The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Iowa Speedway this weekend for the second running of the Iowa Corn 350, set to kick off Sunday, August 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET. As the 23rd race of the 2025 season, the event will see drivers tackle 350 laps around the 0.875-mile oval, a venue that hosted its inaugural Cup Series race just last year. Defending champion Ryan Blaney, who dominated the 2024 event by leading 201 laps, enters as a co-favorite alongside Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, according to BetMGM odds.
Iowa Speedway, a track nicknamed “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” has been a staple for NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series since 2009. Its debut Cup race in 2024 delivered high drama, with Blaney securing a decisive win after Larson, despite claiming pole position at 136.458 mph and a Stage 2 victory, plummeted to 34th place due to late-race mechanical issues. Larson, now listed at +450 odds, aims to rebound from last year’s frustration, while Blaney seeks to cement Iowa as his territory.
Current Cup points leader Chase Elliott, entering with +1100 odds, finished third in 2024 and remains a contender. William Byron, last year’s runner-up just 0.716 seconds behind Blaney, holds +800 odds. Bell, despite starting at the rear in 2024 after a practice crash forced him into a backup car, clawed to fourth place as Toyota’s top performer. His resilience landed him at +475 this year, signaling confidence in his ability to challenge for victory.
The odds landscape reflects a mix of experience and rising talent. Denny Hamlin (+750), Joey Logano (+1200), and Tyler Reddick (+1600) round out the upper tier, while drivers like Chase Briscoe (+1800) and Josh Berry (+2200) aim to disrupt the favorites. Longshots include Shane van Gisbergen and Cody Ware, both listed at +50000 or higher.
Broadcast coverage begins Saturday with practice and qualifying sessions on truTV and Max. Sunday’s race airs live on USA Network, complemented by driver-camera feeds on HBO Max and radio broadcasts via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. For NASCAR, the event underscores Iowa Speedway’s growing profile, blending short-track intensity with strategic pit stops and tire management, a challenge that could reshape playoff standings as the season accelerates.
