Iowa Speedway Takes Center Stage: NASCAR Cup Series Practice and Qualifying This Saturday

Iowa racing fans have a big reason to tune in this Saturday as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Iowa Speedway in Newton for practice and qualifying ahead of the Iowa Corn 350. The action kicks off at 1 p.m. on truTV and HBO Max, giving local viewers a prime opportunity to see their favorite drivers prepare for one of the state's biggest motorsports events of the year.

The Iowa Corn 350 is a highlight of the NASCAR season for the Hawkeye State, drawing thousands of fans to the 0.875-mile track and showcasing Iowa's proud agricultural and racing heritage. This year's practice and qualifying session offers a chance for drivers to dial in their cars on the short track, where tire management and driver skill often decide the winner.

What to Watch: NASCAR and IndyCar Action

The day at Iowa Speedway begins with NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying at 1 p.m., followed by the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series HyVee Perks 250 at 4 p.m. on the CW. That race is a key event for up-and-coming drivers and a fan favorite for its close-quarters racing.

Later in the evening, the NTT IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Portland qualifying airs at 6 p.m. on FS1, though Iowa fans will be most focused on the NASCAR action earlier in the day.

Baseball: Royals Host Cubs in Key Matchup

For baseball fans, the Kansas City Royals take on the Chicago Cubs at 6 p.m. on FOX and Royals.TV, with radio coverage on KFNZ (96.5 FM, 610 AM). The Royals are fighting for playoff positioning in the American League Central, and this game against a division rival carries extra weight for Iowa fans who follow the team closely.

The Chicago White Sox also host Cleveland at 6 p.m. on FOX and WHB (810 AM), providing another option for baseball enthusiasts.

Golf and Other Sports Highlights

Golf fans can catch the third round of the PGA Tour's Wyndham Championship starting at noon on GOLF and 2 p.m. on CBS. The LIV Golf League third round airs at 11 a.m. on FOX from Bedminster, New Jersey.

Other notable events include the U.S. Women's Amateur quarterfinals and semifinals on GOLF, the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships on NBC and NBCSN, and the Whitney Stakes horse race from Saratoga Springs at 4 p.m. on FOX.

Football and Soccer Options

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony airs at 11 a.m. on ESPN, NFL Network, and WHB (810 AM), honoring the newest class of NFL legends. Soccer fans have several options, including NWSL matches featuring the Kansas City Current at Houston at 7:45 p.m. on Ion and KTBG-FM (90.9 FM), and Leagues Cup group stage matches on FS1.

How to Watch Iowa Corn 350 Events

For those attending in person, Iowa Speedway in Newton offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ample parking and concessions. Fans watching from home can catch the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying on truTV and HBO Max starting at 1 p.m., followed by the HyVee Perks 250 on the CW at 4 p.m.

Check local listings for channel availability, as some events may be subject to blackout restrictions in the Iowa market.