IndyCar Series Preview: Synk 275 at Iowa Speedway

The NTT IndyCar Series returns to the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway for the Synk 275 powered by Sukup on Saturday, July 12 at 5:00 PM ET, kicking off a high-stakes doubleheader weekend. With 275 laps of wheel-to-wheel action on one of the sport’s most demanding short ovals, this race could reshape the championship battle and reignite Team Penske’s dominance in the cornfields of Newton, Iowa.

Track Overview – Iowa Speedway

Location: Newton, Iowa

Length: 0.875 miles (D-shaped oval)

Race Distance: 275 laps / 240 miles

Banking: 12–14° in turns, 10° frontstretch, 4° backstretch

Broadcast: FOX / SiriusXM / INDYCAR Radio Network

Iowa’s tight corners and variable banking make it a driver’s track, where tire wear, fuel strategy, and traffic management are critical.

Championship Picture

Driver	Points	Wins
Álex Palou	430	6
Kyle Kirkwood	317	3
Pato O’Ward	305	0
Scott Dixon	282	1
Christian Lundgaard	263	0

Palou leads by 113 points but has never won on a short oval.

Kirkwood and O’Ward are poised to capitalize if Palou falters.

Technical Updates & Strategy

New Aero Package: Increased rear wing downforce and drag to promote multi-lane racing.

Tire Compound: Firestone introduces a hybrid setup using Indy 500-tested left-side tires and modified right-front construction.

Fuel Strategy: Expect fuel-saving stints and undercuts due to limited passing zones.

Hybrid Deployment: Unlimited activation with 125 kJ max per lap, adding strategic depth.

Drivers to Watch

Josef Newgarden (Team Penske)

6 career wins at Iowa

1,847 laps led at this track

Looking to rebound from a rough season start

Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren)

2022 Race 2 winner

Celebrates 100th career start

Strong oval history and consistent top-5s

Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske)

2024 Race 1 winner

Pole record holder (17.0966 sec / 188.248 mph)

Will Power (Team Penske)

2024 Race 2 winner

6 career poles at Iowa

Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti Global)

Oval win at WWTR

Second in points; needs a podium to stay in title hunt

Best Value: O’Ward and McLaughlin

Dark Horse: Conor Daly – fastest in June test session

Race Storylines

Penske Redemption: After a winless season so far, Iowa is Penske’s best shot to break through.

Palou’s Weak Spot: Despite leading the championship, short ovals remain his Achilles’ heel.

Doubleheader Pressure: With another race Sunday, teams must balance aggression with tire and engine management.

High-Line Revival: New aero and tire packages aim to revive multi-groove racing after 2024’s single-file struggles.