A few pictures from NASCAR weekend at Iowa Speedway

With Southern Iowa Sprint Week underway, I had to step away for a couple of days to work in the Iowa Speedway media center. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series, and the Nationwide Series were on the track Friday night and Saturday night, playing for a full house on Saturday.

I enjoy these two shows because both K&N and Nationwide showcase new, rising talent, and give a chance for a lot of local drivers, and drivers we have seen in sprint cars and late models on dirt to try their hand at these national series. With all of the invaders over the course of the last few years, the Nationwide series ws getting away from the new faces; but, now that NASCAR only allows drivers to chase points in one series, the Nationwide shows are again rich with rookies and drivers trying to move up - the way it should be.

Included below are some shots of drivers many of you know from the area - either they are from here, or they have raced in a sprint car or late model here. Thanks to Conrad Nelson for his efforts at Newton in bringing you these shots.

Brett Moffitt's K&N Pro Series car.

Kyle Larson in the K&N Pro Series

Joey Gase in his Nationwide car.

The Nationwide ride of Josh Richards.

John Blankenship brought Coal to the Nationwide Series.

Michael Annett with Richard Petty Motorsports.

Ricky Stenhouse

Ryan Blaney made his Penske debut.

Brad Sweet

Justin Allgaier

Brett Moffitt made his first Nationwide run a good one, finishing ninth.