Armstrong returns to Iowa Speedway

NEWTON - Iowa Speedway announced earlier this week that Craig Armstrong, who worked at Iowa Speedway from 2006-10, will return to assume the Director of Communications post at the track.

Armstrong, a longtime successful promoter in auto racing circles, has served the last 14 months as general manager and promoter of I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Mo.

Armstrong will start June 4. His first big event back at Iowa Speedway will be the IZOD IndyCar Series Iowa Corn Indy 250 night race on Saturday, June 23. The race weekend includes races on Friday and Saturday races leading up to the IZOD IndyCar Series event.

The track will also host NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series races in July and September. The NASCAR Nationwide Series returns for the U.S. Cellular 250 on Aug. 4. Ricky Stenhouse won the first Nationwide race, and his third straight, at Iowa SpeedwPioneer Hi-Bred 250

Below is the press release from Iowa Speedway:

Armstrong Named as Director of Communications at Iowa Speedway

Will Lead Communications and Promotional Initiatives

NEWTON, IA – May 29, 2012 – Craig Armstrong, who has been the general manager and promoter of I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri for the past 14 months, will now be spear-heading the communications efforts at the 7/8 mile Newton facility.

Doug Fritz, CEO of Iowa Speedway, said Armstrong has always been successful in the motorsports industry and looks forward to him joining the Iowa Speedway team.

“I've known Craig for a long-time and he understands what race fans want and how tracks can give the fans the best experience possible,” said Fritz. “We are very excited to have him at Iowa Speedway. He will be great ambassador for the Speedway as well as our community.”

Armstrong, who was with Iowa Speedway from 2006-2010, also expressed his enthusiasm about coming back to the Newton area.

“I couldn't be happier to be returning to my' home track', and to my own home in Newton,” Armstrong said. “Iowa Speedway is widely recognized as one of the top motorsports entertainment facilities in North America, and I'm excited for this tremendous opportunity.”

Armstrong, who will start June 4, ...

The next event weekend gets the green flag on Friday, June 22 with the Casey's General Store USAC Challenge and the Iowa Corn Indy 250 qualifying heat races. Then, the Iowa Speedway Foundation 100 Star Mazda race, the Sukup 100 Firestone Indy Lights race and the Iowa Corn Indy 250 race all happen on Saturday, June 23.

The rest of the 2012 schedule: the Prairie Meadows 200 ARCA race, July 13; the American Ethanol 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, July 14; the Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally, July 25-28; the second round of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, August 3; the 4th Annual U.S Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, August 4; the ASA 125 race, September 14; and the American Ethanol 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, September 15. Season, event weekend, and single race ticket packages are on sale; reserve your tickets today by calling 1-866-RUSTY-GO or visit www.iowaspeedway.com.