapid's Joey Gase in the Nationwide event. What is Pauliewood? - Conrad Nelson photo


Stenhouse's winning team. - Conrad Nelson photo

Ricky Stenhouse's winning Mustang at speed. - Conrad Nelson photo

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