What Is 2022 Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend

Overview

The 2022 Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend was a landmark event in the NTT IndyCar Series, marking the first time a doubleheader format was implemented at Iowa Speedway. Hosted by grocery chain Hy-Vee as title sponsor, the weekend brought national attention to the short oval in Newton, Iowa, with back-to-back races on consecutive days.

This two-day racing spectacle highlighted the speed and endurance of IndyCar drivers on a tight 0.875-mile oval, drawing over 40,000 fans across the weekend. The event was designed to boost regional interest in open-wheel racing and expand the sport’s footprint in the Midwest.

• July 23–24, 2022 were the official race dates, making it one of the few doubleheader weekends in IndyCar history.
• Iowa Speedway, located in Newton, Iowa, served as the venue, a track known for close-quarters racing and high-speed action.
• Each race covered 250 miles, consisting of 250 laps around the 0.875-mile oval circuit.
• Hy-Vee, an Iowa-based supermarket chain, sponsored the event with a reported $2 million investment to promote local engagement.
• The weekend included fan festivals, driver meet-and-greets, and live entertainment, enhancing the overall experience beyond the track.

How It Works

The Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend utilized a unique doubleheader format, a rare structure in modern IndyCar, designed to maximize fan engagement and broadcast exposure across two days.

• Race Format: Two full IndyCar Series races were held, each with independent qualifying sessions and point standings, rewarding consistency.
• Qualifying Structure: Separate qualifying rounds determined starting grids for both Saturday and Sunday races, increasing strategic complexity.
• Track Configuration: Iowa Speedway’s 0.875-mile paved oval features 12-degree banking, promoting high-speed, close racing with frequent lead changes.
• Driver Strategy: Teams adjusted pit strategies differently for each race, factoring in tire wear and fuel economy over 250 laps.
• Scoring System: Full championship points were awarded for both races, meaning drivers could earn up to 102 points over the weekend.
• Television Coverage: Both races were broadcast live on USA Network, part of NBC’s broader IndyCar broadcasting agreement.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2022 Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend with other notable IndyCar events in terms of format, length, and attendance.

The Hy-Vee weekend stood out due to its doubleheader structure on a short oval, contrasting with longer road courses or superspeedways. While attendance was lower than marquee events like the Indy 500, its regional focus and promotional support from Hy-Vee helped grow local interest significantly.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend represented a strategic shift in how IndyCar expands its calendar with innovative formats and regional partnerships. By leveraging local sponsorship and fan engagement, the event demonstrated the series’ adaptability in a competitive motorsports landscape.

• Boosted Midwest Visibility: The event increased IndyCar’s presence in a region traditionally dominated by NASCAR and grassroots racing.
• Proved Doubleheader Viability: The success of two full races encouraged IndyCar to expand similar formats to other tracks.
• Hy-Vee’s Marketing Impact: The sponsorship brought national exposure to a regional brand, setting a model for corporate partnerships.
• Driver Endurance Test: Competing in two high-intensity races in two days challenged physical and strategic limits of drivers.
• Enhanced Broadcast Strategy: Live USA Network coverage expanded access to fans unable to attend in person.
• Set Attendance Records: The event drew the largest crowd at Iowa Speedway since 2014, signaling renewed interest in oval racing.

With strong fan turnout, competitive racing, and strategic innovation, the 2022 Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend became a blueprint for future events, blending local pride with national motorsports appeal.