We took a rare change of directions on Saturday as we headed to the Iowa Speedway for the NASCAR Nationwide race instead of our regular Saturday night "date" at Boone. A huge crowd of close to 56,000 fans were on hand and by the appearance of the parking lots, not many car pooled! We didn't arrive until right at 2 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. race start, but were fortunate to get a decent parking spot. Even more surprising, it was just three spots from our son and daughter-in-law. Quite something since we had not communicated except to say we planned to be there after 2 p.m.!
We browsed the souvenir trailers and manufacturer's row outside the grandstand area before making our way through the gates to watch some of the qualifying runs. It was quite warm and sunny by this time, and instead of watching from our seats, opted to stand below in a shaded area...as did many people. It was appearing that Kyle Busch was going to be the pole sitter until Trevor Bayne snatched it away. This would be Bayne's third consecutive Nationwide pole, something that had not been done since Jeff Gordon did it back in 1992. Bayne is only 19 years old, so look for more out of this youngster in the future.
After a trek back to the vehicle for a bit, we were invited by our "parking neighbors" to join them in the shade of their tent canopy for a rest. Shortly, another couple parked beside us, were also asked if they'd care to join the shaded area. Strangers in a parking lot, but all Iowan's from hither and yon, showing the Midwest hospitality way and all racing fans as well.
Before the race started, the usual driver introductions were made, the Star Spangled Banner was sung, and the jet fly-over...something that always gives me goose bumps...roared directly overhead to the cheering and waving crowd.
As a summary of the 250-lap race, it was dominated by the 18 car of Kyle Busch pretty much the entire race. Only three different leaders led the 43-car starting field; Busch, Bayne and Kevin Harvick. Busch led initially until Bayne took over the lead about lap 75. By this time, several cars had already retired to the garage area, some to never return. The right front tire was often the reason for the problem and heard that it may have been the brakes overheating and melting the bead. Two red flag situations occurred which needed car and track clean up, but thankfully no driver injuries.
On a pit stop at lap 207, it was the #33 of Kevin Harvick getting out of the pits first. Harvick took on two new tires but we noted that Busch had opted for tires all around. That extra time in the pits cost Busch position as he restarted in sixth place. Two laps later, those four new tires were paying off as Busch was up to second and running down Harvick. Busch did just that, making the pass with 24 laps to go--to the cheers and jeers of the fans. It was easy sailing the rest of the laps as Kyle Busch won the Nationwide U.S. Cellular 250. This was the ninth time this year that Busch has visited Victory Lane in the Nationwide series. Harvick finished as runner up, Jason Leffler had a good day with a third place finish, fourth went to 2009 winner, Brad Keselowski and fifth was Trevor Bayne. Sixth went to Steve Wallace, son of track designer Rusty Wallace, seventh to Iowa's own Michael Annett, eighth to Justin Allgaier in the Verizon sponsored car #12, ninth was Matt Di Benedetto and the tenth place went to Sprint Cup regular, Carl Edwards.
We saw many of our dirt track friends and acquaintances in attendance, as well as a driver or two, so we were not the only ones taking a night off from the dirt ovals. If you haven't had a chance to see a race at the Iowa Speedway, we encourage you to try and make an event. It's quite the facility and experience to take in. Do know though, it is much different from the weekend warrior shows we are accustomed to seeing.
For full results and race run down, you can check http://www.iowaspeedway.com/. Happy racing!
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