The Iowa Speedway and the City of Newton are hosting the first of two race weekends today through Sunday. The IndyCar Series will have races at 4 p.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday. This is the only dual race weekend on the IndyCar Series’ schedule. The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the track for a race Sunday, August 3rd. Earlier this year, Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson prepared an Economic Development Impact Study on last year’s IndyCar and NASCAR race weekends, which he presented to state lawmakers.

“The economic impact to the State of Iowa was a little over $100 million. That’s across the board on all the folks we brought in for both race weekends.”

Newton Mayor Evelyn George notes it’s hard to measure the specific impact locally because of the large area around Central Iowa where race fans stay. She does encourage everyone to take advantage of today’s free admission to Iowa Speedway.

“On Free Family Friday you get to come in and watch the cars as they qualify. You’ll be able to walk around the track, There will be some autograph sessions. It’s been a fun way for people to see the track and experience some of the IndyCar race.”

A complete schedule for the weekend and ticket information can be found here.