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NASCAR returns to Iowa Speedway after a five-year hiatus, with the 0.875-mile oval hosting a Cup Series race for the first time this weekend. Dubbed the "fastest short track", the asphalt oval in Newton will host the Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, June 16.
The 7/8-mile D-shaped oval features progressive banking with 12 to 14 degrees in the turns. The front stretch is banked at 10 degrees, while the backstretch has a 4-degree banking. These characteristics are similar to those of Richmond Raceway.
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Despite the track never hosting the premier series, a majority of the Cup Series drivers have raced at Iowa Speedway in lower categories. Veteran drivers such as Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. have never turned a lap at the short track.
Iowa Speedway was recently partially repaved ahead of a tire test conducted by NASCAR and Goodyear. The three drivers, who represented their respective manufacturers in the test, are expected to hold an advantage over the field.
Let us take a look at the top picks and the ones to stay away from for this weekend's race in Newton, Iowa.
NASCAR Fantasy Picks for Iowa Corn 350
Pick 'em: Brad Keselowski
The #6 RFK Racing driver has shown impressive speed in recent weeks, carrying forward the momentum from his recent victory at Darlington Raceway. Keselowski participated in the recently concluded tire test at Iowa and is expected to have a better read on the newly repaved track.
Brad Keselowski's Xfinity record at Iowa Speedway includes three victories and three top-five finishes.
Stay away: William Byron
The #24 Hendrick Motorsports driver hasn't been consistent in recent weeks, particularly struggling at short tracks compared to his teammates. Despite securing a victory at Martinsville, the repaved track at Iowa Speedway presents a different set of challenges.
It would be difficult for William Byron and the team to bounce back at a new track, with a repaved oval.
Pick 'em: Kyle Larson
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has shown better speed compared to his Hendrick Motorsports teammates at short tracks. He has often been jostling for the lead with dominant Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas at such tracks.
With plenty of laps under his belt from the recent tire test, Kyle Larson is a favorite to win the race this weekend at Iowa.
Stay away: Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs had a solid start to his 2024 campaign, with his first NASCAR Cup win seemingly on the horizon. However, he has struggled at short tracks, an area where Joe Gibbs Racing has otherwise been dominant this season.
Gibbs has shown flashes of speed this season but don't expect the #54 Toyota driver to be contending for his first victory at Iowa.
Pick 'em: Christopher Bell
The #20 Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been impressive at short tracks this season. Having participated in the recent tire test alongside Larson and Keselowski, he may hold a subtle advantage heading into the upcoming race.
Christopher Bell's Xfinity record at Iowa Speedway includes two victories and two runner-up finishes. Alongside Larson and veteran JGR drivers, Bell is also a strong pick to win the inaugural NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway.
