Cruise into Some Family Fun at Race Tracks in Central Iowa

Cruise into Some Family Fun at Race Tracks in Central Iowa

Updated January 17, 2019

Do you have a Lightning McQueen, Dale Jr. or Danika fan in your house?  Have you ever thought about taking them to a live race?  Going to the races can be an entertaining outing, but may not be a fit for every family.  If you have not been before, races are LOUD!  I recommend wearing ear plugs…for you and your kids.  And, if I was to give a race-going experience a rating I would give it a PG or PG-13.  Not unlike other sporting events.  Make sure to pack the hand sanitizer and be prepared for grungy bathrooms and porta potties!

Heed the caution flag and do a bit of planning before the race and you’ll be headed for the winner’s circle.   Here are a few places you can take in a race in Central Iowa.

Boone Speedway

1481 223rd Place • Boone, IA 50036 • (515) 432-1795

Boone Speedway is a dirt track that races Modified, Stock, Hobby Stock, Sport Mod and Mod Lite classes.  Races run Saturday nights and holiday weekends April through September.  Visit their website to find schedules.  Tickets can be purchased at the gate.  Kids 12 and under can join Racing Rascals the track’s kids club.  Racing Rascals activities include bicycle races and giveaways, candy tosses, race car rides, school bus rides and the Junior Track Official program.

Dallas County Motor Speedway

28057 Fairground Road • Adel, IA 50003 • (515) 993-3728

The Dallas County Fairgrounds located in Adel is the home of the Dallas County Motor Speedway. This dirt oval track features Front Wheel Drive, Pro Stock, Hobby Stock, Cruiser, Truck, Outlaw, Vintage Sprint and Open classes.  Racing takes place every other Saturday, April through August.  Be sure to check their Facebook page for details.

Iowa Speedway

3333 Rusty Wallace Drive • Newton, IA 50208 • (641) 791-8000

Iowa Speedway, “short track” is an asphalt oval race track designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace.  The Speedway is located in Newton and the 2015 schedule includes four race weekends: May 16-17 (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West and NASCAR XFINITY (Nationwide) Series), June 19-20 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and USAC Silver Crown Series), July 17-18 (ARCA Racing Series and INDYCAR Series) and July 31-August 1(NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West and NASCAR XFINITY Series). Adult tickets start at $20.00 and Youth (12 and under) tickets start at $5.00.  Children ages 3 and under are admitted FREE.  Visit Iowa Speedway’s website to purchase tickets.

Knoxville Raceway

1000 N Lincoln Street • Knoxville, IA 50138 • (641) 842-5431

Knoxville Raceway is famous for being the “Sprint Car Capital of the World.” The track has hosted races nearly every Saturday night from April through September since 1954 on what is the Marion County fairgrounds.  Visit their website to find schedules and purchase tickets.  Kids ages five to 12 can join their Jr Fan Club.  Club members receive a t-shirt and other fun goodies when they sign up.  The Raceway also features FREE Kids Nights: April 18th, May 2nd, May 30th and July 11th.

Riverside Motocross

2430 US Highway169 • Winterset, Iowa 50273-8333 • (515) 309-9737

Riverside Motocross is a popular motocross track located outside of Winterset. The venue is lined with trees and features a track that boasts the biggest step-up in the Midwest. Kicking off the 2015 season on April 18th, Riverside will hold five weekends of racing, all District 22 point races. They will also host Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki Contingency Races.  Gate Fees: $17.00 per person (two day pass); $10.00 per person (one day pass); Kids five and under FREE.  Visit their website for additional information.

Warren County Fair Raceway

1400 W 2nd Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 287-7000

Warren County Speedway is located on the Warren County Fairgrounds in Indianola.  They feature a combined schedule of Figure 8 and Circle Track Races including: Open Figure 8, Pro Stock Figure 8, Front Wheel Drive, Trucks, Cruisers, Hobby Stocks, and Seniors/Combo. Their 2015 season kicks off on April 18th and runs til September 26th.  Grandstand Prices are $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Kids six to 12 and Kids five and under are FREE.

Give us your suggestions for taking kids to the races in Central Iowa in the comments section below.