The NTT IndyCar Series heads to the heartland this weekend for its only doubleheader of the season at Iowa Speedway. The 2025 Sukup IndyCar Race Weekend will feature two 275-lap events: the Synk 275 on Saturday and the Farm to Finish 275 on Sunday. As rounds 11 and 12 of the championship, the stakes are high for drivers looking to make a serious move in the standings. With back-to-back opportunities to earn points on a fast, unforgiving oval, this weekend could prove pivotal in the title fight.
Iowa Speedway, often referred to as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” is a 0.875-mile tri-oval that combines high speeds with close-quarters racing. The track’s progressive banking—ranging from 12 to 14 degrees in the corners—allows for multiple racing lines and frequent side-by-side action. Drivers complete laps in under 18 seconds, and with little room for error, precision and nerve are essential. Iowa’s compact layout also means lapped traffic becomes a factor early, adding to the strategic complexity of both races.
All eyes will be on championship leader Alex Palou, who arrives with an impressive six wins in ten races and a commanding points lead. His recent triumph at the Indianapolis oval suggests he’s becoming more comfortable on short tracks—bad news for his closest challengers. Kyle Kirkwood, second in the standings, has shown solid form this season and will be eager to close the gap. Meanwhile, Team Penske has owned Iowa in recent years, with Josef Newgarden and Will Power leading the charge. Newgarden in particular has made Iowa his playground, winning five of the last seven races held here.
The weekend kicks off Friday with practice sessions and fan-friendly events, including driver autograph sessions and garage access. Saturday brings qualifying for both races, followed by the Synk 275 in the evening. Sunday’s Farm to Finish 275 will wrap up the weekend in what promises to be a fast, physical, and possibly defining moment in the 2025 title race. With little time between races, teams will need to be sharp on setup changes and tire management.
This weekend in Iowa isn’t just about speed—it’s about survival, strategy, and seizing the moment. With two races in two days on a punishing oval, drivers who thrive under pressure have a golden opportunity to change the narrative of the season. For fans, it’s the ultimate mix of short-track chaos and championship drama—classic IndyCar at its best.
Iowa Speedway Weekend Schedule
Friday July 11
2:30 pm Indy NXT Practice (45), TV/Streaming: FS2
- all other track activity has been cancelled and will resume Saturday.
Saturday July 12
10:00 am NTT IndyCar Series Hi-Line Testing, TV/Streaming: FS2 Conor Daly fastest
10:30 am NTT IndyCar Series Practice, TV/Streaming: FS2 Scott McLaughlin fastest
1:00 pm NTT IndyCar Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS1
2:00 pm Indy NXT Race (55 laps), TV/Streaming: FS1
5:00 pm NTT IndyCar Series Race (green Flag 5:20 pm), TV/Streaming: FOX Winner: Pato O’Ward, Results
Sunday July 13
1:00 pm NTT IndyCar Series Race No. 2 (Green Flag 1:20 pm), TV/Streaming: FOX Winner: Alex Palou, Results
Previous Winners
NTT IndyCar Series: Will Power (Race 2, 2024), Scott McLaughlin (Race 1, 2024) Other winners currently on the grid include: Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward,
Indy NXT: Louis Foster (2024)
Weather
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Friday
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78°
62°
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Cloudy and humid with a couple of thunderstorms; thunderstorms can bring hail and damaging winds
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Saturday
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81°
63°
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Less humid with periods of clouds and sunshine
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Sunday
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85°
67°
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Sunny
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