Typically, fresh repaves favor the bottom groove since it offers the shortest way around a track. Yet, Iowa\u2019s partial resurfacing in May 2024 produced multiple lanes, opening the door for corner-to-corner passing. That is why veteran Jeff Burton is confident that the track is ready to deliver another thriller after last year\u2019s showcase.<\/p>\n
Burton pointed out that in the 14 months since the repave, the once-charcoal sections have faded to a light grey. As asphalt ages, grip diminishes, which tends to enhance racing. Besides, even drivers prefer surfaces with less grip because it shifts control into their hands and rewards skill over raw speed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen a bad race there. I love this racetrack. I was super excited when they announced they were going to have a Cup race here\u2026 Clearly, the place to be was the new asphalt, but the new asphalt was three grooves wide. So it kept the cars close together because the pavement wasn\u2019t so wide,\u201d Burton said. \u201cIt was a really, really good race.\u201d<\/p>\n
Initially, drivers feared the repave would create single-file racing as cars hugged the fresh bottom lane. Instead, the June 2024 Cup debut at the 7\/8-mile track, built in 2006, turned into one of NASCAR\u2019s most exhilarating short-track battles in years.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Burton expects Iowa to deliver another barnburner. \u201cThe less grip you have, the more grooves you have,\u201d he explained. \u201cI don\u2019t anticipate that it\u2019s lost enough grip to drive moving up out of the new asphalt into the older asphalt. I don\u2019t anticipate that. But I think that lower grip induces more passing opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Burton never competed in a race at Iowa, he tested there during his driving career, giving him first-hand judgment about the track\u2019s evolving character.<\/p>\n
Chase Briscoe\u2019s take on NASCAR\u2019s experiment with Iowa<\/p>\n
NASCAR will stage only its second-ever Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway this weekend, though the track has already hosted 21 IndyCar events, 21 Xfinity races, and 13 Truck Series showdowns. Chase Briscoe, who started sixth but slipped to a P28 finish last year, is eager to take another shot at the 7\/8-mile oval.<\/p>\n