Iowa is making a major comeback in super late model racing, and this part 2 episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast goes behind the scenes of the massive Iowa Speed Week events bringing top dirt late model drivers, promoters, and fans together. Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin are joined by Jeff Hoker, Jerry Van Sickle of Marshalltown Speedway, Todd Staley of Mason City, and Ricky Kay to break down how this incredible stretch of racing came together and why Iowa is becoming a major destination for late model racing again.
The group discusses the return of major late model racing in Iowa, including events at Marshalltown Speedway, Mason City, Maquoketa, and Oskaloosa, plus the involvement of Lucas Oil, World of Outlaws, FloRacing, DirtVision, and the Wild West Shootout. They explain how promoters and racing organizations worked together to create a points fund, keep national touring teams in Iowa, and build a schedule packed with high-paying races. The conversation also dives into the history of Iowa dirt racing and the resurgence of super late models across the state.
Beyond the racing itself, this episode reveals what fans rarely see behind the scenes: racetrack preparation, weather challenges, promotion, sponsorship, fan experiences, and the work required to put on major dirt track events. The crew talks about preparing Iowa dirt tracks after heavy rain, creating full race-week experiences with concerts, car shows, kids zones and pit activities, and why passionate promoters and track workers are so important to the future of dirt racing. If you're a fan of dirt late models, super late models, Iowa racing, World of Outlaws, FloRacing, or grassroots dirt track racing, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
๐ฅ Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!
๐ง Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.