Who's up for some short oval action? Iowa Speedway is now available as an Assetto Corsa mod, including lights and blazingly fast lap times in IndyCars.
Iowa Speedway is one of the newer rovals to be built in the USA with the circuit debuting this side of the millennium, however, this circuit provides fantastic racing up and down the motorsport ladder and it is now available for free in Assetto Corsa thanks to creator, shin956.
This version of Iowa Speedway was originally created for rFactor 2 by a creator that goes by the name of WhereIsBeef. With permission, @shin956 has converted this circuit over to Assetto Corsa and has done a fantastic job in doing so.
The 2012 IndyCar liveries used in the screenshots of this article are downloadable for free on OverTake.gg from the creator, mako_zero, by the way!
Iowa Speedway under the floodlights. Image: shin956
The circuit is a 7/8-mile oval that, despite its short lap time, has produced some amazing moments throughout its years on both the IndyCar and NASCAR calendars. The facility was originally built to host a variety of racing series, including the aforementioned NASCAR and IndyCar championship rounds. However, the circuit also hosted a round of the World Sportscar Championship back in 2007 on the fairly basic road course.
Iowa Speedway in 2017. Image: David Wilson on Flickr via CC BY 2.0
The inaugural event at Iowa Speedway took place on September 15, 2006, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Speedway quickly gained popularity, hosting its first NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 2009, which further solidified its status in the NASCAR world as a track to look forward to each year. Its unique configuration with progressive banking attracted both fans and drivers to this slightly unusual short oval.
As previously mentioned, Iowa Speedway has previously hosted a variety of other racing events, including ARCA, USAC, and local series; showcasing a range of national and international driving talent. In 2014, the track was purchased by NASCAR, which invested in upgrades and expanded the event calendar, increasing the speedway’s prominence on the NASCAR calendar and cementing it on the map for years to come.
Will Power #12 Verizon Team Penske, Dekalb Iowa Corn 250 at Iowa Speedway 2013. Image: Mike Gatzke on Flikr via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Over the years, Iowa Speedway has faced challenges including competition from other venues and economic factors affecting attendance and financial security. However, its commitment to providing quality racing experiences has kept it relevant in the hardcore racing fans' circles.
As of 2024, Iowa Speedway continues to be a part of the US racing landscape, offering fans exciting events and a place for emerging talent in both the NASCAR Cup series and in the important world of grassroots oval racing. Its history reflects the evolution of racing in the Midwest and the enduring appeal of short-track racing to the average working American.
Aerial shot of Iowa Speedway and its surroundings within Assetto Corsa
Iowa Speedway hosts a range of other events during the week to help fund the race track, bands and artists such as Metallica and Carrie Underwood have played sets at the circuit in the past. This is common practice at these smaller oval venues as the income is nowhere near the level of somewhere like Indianapolis.
Despite the variety in events, Iowa still hosts national events and lower formula race meetings alongside the headlining NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar championships.
Big crashes are common at such a fast and short circuit like Iowa.
The main issue with the circuit, however, is the stability of the outside fencing. If you hit those walls even a little bit too hard, you will find yourself outside of the circuit and mowing the 2-D textured grass. This can be a common issue with circuits that have been exported between different simulators. The best way to avoid this is simply not to crash!
It does, however, give the player an opportunity to observe Iowa's rather unique retaining walls, which are SAFER barriers - but unlike other circuits, this is not installed in front of pre-existing concrete walls, but rather in a standalone way.
Crash too hard, and you will find yourself stuck to the outside of the circuit and unable to make your way back to the tarmac.
The track does a great job at giving you the feeling of banking when you are up high especially. The lower-slung cars like the IndyCars produce incredible plumes of sparks in front of you and that level of immersion is a fantastic addition to the mod. The transition to the flatter tarmac of the road course from the banked oval is perfectly simulated and the feeling of the heavy bump is very noticeable through the force feedback.
The road course is nothing to write home about, but not because the mod does anything wrong, it just is not a particularly creative infield section when compared to other circuits on the calendar.
Iowa Speedway's finish line in Assetto Corsa
What do you think about Iowa Speedway's debut in Assetto Corsa? Is it a welcome addition to your oval circuit collection?
Iowa Speedway is one of the newer rovals to be built in the USA with the circuit debuting this side of the millennium, however, this circuit provides fantastic racing up and down the motorsport ladder and it is now available for free in Assetto Corsa thanks to creator, shin956.
This version of Iowa Speedway was originally created for rFactor 2 by a creator that goes by the name of WhereIsBeef. With permission, @shin956 has converted this circuit over to Assetto Corsa and has done a fantastic job in doing so.
The 2012 IndyCar liveries used in the screenshots of this article are downloadable for free on OverTake.gg from the creator, mako_zero, by the way!
Iowa Speedway under the floodlights. Image: shin956
The History Of Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway, located in Newton, Iowa, opened back in 2006 and quickly became a significant venue in both oval and road course racing championships. The track was designed by architect and 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup winner, Rusty Wallace.The circuit is a 7/8-mile oval that, despite its short lap time, has produced some amazing moments throughout its years on both the IndyCar and NASCAR calendars. The facility was originally built to host a variety of racing series, including the aforementioned NASCAR and IndyCar championship rounds. However, the circuit also hosted a round of the World Sportscar Championship back in 2007 on the fairly basic road course.
Iowa Speedway in 2017. Image: David Wilson on Flickr via CC BY 2.0
The inaugural event at Iowa Speedway took place on September 15, 2006, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Speedway quickly gained popularity, hosting its first NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 2009, which further solidified its status in the NASCAR world as a track to look forward to each year. Its unique configuration with progressive banking attracted both fans and drivers to this slightly unusual short oval.
As previously mentioned, Iowa Speedway has previously hosted a variety of other racing events, including ARCA, USAC, and local series; showcasing a range of national and international driving talent. In 2014, the track was purchased by NASCAR, which invested in upgrades and expanded the event calendar, increasing the speedway’s prominence on the NASCAR calendar and cementing it on the map for years to come.
Will Power #12 Verizon Team Penske, Dekalb Iowa Corn 250 at Iowa Speedway 2013. Image: Mike Gatzke on Flikr via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Over the years, Iowa Speedway has faced challenges including competition from other venues and economic factors affecting attendance and financial security. However, its commitment to providing quality racing experiences has kept it relevant in the hardcore racing fans' circles.
As of 2024, Iowa Speedway continues to be a part of the US racing landscape, offering fans exciting events and a place for emerging talent in both the NASCAR Cup series and in the important world of grassroots oval racing. Its history reflects the evolution of racing in the Midwest and the enduring appeal of short-track racing to the average working American.
Aerial shot of Iowa Speedway and its surroundings within Assetto Corsa
Iowa Speedway hosts a range of other events during the week to help fund the race track, bands and artists such as Metallica and Carrie Underwood have played sets at the circuit in the past. This is common practice at these smaller oval venues as the income is nowhere near the level of somewhere like Indianapolis.
Despite the variety in events, Iowa still hosts national events and lower formula race meetings alongside the headlining NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar championships.
Big crashes are common at such a fast and short circuit like Iowa.
Iowa Speedway In Assetto Corsa
As mentioned in the introduction, this version was converted from rFactor 2 with permission to Assetto Corsa and it is fantastic to drive. The track feels good and not overly slippery like some other ovals in Asssetto Corsa.The main issue with the circuit, however, is the stability of the outside fencing. If you hit those walls even a little bit too hard, you will find yourself outside of the circuit and mowing the 2-D textured grass. This can be a common issue with circuits that have been exported between different simulators. The best way to avoid this is simply not to crash!
It does, however, give the player an opportunity to observe Iowa's rather unique retaining walls, which are SAFER barriers - but unlike other circuits, this is not installed in front of pre-existing concrete walls, but rather in a standalone way.
Crash too hard, and you will find yourself stuck to the outside of the circuit and unable to make your way back to the tarmac.
The track does a great job at giving you the feeling of banking when you are up high especially. The lower-slung cars like the IndyCars produce incredible plumes of sparks in front of you and that level of immersion is a fantastic addition to the mod. The transition to the flatter tarmac of the road course from the banked oval is perfectly simulated and the feeling of the heavy bump is very noticeable through the force feedback.
The road course is nothing to write home about, but not because the mod does anything wrong, it just is not a particularly creative infield section when compared to other circuits on the calendar.
Iowa Speedway's finish line in Assetto Corsa
What do you think about Iowa Speedway's debut in Assetto Corsa? Is it a welcome addition to your oval circuit collection?
