Newton Independent

IndyCar to use heat qualifying at Iowa Speedway race this year

Newton Independent

The IZOD IndyCar Series will use heat races for qualifying for the June 22 race at the Iowa Speedway this year, a news release posted on the track's web site today states.

Typically, the IndyCar Series uses single-vehicle timed speed qualifying on its oval tracks but this year will incorporate 30-lap heat races to determine track positions for the racers.

The field in each heat will be determined by practice times. One heat will determine the top 10 starting spots and the other two will determine odd-numbered starting positions 11 to 31 and even-numbered starting positions 12 through 32.

Legal battle over Iowa Speedway sale escalates

By PETER HUSSMANN

Court documents filed today show the multi-million-dollar legal battle involving the sale of the Iowa Speedway between local families continues to escalate.

Late last month, the Clement family, as the new majority owners of the Newton racetrack, filed suit against the Manatt family claiming they had breached the purchase agreement by failing to pay all pre-closing accounts payable and indebtedness. Further, the suit contends Manatts failed to pay for its sponsorship and licensing agreement for the 2011 racing season at Iowa Speedway.

Due to those breaches, the lawsuit contends, the Clements had the right to offset those losses from the $2 million promissory note backed by Conrad Clement that was due to the Manatts at the first of the year as part of the overall $19.2 million sale. Early this year, the Clements provided Manatts with a payment of $152,500, the amount deemed was owed on the $2 million promissory note due Jan. 3, 2012 after subtracting the offsets.

The Manatt family rejected the payment and claimed the failure by the Clements to pay the $2 million constituted a failure of payment under the terms of the purchase agreement. The Manatts gave Clements 15 business days to cure the default or face legal action to collect the amount due, a date that has now since passed.

Court documents filed today show that Manatts are now deeming a second promissory note for $4.27 million backed by Condrad, Stanley, Eric and Tracy Clement is past due. The Manatts are giving the Clements until the end of next week to make the payment or again face litigation. The remaining $13 million of the sale price is secured by a mortgage held by Jefferies Mortgage Finance.

In addition, Manatt's has now made a demand for the payment of nearly $500,000 for invoices it made to the Iowa Speedway for past management fees and work done at the track. In addition, Manaco, the parent company of the paving company, is seeking nearly $160,000 for cash overfunding it claims was made as part of the sale.

"If payment of this amount ($658,182.15) is not made by Feb. 20, 2012, then Manatt's will institute litigation against (the Iowa Speedway) to recover the amounts it is owed, Manaco will institute litigation against (the speedway owners) to recover the amounts it is owed, and Manaco will seek consent from Jefferies Mortgage Finance, Inc., to institute litigation against (the speedway) for the amounts it is owed," court filings indicate.

The Clements reject the Manatt's assertions "that events of non-payment and/or events of default have occurred" under the loan agreement and promissory notes, court documents filed today indicate. Further, the Clements filed an amended petition today that asks the court to dismiss Manatt's requests for payment of the invoices and cash overpayments.

Clement family sues Manatt's over Iowa Speedway sale

By PETER HUSSMANN

A multi-million dollar legal fight has broken out between the past and present owners of the Iowa Speedway.

Last week, the U.S. MotorSport Corporation filed suit against Manaco and Manatt's Inc., claiming the Brooklyn-based road construction company and former majority owner of the Iowa Speedway breached the purchase agreement it entered into with the Clement family when it took controlling ownership of the Newton racetrack last June.

According to the court documents, the Clement family agreed to purchase the 91.57 percent ownership stake Manatt's had in the Iowa Speedway for $19,268,291. It was paid for by a $13 million mortgage taken out by Conrad Clement, the former owner of Featherlite Trailers in Cresco. The remainder was secured by two promissory notes, one for about $2 million and guaranteed by Conrad Clement, and the other for approximately $4.3 million and guaranteed by Conrad Clement, Tracy Clement, Stan Clement and Eric Clement.

The remaining 8.43 percent of the Iowa Speedway ownership is held by track-designer and former NASCAR racer Rusty Wallace.

According to the lawsuit, the purchase agreement obligated U.S. MotorSport Corp., under the ownership of Manatt's, to pay all accounts payable and satisfy in full all indebtedness outstanding at the time of closing. In addition, Manatt's was to leave $2.5 million in cash for operating purposes by the Clement family after assuming ownership.

After the sale, the Clement family contends they determined that not all the bills had been paid prior to closing. They claim they then had to undertake the "laborious and time-consuming process of determining those payments to vendors, trade creditors and other third parties made by the (Clements) which related to post-closing obligations, for which Plaintiffs were responsible, and those which related to pre-closing obligations, to which Manaco was responsible."

The review, which was not completed until late 2011, determined that Manatt's had failed to pay prior to closing $1,226,915.87 in pre-closing accounts payable, liabilities, accrued expenses and other indebtedness, the suit contends.

In addition, lawyers for the Clement family claim that only after the closing did they become aware of sponsorship agreement between Manatt's and Iowa Speedway that expired in November 2010 that allowed for naming rights and use of the Iowa Speedway trademark by the company. To the Clement family's knowledge, no new agreement was entered into for the 2011 race season though "Manatt's continued its use and enjoyment of the benefits of the Sponsorship Agreement after Nov. 30, 2010 and continuing through the end of the 2011 racing season."

Under the terms of the sale, the $2 million promissory note payment was due to Manatt's at the end of 2011. In late December, the Clement family notified Manatt's that it was offsetting the $2 million payment by $1,847,411.62 for costs they determined the Manatt's should have paid, the court filing states.

The Clement payment of $152,588.37 was rejected by the Manatt's, the suit states, and met with a response that the Clements' action was a "deliberative, bad faith, intentional scheme to avoid their payment obligations to Manaco."

The suit further contends that Manatt's notified the Clements that their failure to make payment constituted a default of the purchase agreement and they planned to call due the $6.2 million due on the purchase if the $2 million payment was not made.

"By virtue of Manaco's past actions and its statements regarding its future intentions, ... Plaintiffs are forced to commence this lawsuit to seek appropriate relief, including without limitation, a determination regarding Plaintiff's claims for indemnification and set off, and the parties' respective rights, duties and obligations under the Purchase Agreement, Loan Agreement, Promissory Notes and Guaranties," the court filing states.

Job fair for Iowa Speedway workers set

Newton Independent

Ovations, the food service contractor at the Iowa Speedway, is holding a job fair for workers needed during the upcoming racing season at the Newton track.

The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 17 in the Newton Club at the Iowa Speedway.

Ovations will be hiring for suite servers, concessions, warehouse and merchandise positions.

For more informtion, call 641-791-8000.

Nike meets Gucci: New twist added to annual Iowa Speedway 8K

Newton Independent

On your mark. Get set. Go!

The Iowa Speedway 8K "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" on April 21 is coming up fast and this year will be joined for the first time with the "High Heels on High Banks 150 Yard Dash."

"Our event is really unique; we have the Iowa Speedway for a backdrop, we have the brand new high heel race to accommodate the sprinters, and most importantly we have the tremendous support," said Melissa Butler, race organizer and communications director for Progress Industries. "By partaking in both events, you can save $20 and have twice the amount of fund, while supporting two great community organizations."

The 8K or five-mile race will start at the exit of pit road at the Iowa Speedway with the firing of the starter's pistol, continue out and around the Speedway property, enter back through the infield tunnel and finish with a lap around the 7/8-mile tri-oval.

The 150 yard dash will be more for entertainment than the road race competition. To compete in the dash, sprinters, both in the men and women divisions, will be required to run in heels that are at least three inches in height.

Iowa Speedway Foundation Director Debb Smith is expecting the event to draw a record number of participants.

"Last year, we had cold weather and very windy conditions and we still had more than 500 people show up," she said. "With sunny skies in mid-April, we are expecting to break all previous records for the event."

Walkers and runners who register for the race by Feb. 15 will only have to pay $20 for one event or $25 for both. Registrations received after that date and through race day will cost $35 for one event or $45 for both.

Individuals may register online by following this link or can visit the Iowa Speedway web site to download a registration form.

Progress Industries helps more than 280 central Iowans with disabilities with work, residential and recreational assistance. The Iowa Speedway Foundation contributes to and promotes charitable, religious and scientific causes as part of its commitment to the community.

Applicants for Miss Iowa Speedway sought

Newton Independent

Women seeking assistance with their college tuition costs are invited to apply for the 2012 Miss Iowa Speedway Scholarship Program with the individual selected receiving a $1,500 scholarship payable toward tuition costs.

"Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States for the 2012-2013 school year to be eligible," said Debb Smith, director of the Iowa Speedway Foundation. "This will be our fifth year doing the program, and every year we have seen a new record for applications."

The deadline for entry is Friday, March 23. Applicants must be 18 years old by May 19, 2012, the date of Iowa Speedway's first race.

A registration form and further contact information can be found here.

Iowa Speedway announces Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally

Newton Independent

The Iowa Speedway announced today it will play pre-host to the annual Sturgis, S.D., motorcycle rally when it holds the inaugural Iowa Grand Motorcyle Rally July 26-29 in Newton.

At the invation of the Speedway, Jay Allen Productions, creator of the world's largest biker bar, The Broken Spoke Saloon, in Sturgis, will help organize a motorcyle rally a week in advance of the 72nd annual Sturgis motorcycle event set for Aug. 6-12 in western South Dakota.

You can read the Iowa Speedway's announcement of the event, which includes remarks by Newton Mayor Chaz Allen and new Speedway owner Conrad Clement touting the benefits of the event on the local economy, here,  as well as information about Jay Allen and the Broken Spoke here.

'Drive the Track' event at Iowa Speeday to Combat Hunger

Newton Independent

Central Iowa residents have the opportunity to drive on the Iowa Speedway track in Newton at the same time helping fight hunger in Iowa.

From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 12, individuals who give a minimum $10 donation to the annual Combat Hunger fund-raising event may enter the track's infield through the vehicle tunnel and drive their personal car for three laps around the track.

"Drive the Track" started in 2010 as a part of Combat Hunger's 20th anniversary celebration. Combat Hunger is Iowa's largest two-day food drive and is part of a collaborative effort among 190 Central Iowa businesses and schools. The event benefits the Food Bank of Iowa, which supplies food and other materials to hundreds of agencies in 42 Iowa counties.

"We are so pleased to be part of this annual fund-raising drive," said Debb Smith, director of Iowa Speedway Foundation. "We believe this is an exciting opportunity for race fans to drive their car on the track. We hope this event wil generate a lot of smiles from fans and a significant contribution for Combat Hunger."

Des Moines radio state STAR 102.5 is once again heading up the fund-raising effort for Combat Hunger. STAR 102.5 on-air personalities wil broadcast live from Iowa Speedway's infield garage area during the "Drive the Track" and Combat Hunger fundraiser. The event will be held rain or shine.

The Des Moines radio station is also helping sponsor a special benefit concert for the Combat Hunger event featuring artists Andy Grammer, Gavin DeGraw and Michelle Branch. More information on the concert can be found here.

Fritz new chief executive at Iowa Speedway

Newton Independent

Doug Fritz, who for 12 years was track president at Richmond International Raceway before stepping down in July, was named today at the new chief executive of Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Iowa Speedway officials are making the announcement now live on the Iowa Speedway's web site.

"Iowa Speedway is one of the fastest-growing entertainment and motorsports venues in the country, and I'm thrilled to be joining their team," Fritz said. "I'm really looking forward to working closely with the loyal race fans and supporters of Iowa Speedway, as well as the staff. Together, we will continue to elevate Iowa Speedway into a premier motorsports destination. The fans will always be our number one priority and we will continue to enhance their experience.

Fritz replaces Jerry Jauron, who resigned earlier this month to take a position with an Urbandale motorsports business.

Jauron leaving as Iowa Speedway president

Newton Independent

Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron told the Associated Press today that he is leaving the position he's held for more than three years to take a position with an Urbandale-based motorsport manufacturing company.

Jauron is taking a position with C&L Companies. He told the AP that the track has great momentum moving forward with the addition of a second NASCAR truck series event season, in addition to the two Nationwide races and the IndyCar event.

He expounds on a DM Register blog.

Iowa Speedway was recently purchased by the Clement family after getting off the ground under the direction of the Manatt family.

Iowa Speedway adds second NASCAR truck series event next year

Newton Independent

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make a second stop at the Iowa Speedway next season, officials with the Newton racetrack announced Saturday in releasing the 2012 race schedule.

"We added a fall date because our fans asked for it - the 2012 season is all about bringing even more value to our fans," said Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron. "Now, season ticket holders can experience five action-packed weekends at the track."

In addition to the truck series, the Iowa Speedway will again host two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, as well as the IZOD IndyCar race.

The 2012 schedule is as follows:

• May 19-20 - NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series
• June 22-23 - USAC, Indy Lights and IZOD IndyCar
• July 13-14 - ARCA and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
• Aug. 3-4 - NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series
• Sept. 14-15 - ASA Midwest Tour and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Current season ticket holders will soon receive renewal information in the mail. Season tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Nov. 3, at prices starting at $129.

Former credit union president likely headed to jail over $1 million investment to buy Iowa Speedway

By PETER HUSSMANN

The former president of an Arkansas credit union will likely spend some time in jail after pleading guilty last month to bank fraud in what appears to be an investment scam over the purchase of the Iowa Speedway.

Joyce Judy admitted in federal court in Little Rock last month - even before being indicated - that she defrauded a credit union customer out of $500,000 to help her come up with a total of $1 million to invest in a business venture to buy the Newton racetrack, the Arkansas Business publication reported this week.

The news report states that in the fall of 2009, Judy agreed to invest $1 million in the venture, half of which she got from the credit union customer by telling him she was moving his money into a high-yield certificate of deposit, and half by mortgaging her home and borrowing $225,000 from "a personal friend."

Judy then deposited her $500,000 and the credit union customer's $500,000 into an account at another financial institution that was jointly held by retired racecar driver from North Carolina, Bob Schacht, the individual who apparently pitched the business deal to Judy. Schacht then wired all the money to an unspecified location overseas to a person named Emelyn Moselyn, "who was putting the deal together," the story states.

Reporters at Arkansas Business contacted Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron who said he had never heard of either Schacht or Moselyn.

"Iowa Speedway has no association with or knowledge of any of the subject matter in this alleged Arkansas legal issue," Jauron e-mailed Arkansas Business.

But Brad Manatt did, the reporters found.

Manatt, who about two months ago sold the Iowa Speedway to Conrad and Stan Clement, told reporters that Schacht was trying to put together financing to buy the speedway a couple of years back. He said he'd heard Schacht was working on the deal with the president of Little Rock bank.

Schact's deal, Manatt told Arkansas Business, sounded weird because the Manatts were supposed to put in $1 million in order to help secure financing and then everyone was supposed to get back double their investment. Manatt said at least four similar schemes were pitched to the family during the three years they searched for a buyer.

Another of the Clement boys, Larry, told Arkansas Business that he had been in contact with Schacht about buying the Newton track. However, he told reporters, Schacht wasn't the heavy in this deal.

"If Bob Schacht did something with the Emelyn person, he thought it was a straight deal," Clement told Arkansas Business. "There isn't one-tenth of a chance that Bob did anything wrong. He may have gotten scammed by whoever he was working with."

You can read the full story here.

New Iowa Speedway owners take out $13 million mortgage

By PETER HUSSMANN

The new principal owner of the Iowa Speedway has entered into a mortgage agreement with a Denver-based financial firm that secures credit in the amount of $13 million, a recent land record filed in Jasper County indicates.

Conrad Clement, as chairman of the board of U.S. Motorsport Corporation, the holding company that owns Iowa Speedway, entered into the mortgage with Jeffries Mortgage Finance, Inc., on June 30, the day the Clement family assumed ownership of the Newton track from the Manatt family.

As additional security on the loan to the U.S. Motorsport Corporation, Clement also entered into an assignment of leases and rents with Jeffries Mortgages.

Land records also show that on June 30, Brad Manatt, as president of Manaco Corp., signed a release of mortgage and assignment of lessor's interests in leases and rents previously made between Manaco and the U.S. Motorsport Corporation.

The release cancels a number of mortgage agreements and amendments made between Manaco and U.S. Motorsport Corporation dating back to 2006.

Movie to be shot at Iowa Speedway

Newton Independent

Movie stars Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid will be filming portions of an upcoming movie at the Iowa Speedway on Saturday, July 16, that race fans purchasing tickets will have the opportunity to be a part, the Iowa Speedway announced in a press release today.

The film, yet unnamed, is being directed by Ramin Bahrami and is focused on a rural teen's aspirations of becoming a professional racecar driver.

Filming will occur during the Prairie Meadows ARCA Series stock car race scheduled to take place beginning at 4:15 p.m. that day.

Kelley @ the Capitol: Help bring a Sprint Cup Series race to Newton

By REP. DAN KELLEY
Democrat, Newton

Negotiations to end the budget stalemate continued for a third week under the golden dome. I believe strongly that we should provide a modest increase in funds for our schools, continue our statewide preschool initiative and help create good-paying jobs. While you may have heard the state budget is in terrible shape, we will end the fiscal year with about $1 billion in savings and surplus. This is more money in savings than at any point in the history of our state.

As I've state previously, I will work at the Capitol every day until final adjournment. I want to see what's happening so I can report back to you.

Unfortunately, there is little discussion and lots of posturing going on. Governor Branstad said, "there's a new sheriff in town" when questioned about possible budget compromises. I hope he happens to catch a rerun of the "Andy Griffith Show." He could learn a thing or two about working together and compromise from Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry.

The media is starting to talk about the possibility of a government shutdown. If the budget is not set by July 1, a government shutdown could lead to layoffs of public employees and closing of state offices. It could have a dramatic effect on tourism with the closing of state parks during the Fourth of July weekend.

With the drop of the green flag at Iowa Speedway this weekend, our economy will feel the impact of tourism. Tourism is a revenue generating industry that brings new dollars into our state's economy and helps pay for vital programs. The House majority passed a bill which would dramatically cut regional tourism marketing by 60 percent. I voted in opposition to this bill.

It was a bad move for our local economy.

For each person per day who visits the Iowa Speedway, an estimated $173 economic impact is realized by the local and state economy. This figure is based on the 2010 Iowa Welcome Center Survey Report. The total, $173, is an increase of 3.5 percent from 2009.

If you attend the NASCAR Nationwide race this weekend, on your walk into the speedway count the number of out-of-state license plates. Now assume that three people rode to the race in each out-of-state car, making the impact $519 per car. Take the number of out-of-state cars you counted and multiply it by $519. On race days, much of this money is spent at local hotels, gas stations, restaurants and retailers who sell tailgating supplies.

Still, we fail to see scores of race fans shopping Main Street or the squares of Newton, Baxter, Colfax and other Jasper County communities. However, there is a strong possibility that race fans will make return visits and spend money. We must always look for new ways that local businesses can benefit from the speedway's economic impact.

Regardless of which side of the fence you fell when the idea of bringing a world-class racing facility to Newton came up about seven years ago, it is hard to deny the importance of the Iowa Speedway's further growth on our local economy. Its continued success is vital to Jasper County's future. This is why I am a strong supporter of the Iowa Speedway.

What can you do to help grow the economic impact of the Iowa Speedway? In addition to attending races and taking out-of-town friends, you can join an organization with visions of bringing a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race or an All-Star type race to Iowa. This grassroots organization is called Green Flag Alliance. Newton Mayor Chaz Allen serves as president. I am proud to support this grassroots organization.

For those who do not follow racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the highest level of stock-car racing in the world. It is big time.

Research conducted by professor Dave Swenson at the Iowa State University Department of Economics indicates that the Iowa Speedway has delivered $34 million to the state economy in recent years. This season, with the addition of a second NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the impact will approach $45 million. A NASCAR Sprint Cup race would drastically boost that impact by as much as $150 million. Clearly, attracting a NASCAR Sprint Cup race is a major step we must take.

Let's take a look at the nearby Kansas Speedway, which hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season. The Kansas Speedway doesn't release attendance figures, but it seats 82,000 and has infield space for 750 motor coaches, which typically accommodate as many as 10 people each. The Kansas Speedway will be filled to capacity for these two races.

It is likely the Iowa Speedway would attract as many race fans or even more than the Kansas Speedway if awarded a Sprint Cup Series race. The short-track designed by Rusty Wallace would lend itself to very exciting races and would draw lots of attention.

"Start your engines!" It's go time.

For more information or to join the grassroots Green Flag Alliance, visit its web site and/or join the Facebook group. Contact can be made through email to info@GreenFlagAlliance.comor by phone at 515-202-9222. Correspondence should be sent to Green Flag Alliance, 2818 W. First St., Ankeny, IA 50021.

Feel free to contact me anytime at 641-521-9260 or dan.kelley@legis.state.ia.us. Visit my web site at www.electkelley.comand Friend me on Facebook.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Two Cup drivers to race at first Iowa Speedway Nationwide race this month

Carl Edwards signs autographs at Iowa Speedway last year.

Newton Independent

Two NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will participate in Iowa Speedway's first Nationwide race later this month, track officials in Newton announced Monday.

Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski will race in the Iowa John Deere Dealers 250 presented by Pioneer NASCAR Nationwide Series on Sunday, May 22.

"I really enjoy going to Iowa Speedway," Edwards said. "It's close to home for me, so a lot of my friends and family will be there. It's a 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 Number 60 team has been strong and we are looking at a good finish there."

Kesolowski said he, too, is excited about the opportunity to race at the Newton track.

"Iowa Speedway is a great facility and it's a race that I really look forward to," he said. "For one, the layout is almost perfect for stock car racing. 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 a 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 President Jerry Jauron was pleased to announce that the two Cup drivers will race in Newton.

"These Cup drivers coming to Iowa Speedway is great for our fans," he said. "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."

A promotion for the June 25 Iowa Corn Indy 250 will be held Wednesday at Iowa Speedway with IndyCar drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay and JR Hildebrand competing in friendly competitions with leaders of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University athletic departments.

Iowa Corn Indy 250 promotion event set Wednesday at Iowa Speedway

Newton Independent

Indycar drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay and JR Hildebrand are taking sides in the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry as representatives from each school's athletic departments battle it out in a series of friendly competitions at Iowa Speedway on Wednesday as part of a promotion for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 coming in June.

Hunter-Reay will team up with Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta and former University of Iowa and NBA basketball player Ryan Bowen to take on Iowa State University Athletic Director Jamie Pollard and Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads.

The two Indycar drivers will be in Newton to promote the Iowa Corn Indy 250 IZOD Indycar Series Race scheduled for June 25 at Iowa Speedway.

The public is invited to attend the free event to help judge the competitions. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite school colors.

The event will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11.

Iowa Speedway is also sponsoring an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday where the public will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operation.

Iowa Speedway adds another new sponsor, Sukup Manufacturing

Newton Independent

Iowa Speedway on Thursday welcomed another new sponsor, Sukup Manufacturing Co., as the official sponsor of the Sukup 100 Firestone Indy Lights race on Saturday, June 25.

The Sukup 100 will Indy Lights race will be held at 5:40 p.m., immediately preceding the Iowa Corn Indy 250 IZOD IndyCar race that starts at 8 p.m.

"Sponsoring the Sukup 100 Firestone Indy Lights race provides a great opportunity to connect with our current and potential customers as we join together to cheer our favorite drivers - and the ethanol industry - on to victory lane," said Sukup Manufacturing CFO Steve Sukup.

The sponsorship qualifies Sukup as an official partner of Iowa Speedway for the 2011 racing season.

"We look for unique ways to showcase our sponsors to race goers," said Chuck Spicer, vice president of sales and marketing at Iowa Speedway. "Guest services, located on the concourse by ticket booth two, will now be housed in a Sukup grain bin. Agriculture is big business to the state of Iowa, and Iowa Speedway is no exception. We are delighted to welcome Sukup Manufacturing as a new official partner."

Sukup said the partnership is a win-win situation for Iowa's corn growers, the ethanol industry and racing fans.

"IndyCar and Iowa Speedway are leaving the naysayers in the dust and showing the world what ethanol can do," Sukup said. "The use of ethanol lessens our dependene on foreign oil and supports our neighbors - Iowa's corn growers. It also makes for an exciting race series."

John Deere signs on as sponsor for May's Iowa Speedway Nationwide race

Newton Independent

John Deere Corporation is partnering with 10 of its Iowa dealers to be the sponsor of next month's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Iowa Speedway, Newton track officials announced today.

John Deere and the participating dealers will host more than 3,000 customers during the John Deere Dealers 250 presented by Pioneer NASCAR Nationwide Series race set for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22.

"Iowa Speedway can hold more than 55,000 fans, and the Nationwide Series races at this track consistently sell out," said Jeff Oldham, division sales manager at John Deere. "Because many of our customers are avid race fans, we are very excited about the sponsorship with our dealers, and look forward to an exciting race on the fastest track under one mile in the nation."

Pioneer officials also noted the use of ethanol by NASCAR.

"Powering race cars at high speeds is the ultimate in ethanol performance," said Todd Frazier, Pioneer business director for Iowa and Missouri.

Iowa Speedway Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chuck Spicer believes the sponsorship by John Deere is a natural fit due the large portion of the fan base with ties to agriculture.

"We're very grateful to have John Deere and their dealers on board," Spicer said. "Their sponsorship enables us to create an exciting race-going experience for our fans that's fueled - literally - by one of the biggest names in the agricultural industry in Pioneer."

The John Deere dealers - Southard Implement in Marshalltown is the closest - are giving away a one-year lease on a 825i Gator XUV to 10 customers. Entries may be made at Deere dealerships in Lenox, Elkader, Muscatine, Algona, Mt. Vernon, Manning, Humboldt, Carroll and Perry, in addition to Marshalltown.

John Deere is also using their sponsorship to highlight its connection to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa. Make-A-Wish is being invited to choose a wish child recipient to open the race as the honorary grand marshal.

Open house at Iowa Speedway

Newton Independent

Iowa Speedway is celebrating the start of the 2011 racing season with an open house at the Newton racetrack from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 7.

The public is invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at the control tower, garage, media center, Newton Club and private party suites during the free event. A "drivers, start your engines" contest will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. for a chance to be the grand marshal of an upcoming race.

Current season ticket holders, and anyone who purchases race tickets on or before May 7, are invited to drive a lap around the track in their vehicle. A charity car wash will also be available with the $10 cost going to the NASCAR Foundation and the Iowa Speedway Foundation.

Iowa Speedway's season kicks off on Saturday, May 21, with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West Challenge followed by the Sunday, May 22, NASCAR Nationwide Series 250.